What are the Symptoms of Somatic?
October 11, 2023 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Somatic symptoms refer to physical or bodily sensations, experiences, or concerns that are experienced by an individual but have no apparent medical cause or origin. These symptoms are often linked to psychological or emotional factors and can be influenced by stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or other mental health conditions. Somatic symptom disorder is a mental health disorder where individuals experience significant distress due to these physical symptoms, and it interferes with their daily functioning.
Key points about somatic symptoms include:
- Real Physical Sensations: Somatic symptoms involve real physical sensations or perceptions that a person feels in their body. These sensations can range from pain, fatigue, and weakness to gastrointestinal issues, headaches, or difficulty breathing.
- No Clear Medical Explanation: Despite the symptoms being real and distressing, medical evaluations may not identify any organic or physiological cause to explain the severity or nature of the symptoms.
- Psychological Influence: Somatic symptoms often have a psychological component. Emotional distress, past trauma, anxiety, or unresolved conflicts can contribute to the onset, persistence, or exacerbation of these symptoms.
- Chronic or Recurring: Somatic symptoms can be chronic, recurring, or persistent, affecting a person’s quality of life, relationships, and ability to carry out daily activities.
- Concern or Distress: Individuals experiencing somatic symptoms often have heightened concern or distress regarding their health, leading to frequent doctor visits and medical tests.
- Excessive Worry: Excessive worry about the severity or possible implications of the symptoms can be a defining characteristic of somatic symptom disorder.
- Functional Impairment: Somatic symptoms can significantly impair a person’s ability to function at work, school, or in social situations.
Management and treatment for somatic symptoms often involve a multidisciplinary approach, including mental health professionals, primary care physicians, and sometimes specialists. Treatment may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication for associated mental health conditions, stress-reduction techniques, and supportive care to improve overall well-being and address the emotional aspects of the symptoms. It’s crucial to address the emotional and psychological components alongside managing the physical symptoms for effective treatment and symptom relief.