Psychosomatics are not imaginary symptoms, but a real connection between the psyche and the body. Psychiatrist Yevhen Skrypnyk explained to a UNN journalist exactly how this mechanism works, why people feel physical pain without an obvious cause, and when it is worth seeing a doctor.
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Psychosomatics often cause confusion, as many people perceive them as something mystical or exaggerated. In fact, it is about the interaction between the mental state and physical processes in the body. The nervous system, which regulates the functioning of internal organs, plays an important role in this.
Psychosomatics is the body and the psyche, meaning the body's dependence on the psyche. We have central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems. And it is the autonomic nervous system that controls the body's functions, such as the heart, breathing, and intestines. We do not control this consciously; it happens at the level of reflexes
Stress and anxiety directly affect the body's functioning. That is why physical symptoms can arise in response to experiences. They are not imaginary, but have a real physiological basis.
When the sympathetic nervous system kicks in, the heart rate accelerates and breathing intensifies. Conversely, the functioning of the stomach and intestines is suppressed. That is why stress can cause nausea or even diarrhea—the body essentially "clears out the excess" to make it easier to react to danger
Psychosomatic manifestations are often associated with prolonged tension. This is especially noticeable in conditions of chronic stress, when the body is constantly in a state of tension. In such cases, symptoms can become regular and affect the quality of life.
The doctor emphasizes separately: psychosomatics is not about "made-up" symptoms. A person truly feels pain, discomfort, or other manifestations. However, during examinations, doctors find no organic causes.
This is not a fiction. These are real symptoms without an existing organic pathology. A person feels nausea, a lump in the throat, palpitations, but examinations show nothing. This is called a somatoform disorder or bodily distress
Psychosomatics can also accompany other diseases. For example, stress can exacerbate chronic illnesses and influence their course. This applies to both the digestive system and cardiovascular problems.
In cases of hypertension, peptic ulcer disease, or irritable bowel syndrome, the psychosomatic component is very important. Stress, anxiety, and depression are factors that provoke exacerbations and affect the course of the disease
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To understand the cause of symptoms, it is important to correctly establish a path for seeking medical attention. First, it is necessary to rule out physical diseases, and only then work with the mental state.
A person should start with a family doctor or a specialized professional. If examinations show no pathology, then it is worth consulting a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. And there, work with the cause—that is, with anxiety, stress, or depression
Treatment for psychosomatic disorders is usually comprehensive and depends on the specific case. Most often, psychotherapy is used, and if necessary, pharmacological support.
The first line of treatment is psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy. In some cases, antidepressants are added. These conditions respond well to treatment, but it is important to consult the right specialist
Psychosomatics is about the real connection between emotions and the body, not about imaginary illnesses. Understanding this helps in seeking help on time and avoids spending years searching for non-existent physical causes.
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