Psychosomatic Disorders
Psychosomatic Disorders
Psychosomatic disorders, also known as somatic symptom disorders, are conditions in which psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, or depression manifest as physical symptoms without a clear medical explanation. These physical symptoms can be as real and distressing as those caused by actual physical illness, often leading to chronic discomfort and disruption in daily functioning. At “Thriving Minds,” we understand the deep connection between the mind and body, offering comprehensive treatment options to address both the psychological and physical aspects of psychosomatic disorders.
What is Psychosomatic Disorder?
Psychosomatic disorders occur when emotional and mental stressors manifest as physical symptoms, such as pain, gastrointestinal issues, or fatigue, without any identifiable medical condition. These symptoms are not “imaginary” but are very real for those experiencing them, requiring a multidisciplinary treatment approach that addresses the root psychological causes.
Types of Psychosomatic Disorders
- Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD): Individuals with SSD experience multiple, recurring physical symptoms such as pain, fatigue, or gastrointestinal issues. These symptoms are distressing and cause significant anxiety, often leading to excessive health-related behaviors or medical visits.
- Illness Anxiety Disorder (IAD): Also known as hypochondriasis, individuals with IAD have an intense preoccupation with having a serious illness, despite medical reassurance. They may excessively monitor their health and become overly anxious about normal bodily sensations.
- Conversion Disorder (Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder): This condition involves neurological symptoms, such as paralysis, seizures, or blindness, that cannot be explained by medical evaluations. Psychological stress or trauma is often associated with these physical manifestations.
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Though closely related to psychosomatic disorders, BDD is characterized by an intense preoccupation with perceived physical flaws, which may lead to excessive checking or attempts to fix these perceived defects.
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia: Although these disorders have unclear medical origins, psychological stress often exacerbates their symptoms. Individuals experience long-term fatigue, pain, and physical discomfort, impacting their quality of life.
Signs and Symptoms
- Chronic pain or discomfort with no clear medical explanation
- Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, bloating, or diarrhea Fatigue, insomnia, or disrupted sleep patterns
- Neurological symptoms like seizures, paralysis, or sensory loss
- Excessive worry about health or body appearance
- Frequent medical visits or seeking reassurance without relief
If you recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone close to you, it’s important to seek professional help. Depression is highly treatable, and with the right support, you can feel better.
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At “Thriving Minds,” we offer a holistic approach to treating psychosomatic disorders by combining therapy, medical interventions, and cutting-edge neuromodulation techniques. Our aim is to address the psychological triggers of physical symptoms while improving the overall quality of life.
A. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy :
CBT is the cornerstone of treatment for psychosomatic disorders. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to their physical symptoms. Through CBT, patients learn to reduce the anxiety associated with their symptoms and develop healthier coping mechanisms for stress.
B. Medications (SSRIs and SNRIs):
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are often prescribed to help reduce the anxiety and depression commonly associated with psychosomatic disorders. These medications can alleviate both emotional and physical symptoms, promoting better mental health and well-being.
C. Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
ECT can be considered for individuals with severe, treatment-resistant psychosomatic disorders, particularly when the disorder co-occurs with major depression. ECT works by inducing controlled electrical currents to stimulate brain activity, offering relief for both psychological and physical symptoms that haven’t responded to other treatments.
- E. Neurostimulation Treatments:
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS):
tDCS delivers a low electrical current to targeted areas of the brain to modulate emotional and cognitive processes. There is growing evidence that tDCS may help reduce chronic pain and improve emotional regulation in individuals with psychosomatic disorders, particularly when traditional treatments have not been effective.
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS):
rTMS is a non-invasive technique that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain regions involved in mood and pain regulation. Research suggests that rTMS can be effective in alleviating both the emotional and physical symptoms associated with chronic pain syndromes, fibromyalgia, and psychosomatic disorders by modulating neural activity.
Biofeedback Therapy:
Biofeedback allows individuals to gain greater awareness and control over physiological processes such as heart rate, muscle tension, and breathing. By learning to consciously control these processes, patients can manage their stress response more effectively, thereby reducing the physical symptoms of psychosomatic disorders. Biofeedback is particularly helpful for managing chronic pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, and headaches.
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At Thriving Minds, we understand the importance of mental health and well-being. Thus, we believe in empowering our clients to reach their highest potential. Our team of experienced psychiatrist and psychologists are committed to providing the best care.
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“Dr Ankita has helped me to live this life what I m living today. She is an amazing psychiatrist who will treat you without you even realising that you have being treated. I never hesitated to share anything with her during my therapy as I was very comfortable with her. Please feel free to consult her for your problem. I will always be thankful to her for whole of my life.”
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At Thriving Minds, we understand the importance of mental health and well-being. Thus, we believe in empowering our clients to reach their highest potential. Our team of experienced psychiatrist and psychologists are committed to providing the best care.
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Different forms of treatments are used by psychiatrists as per the patient’s needs. It may be talk therapy or psychosocial intervention or medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy will usually involve the therapist and the patient talking between themselves. The aim is to limit the symptoms for the patient to feel better. The therapy can continue over some time depending on the patient’s symptoms. It can involve either the individual patient or even a group of people. Talk therapy can be in many forms; such as helping the patient with a behavioral change; overcoming the effects of difficult relationships; etc. Psychiatrists diagnose mental disorders and other emotional troubles, use various types of medications to treat the symptoms. The process of it is not fully known but it may alter the brain’s chemical signalling. This will help control the symptoms. Patients undergoing long-term treatment will need to visit at regular intervals to monitor the changes. Psychiatrists also perform various interventional procedures like ECT, rTMS, tDCS, Ketamine Infusion etc. to alleviate symptoms and hasten recovery.
Mental disorder treatments depend upon the severity of the issue; such as the intensity of the problems faced; the pros and cons associated with a treatment; etc. The treatment is done by making a personalized and careful plan for the patient. This includes a collaboration between the patient and the physician. Most treatments include having psychotherapy sessions; medications; etc. Also; a good support system is paramount to the recovery of the person. Changes in lifestyle; such as daily exercise; adequate sleep; proper balanced diet can help the person recover quickly. The individualized treatment plan will involve all these steps to make a quick recovery. Doctors and therapists help out the person and their families in understanding their metal disorder and the ways to battle it out.
According to scientific studies; psychotherapy relieves the person from distress and helps them in living a better life. Approximately 75% of people who have undergone psychotherapy have felt better. It has been associated with influencing positive changes within the body and has shown significant progress in emotional and mental wellness. Psychotherapy also shows that people undergoing it take fewer sick leaves; experience fewer medical problems and report a satisfaction in their life and work. Today; techniques like brain imaging have shown that psychotherapy induces a change in the brain. This altered brain images are similar to changes that happen as a result of medications. It is important to know that to benefit from psychotherapy; one needs to be honest and insistent upon following their treatment plans. Sometimes; practices such as; journal writing may also be of help.
Telepsychiatry is a convenient option for many to seek easier to access and affordable options. It helps the patients by- Making health care accessible in regions where it is not easily provided. Taking the care facility to the patient’s home virtually. Limiting the needs to visit a doctor over long distance. Timely health care options. Continuous improvement in health care with virtual follow ups. Reducing the need to take leave from work or other services. Removing the obstacles to stigma associated with mental health. Allowing privacy and safety to many. Many people are comfortable in virtual set-ups rather than real time meetings. This will allow them to open up more and feel relaxed. Telepsychiatry has been a major way of seeking help; especially during Covid-19 pandemic.
