Symptoms of Somatizing Disorder

Somatization is a disorder that causes chronic distress over a prolonged period

 

A person with this condition experiences a wide range of symptoms including extreme discomfort, a deep and persisting feeling of unease, depression, irritability, hopelessness, fear, anxiety, panic attacks, headaches, nervousness, loss of interest in usual activities, and weight gain. Somatization disorder can also be called disorganized somatic distress syndrome.

 

Somatization is a disorder of the nervous system that causes symptoms of an abnormal stress response in the brain. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders has seven different diagnoses under the umbrella of somatoform disorders: somatoforming disorder (DSM-IV), somatoforming dysphoria, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), somatic syndromes, mixed state dysphoria (MSD), persistent anxiety disorder … (PCD), persistent social phobia (PSP) and persistent unmet need for treatment. However, the true cause of this disorder is still unknown. A large percentage of people with this disorder also have obsessive-compulsive disorder.

 

Somatization disorders are often associated with emotional trauma such as abuse, sexual abuse, or neglect. People who have experienced trauma in the past may develop this disorder at a later age. It can also happen due to substance abuse, such as alcoholism, prescription pain relievers, or other medications.

 

It can be difficult for a somatised person to deal with their symptoms. He may suffer from depression, anxiety, anxiety, guilt, shame, and embarrassment. A person with a physical disorder experiences constant fear of their current state of health and their appearance.

 

Physical symptoms that are commonly associated with somatisers include general discomfort, muscle aches, sweating, nausea, headaches, shortness of breath, tremors, muscle aches, dizziness, and muscle weakness. This type of condition is sometimes accompanied by behavioral symptoms such as excessive anxiety, irritability, aggressiveness, and excessive chattering. These symptoms can worsen during times of physical stress. During these periods, the person will avoid the source of stress, become more withdrawn and depressed, and become obsessed with certain details, such as skin color, hair texture or size, how to sew a dress and the size of certain items or clothing.

 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical help immediately. If left untreated, the disorder can become worse. Serious complications like aneurysms, kidney failure, nervous breakdown, heart attack and death can result if left untreated.

 

 

Somatizing disorder can lead to serious side effects of medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotic medications. Medications used to treat mood disorders like anti-depressants can also cause side effects in a person with somatizing disorder. Psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and hypnotherapy are the most effective treatments for somatizing disorders.

 

Somatizing disorder may be caused by one or several factors. A person with the disorder may be exposed to stress and experience a traumatic event like a physical abuse, illness, accident, or death that triggered the onset of the disorder. In most cases, it is genetic. It could also be caused by an imbalance in hormones in the brain. In this case, psychological treatments, behavior modification, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychotherapy, are used.

 

Stress, especially during childhood, can trigger somatizing disorder. The trauma experienced could result in an inability to control emotions and behavior. Stressors can also affect the mind and body and make the sufferer feel sick, depressed, irritable, and anxious. In severe cases of somatizing disorder, physical symptoms like tremors and increased heart rate can occur.

 

Behavioral therapies are used to help people cope with the disorder and avoid the possibility of developing it in the future. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps in changing distorted thoughts and behaviors and replacing them with more rational and helpful ones. Cognitive behavioral therapy has been found to be very effective in the treatment of somatizing disorder. Hypnotherapy is another form of behavioral therapy used to treat the cause of the disorder, treat the emotional symptoms, and reduce the frequency and intensity of the symptoms.

 

Cognitive behavioral therapies and hypnotherapy combined are considered the most effective forms of treatments in the treatment of somatizing disorder. If used together, the treatment is better than if used separately. Hypnotherapy teaches a person to learn coping strategies for controlling stress and anxiety levels, learn how to change unhealthy behaviors, and reduce negative feelings and behaviors. These methods help a person to improve self-esteem and confidence.

 

Because somatizing disorder is so serious, immediate medical attention is required. Medications and therapies should be tried only after consulting a doctor and having all possible tests to confirm the presence of somatizing disorder.

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