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Psychosomatic diseases: when the body speaks instead of emotions
What are psychosomatic diseases?
Psychosomatic diseases are pathologies in which psychological factors (stress, emotional tension, conflicts) play a key role in the occurrence or exacerbation of somatic (bodily) symptoms. In other words, when the psyche “transfers” suffering to the body, real physical symptoms occur — even without organic damage.
For the first time, the concept of “psychosomatics” entered medical practice in the middle of the 20th century thanks to the works of F. Alexander, and today it is recognized as part of biopsychosocial model of health, which is actively supported by WHO, APA and other international organizations.
How psychological factors affect the body
Chronic stress, repressed emotions, or unresolved internal conflicts activate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which promotes the release of cortisol and catecholamines. These hormones alter the functions of the cardiovascular, endocrine, digestive, and immune systems. Prolonged activation of these mechanisms can lead to dysfunction or somatic manifestations.
In my opinion Mayo Clinic, prolonged exposure to psychological stress can cause real physical symptoms — from pain to organ dysfunction.
The most common psychosomatic diseases
Hypertension: emotional stress affects a persistent increase in blood pressure
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): intestinal motility disorders on the background of anxiety, fears
Asthma: stress can provoke exacerbation or difficulty breathing
Gastritis, stomach ulcer: increased secretion of gastric juice during excitement
Chronic pain (headache, muscle): often do not have an organic source
Psoriasis, eczema, urticaria: skin reactions as an emotional response
Dysmenorrhea, menstrual disorders: associated with chronic anxiety
Functional heart rhythm disorders (neurocirculatory dystonia)
How to distinguish psychosomatics from organic disease
Having physical symptoms without a clear medical cause
Symptoms vary depending on emotional state
Medical examination does not confirm pathologies
Physical discomfort appears after conflict or emotional upheaval
The patient describes the symptoms in detail, but cannot relate them to the causes
In the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), psychosomatic disorders are grouped into the section “Bodily distress disorders”.
Table: Examples of psychosomatic connections
| Emotional state | Possible somatic reaction |
|---|---|
| Suppressed anger | Hypertension, headache |
| Chronic anxiety | Tachycardia, tremor, dyspepsia |
| Internal conflict | Back pain, neck and shoulder tension |
| Feelings of guilt | Chronic fatigue, decreased immunity |
| Unshared grief | Chest tightness, difficulty breathing |
How are psychosomatic diseases treated?
1. Comprehensive approach: combination of somatic treatment with psychotherapy
2. Psychotherapy: cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic methods
3. Body-oriented practices: relaxation, breathing techniques, yoga
4. Medications: only according to indications (anxiolytics, antidepressants)
5. Patient education: Understanding the mind-body connection is the key to recovery
In my opinion American Psychological Association, effective treatment of psychosomatic disorders is possible only when the doctor and patient recognize the role of psychoemotional factors in the occurrence of the disease.
