Somatization disorder: when pain comes from self suggestion

Medical Video: Somatic symptom disorder - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

In today's modern era, the development of information is so fast and easy. This is what can trigger one psychiatric disorder that comes unnoticed. The vague symptoms make people resist when the physical symptoms they experience are said to come from their own minds. Because of the refusal, finally someone changes to "doctors shopper", Aka the person who is always" shopping for doctors ", comes to many doctors to find out the illness he is suffering from. This disorder is called a somatization disorder, which is a physical disorder that originates from the mind.

Although there are no serious medical conditions, the symptoms felt by patients with somatoform disorders are very disturbing and have the potential to cause emotional stress. This certainly will reduce a person's quality of life. Therefore, let's find out more.

What is a somatization disorder?

Disruption of somatization or also called somatoform is a group of psychiatric disorders whose manifestations can be a variety of physical symptoms that are felt significantly by the patient, but not found medically due to the cause. A study in Jakarta stated that in the Puskesmas, the most common type of pisky disorder was neurosis, which was 25.8%, and included somatoform disorders. This figure is quite large, and increases more in urban areas. Patients usually come with certain physical and specific complaints

What are the characteristics of somatization disorder?

It usually attacks the age before 30 years of age and is more common in women.
Complaints or recurring physical symptoms, many symptoms and change. Symptoms that are often experienced by patients include:
- Abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation
- Moving headaches
- Back pain, arm pain, and joints of the body such as knees and hips
- Dizzy even fainted
- Menstrual problems, such as menstrual cramps
- Hard to breathe
- Chest pain and heart palpitations
- Nausea, bloating, fatigue
- Problems during sexual intercourse
- Sleep disorders, both insomnia or hypersomnia
- Weak, tired, lethargic and underpowered
This behavior has lasted more than 2 years.
Patients come with a request for a medical examination, even to force the doctor.
The results of a medical examination performed by a doctor did not show any abnormalities that could explain the complaint.
Patients usually refuse to discuss the possibility of psychological causes. Patients are always looking for information about the symptoms they experience and behave "knowingly".
The initial and continued symptoms of the complaint experienced are closely related to unpleasant life events or conflicts in the patient's life.
Patients usually show histrionic behavior, especially because the patient is dissatisfied and unsuccessful in persuading the doctor to accept his mind that the complaint is a physical illness and requires further examination.
Patients are always unwilling to take advice from various doctors who claim there are no medical disorders that can explain these symptoms

What if you or a family member has a somatization disorder?

The first step to stop somatization disorders is to accept that the symptoms that arise arise from the mind. With an attitude of acceptance, you will find it easier to deal with the symptoms that are suffered. Then, stop the habit of "doctor shopping" gradually. Have your symptoms consistent with one doctor and build trust in the doctor.

You also should control the level of stress that can trigger these symptoms to come over. The way to do a lot of physical activity, hobbies, sports, or recreation with family. In addition, sports that combine physical and mindfulness like yoga, can be tried as new experiences. Relaxation and breathing can also help relieve symptoms.

Complaints experienced come from the mind, so you must be able to control if the complaint starts. Increase communication with family and friends without helping to forget the symptoms. Joining a new community is also able to expel the symptoms that you have experienced gradually. If possible, you can ask your trust doctor to take part in certain programs. One program for people with this disorder is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). This therapy is one of the effective treatments for managing somatoform disorders in the long term.

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