Somatoform disorder is a psychological disorder in a person which is characterized by a set of uncertain physical complaints, but does not appear on physical examination. The appearance of this disorder is usually caused by stress and a lot of thoughts.
People with somatoform disorders may experience a variety of symptoms, such as chest pain, backache, fatigue, dizziness, or feeling unwell in certain areas of the body. However, after being examined by a doctor, no physical abnormalities were found.
To diagnose somatoform disorders, doctors need to make sure that the complaints expressed by the patient really have no cause. Therefore, a complete and thorough examination still needs to be carried out.
Causes of Somatoform Disorder
The causes of somatoform disorders are not known with certainty. There is an opinion that this disorder occurs because of a problem with the nerve impulses that send signals of pain, stress, and other unpleasant sensations to the brain.
The following are some of the factors that make a person more at risk of developing somatoform disorders:
- Genetics
- Family history of frequent illnesses
- Tendency to think negative
- It's easier to feel pain physically or feel emotionally disturbed because of pain
- Drug abuse
- Have been a victim of physical violence or sexual harassment
Types of Somatoform Disorder
Somatoform disorders can be divided into 5 types, namely:
1. Gsomatization disorder
Somatization disorder is a physical complaint in various parts of the body caused by stress or heavy mental burden. Complaints that can be felt start from stomach pain, nausea, headaches, fatigue, sexual problems, to problems around menstruation. People who experience symptoms of somatization disorder will usually be more emotional about their complaints.
2. Hypochondriasis
Hypochondriasis is a condition when a person fears that his mild symptoms are caused by a serious illness. For example, lightheadedness caused by lack of sleep is considered a symptom of a brain tumor or itching of the skin is considered an early symptom of skin cancer.
3. Conversion disorder
Conversion disorder is a condition when the sufferer has symptoms that indicate a serious disease of the nervous system, but no medical cause can be traced. Symptoms of conversion disorder include seizures, numbness, hearing loss, blindness, or paralysis.
4. Body dysmorphic disorder
Body dysmorphic disorder is a condition in which sufferers spend more time worrying about their appearance. For example, sufferers feel they have a strange ear shape, even though the ear shape is normal.
5. Pain disorder
Pain disorder is a condition when a person feels constant pain which after examination cannot find a physical cause. In contrast to somatization disorder, complaints in pain disorders are limited to pain.
Somatoform Disorder Treatment
Maintaining a good relationship between doctors and patients is one of the main keys in the treatment of somatoform disorders. The goals of treatment for somatoform disorders are to help sufferers lead normal lives and help reduce symptoms.
To treat symptoms due to somatoform disorders, it is recommended to first address the underlying mental health problem. Doctors can prescribe antidepressant drugs, especially for patients who experience certain psychological conditions, such as depression or anxiety disorders
Once the underlying problem is resolved, the patient can slowly be made aware that he or she is not really sick. Doctors can recommend psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, so that the patient understands the main reason for the symptoms that he is experiencing.
Somatoform disorders must be treated so that the condition does not get worse. Even though there is no physical cause, people with somatoform disorders can be really disturbed by the situation they are in.
Therefore, if you or a family member experience symptoms of somatoform disorder, immediately consult a psychiatrist to get the appropriate treatment.