Psychosomatic Medicine
Deals with the relationship between mental health & physical symptoms.
Psychosomatic:
- The mind-body connection
- Mental impact on physical health through emotional & psychological factors.
It describes physical symptoms & even illnesses believed to be caused or influenced by mental or emotional factors.
Mental Factors
Stress, anxiety, or unresolved emotional issues.
These physical symptoms are not attributable to any previous underlying physiological cause.
Psychosomatic encompasses the intricate connection between psychological & emotional disturbances.
Psyche — Soma
The term "psychosomatic" is derived from the Greek words "psyche," meaning the mind, and "soma," meaning the body.
Mind Creating Dysfunction Of Matter
Psychosomatic disorders manifest as bodily ailments, influenced or exacerbated by one’s emotional and cognitive condition.
Some common conditions treated by psychosomatic medicine include:
Somatic Symptom Disorder
A condition in which individuals experience physical symptoms that cannot be fully explained by medical examinations.
These symptoms manifest as bodily distress or discomfort, often leading to significant distress or impairment in daily functioning.
The Focus Of Exploration
Understanding the complex interplay between the psychological & physical aspects of the individual, as well as the unconscious processes that may contribute to the manifestation of somatic symptoms.
It is essential to delve into the underlying psyche, exploring the connections between the conscious and unconscious mind, to gain a deeper understanding of this disorder.
READ: Psychosomatics: Exploring the Role of the Mind-Body Connection in Causing Physical Illnesses.
People in physical pain or feeling unwell often turn to doctors to understand the reasons behind their suffering.
Psychosomatic sufferers frequently encounter a lack of comprehension regarding their condition, which leaves them vulnerable to judgment, gaslighting, and minimization. Consequently, they experience heightened levels of frustration and distress, causing their trust in the medical establishment to significantly crumble.
READ: Gaslighting in women’s health:
“When doctors dismiss symptoms
Women’s health concerns are continually blamed on stress, hormones, and even imaginations.”
More Psychosomatic Symptoms
Psychosomatic conditions appear under many different types of illnesses:
Respiratory, dermatological, digestive, cardiovascular, & neurological conditions.
As well as asthma, psoriasis, eczema, gastric ulcer, ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, arterial hypertension, infarction, migraines, & chronic pain.
Treatment’s?
Treatments such as medication, talk therapy, & journal omg have been shown to help somatic symptoms by increasing awareness.
Psychosomatic conditions are pervasive in modern society, yet challenging to diagnose.
To truly understand and address these conditions, a comprehensive approach is essential.
Seeing The Whole Person
This approach considers the patient as a whole, taking into account not only their biological factors but also their psychological and social aspects.
Regrettably, our society has reached a point where a profound sense of detachment prevails. In such a state, unless one possesses great wealth, the prospects of finding a healthcare professional who is not only willing to provide genuine care but also possesses the necessary knowledge and skills have become increasingly dim.
Western medicine has made impressive advancements, but it falls short in addressing the fundamental aspects crucial for holistic well-being.
HOLISTIC:
Holistic refers to an approach or perspective that takes into account the entirety of a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of these aspects and seeks to understand and address the underlying causes of imbalances or health concerns rather than just treating symptoms. Holistic practices and therapies often encompass a wide range of modalities, such as alternative medicine, mindfulness, meditation, nutrition, and lifestyle changes, to promote overall wellness and harmony.
