What is it about ?
Psychosomatic symptoms are physical symptoms that may not or may not be explained by a physical illness, but are caused or made worse by a psychological problem. When psychic complaints are expressed in the form of physical symptoms, it is called somatization.
Symptoms of this type may be due to personal or socio-cultural factors or to factors related to medical treatment:
- Personal factors : hereditary factors, personality traits such as low self-esteem, pessimism, inability to express emotions and factors related to development and learning such as being the victim of neglect, physical or sexual violence, d ” having a sick parent or the behavior of parents in the event of illness. They can also be due to physiological mechanisms, such as hyperventilation, muscle tension, etc.
- Sociocultural factors : sometimes the symptoms are related to the culture. When psychic complaints are not accepted by culture, they often express themselves in physical symptoms.
- Factors related to medical treatment : Symptoms may be caused by too many medical examinations without treatment.
About 1 in 2 people with psychosomatic symptoms also have depression or an anxiety disorder. Finally, a person who has psychosomatic symptoms can actually have a physical illness.
In whom and how often do they occur?
20 to 35% of people who see a general practitioner have one or more unexplained physical symptoms; of these patients, 70% are women. Psychosomatic symptoms are more common among disadvantaged social classes, in developing countries and among migrants. Often, psychosomatic symptoms begin in adolescence or early adulthood.
How to recognize them?
Psychosomatic symptoms are often severe, long lasting, and affect social and professional functioning. The most common symptoms are back pain, stomach aches and headaches. Tests show nothing, and treatments are often only helpful temporarily. The symptoms return systematically. These people often find themselves socially isolated. They no longer manage to work well, and there are successive periods of incapacity for work, sometimes of long duration.
People suffering from these types of symptoms are most often convinced that something serious is happening to them. They therefore constantly ask for additional technical examinations (blood analysis, CT scan, etc.) and want an in-depth examination to be carried out. Although the examinations do not reveal anything, they have great difficulty accepting the diagnosis of symptoms of psychological origin. They often feel that they are not taken seriously. In many cases, further discussion reveals stressful situations, such as problems at home or at work.
What can you do ?
Try to think as objectively as possible about your symptoms, and eventually write them down. Discuss it with your doctor, family or friends. Try to remember when and how the symptoms started. When do you suffer the most? In what situations do they get better or worse? Are they associated with problems in your personal life or at work? Make a list of all the exams you have already taken. Try to accept that there is no point in continuing to have tests and that there could still be a psychological cause for your symptoms.
What can the doctor do?
The doctor will usually do a number of tests to rule out possible illness. If the results don’t work, he will talk to you. A good, long-term relationship of trust with the doctor is essential to dare to discuss the psychosocial problems that cause physical problems. Sometimes it takes several interviews to find a solution. In this case, a supportive medication may be prescribed, such as an antidepressant.[SL1] .
Medicines or unnecessary tests are avoided as much as possible. If this does not solve the problem, the doctor will refer you to a psychiatrist or psychologist. They can start treatment tailored to your specific situation, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, relationship therapy, family therapy or group therapy, etc. A follow-up plan will be developed with you to support and enhance your strengths and skills.
Want to know more?
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – AEMTC – Association for the Study, Modification and Therapy of Behavior
- Antidepressants – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
Are you looking for more specialized help?
- Mental Health Services – The Social Guide
- Find a therapist – AEMTC – Association for the Study, Modification and Therapy of Behavior
- Find a psychologist – Commission des psychologues
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