Psychosomatic disorders are still a medical phenomenon that cannot be explained with certainty until now. A person who has this disorder can feel the symptoms of certain diseases when he feels stressed, anxious, or afraid.
Psychosomatic consists of two words, namely mind (psyche) and body (soma). The term psychosomatic disorder is used to describe physical complaints that are thought to be caused or exacerbated by psychological or mental factors, such as stress, depression, fear, or anxiety.
Patients with psychosomatic disorders will generally feel pain and problems in certain body parts, but no abnormalities were found on physical examination or supporting examinations, such as X-rays or blood tests.
How Does Thought Cause Disease?
When you feel afraid or stressed, the electrical activity of the brain's nerves to various parts of the body will increase. This condition can trigger symptoms, such as a fast heart rate, nausea or vomiting, shaking or tremors, sweating, dry mouth, chest pain, headache, or stomach pain.
In addition, stress and anxiety are also thought to trigger the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) into the bloodstream or weaken the immune system, causing the various physical symptoms above.
However, until now, it is not known exactly how the mind can cause certain symptoms and affect physical illness, so it still needs to be investigated further.
What are Psychosomatic Diseases?
Psychosomatic complaints are sometimes difficult to identify, because they do not show specific signs or symptoms. A series of tests or examinations carried out by doctors are often unable to detect the cause of the complaints that arise.
However, one thing is for sure, this disorder can cause real problems for sufferers and those around them.
Certain diseases have been shown to be influenced by a person's mental condition. For example, psoriasis, peptic ulcers, high blood pressure, diabetes, and eczema.
How How to Overcome Psychosomatics?
Psychosomatic disorders can be overcome or relieved by several methods of therapy and medication, such as:
Psychotherapy
One method of psychotherapy, namely cognitive behavioral therapy, can relieve psychosomatic symptoms. In this method, people with psychosomatic disorders will be asked to find out what things can make their symptoms worse.
This therapy can relieve excessive anxiety, as well as manage feelings and behaviors related to the symptoms of the disease experienced. In addition, relaxation exercises or meditation are also believed to relieve psychosomatic symptoms
Drugs
Taking medications, such as prescription antidepressants, can also reduce symptoms associated with psychosomatic disorders. Talk to your doctor about treatment options, possible side effects, and risks.
Psychosomatic disorders should be treated by a psychiatrist. Not infrequently psychosomatic disorders require a combination of psychotherapy with medical drugs. Although not physically visible, psychosomatic complaints can cause real problems for sufferers.
If you experience symptoms that are suspected to be related to a psychosomatic disorder, consult a psychiatrist for further examination and treatment.