Psychosomatic Illness - Causes

What causes psychosomatic illness?

The exact cause of somatoform disorders, which are the major type of psychosomatic illness, is not known. Somatoform disorders tend to run in families and may have a genetic component. Somatoform disorders may be a coping strategy, a learned behavior, or the result of a personality characteristic. They may also be linked to problems with nerve impulses that carry false signals to the brain. While the cause of somatoform disorders is not known, the symptoms are real to the person experiencing them. They are not imagined or made up.

Triggers of somatoform disorders may include strong emotional or psychological experiences, such as:

Abuse
Anger
Anxiety
Depression
Grief
Guilt
Stress
Trauma

What are the risk factors for psychosomatic illness?

Because the exact cause of somatoform disorders, the major types of psychosomatic illness, is not known, it is difficult to identify specific risk factors. However, somatoform disorders are thought to run in families. If a member of your family has suffered from a somatoform disorder, you may also be at risk of developing a somatoform disorder. Other risk factors include:

History of sexual, emotional or physical abuse
Major childhood illness
Poor or reduced ability to show or express emotions

INTRODUCTION

What is psychosomatic illness?

Psychosomatic is defined as concerning or involving both mind and body. Psychosomatic illnesses can be classified in three general types. The first type includes people who have both a mental (psychiatric) illness and a medical illness, and these illnesses complicate the symptoms and management of each other. The second type includes people who have a psychiatric problem that is a direct r... Read more about psychosomatic illness introduction

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of psychosomatic illness?

Somatoform disorders are the major forms of psychosomatic illness. The physical symptoms of somatoform disorders are real. However, they have psychological roots rather than physical causes. The symptoms often resemble symptoms of medical illnesses. As such, people suffering from somatoform disorders may undergo extensive testing and medical evaluations to determine the cause of their symptoms.... Read more about psychosomatic illness symptoms

TREATMENTS

How is psychosomatic illness treated?

Treatment of somatoform disorders, which make up the majority of psychosomatic illnesses, can be challenging. After ruling out physical causes of your symptoms, it generally focuses on establishing a trusting, supportive relationship between you and your primary care doctor. Your doctor will recommend regular checkup appointments as one of the most important parts of your treatment.... Read more about psychosomatic illness treatments