Psychosomatic disorders

What are psychosomatic disorders?

Psychosomatic disorders are diseases which involve both mind and body – where mental factors play a significant role in the development and severity of a disease. There are no specialists practising “psychosomatic medicine” per se – it is a field where our understanding is still relatively nascent. However, all medical professionals understand that there are many diseases which can be aggravated by our mental state. In aiming to treat the whole person, they often recommend tackling feelings of stress and anxiety as part of treatment for the physical condition.

What kind of conditions are psychosomatic?

Many diseases and conditions can be affected by the mental state of the patient, however some conditions are more prone to the state of the mind of the individual than others.

At the moment, there are a number of conditions which are thought to be most aggravated by mental factors:

Psychosomatic disorders often have negative effects on the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system, and the cardiovascular system. They can also have negative effects on the quality of life of a person, and can have adverse effects on a person’s ability to function properly.

Note that psychosomatic medicine does not cover physical illnesses which are caused entirely by your mental state. These are known as somatoform disorders. In psychosomatic medicine, there is always a physical cause to an illness, as well as a significant mental factor.

How are psychosomatic disorders treated?

Since there is a clear physical cause involved in psychosomatic disorders physical treatments are generally involved. However, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and other forms of therapy may also be recommended with the aim of tackling the mental factors of the disease.

 08-28-2023
Top Doctors

Psychosomatic disorders

Return

Dr Mohammad Katshu - Psychiatry

Created on: 07-01-2013

Updated on: 08-28-2023

Edited by: Conor Lynch

What are psychosomatic disorders?

Psychosomatic disorders are diseases which involve both mind and body – where mental factors play a significant role in the development and severity of a disease. There are no specialists practising “psychosomatic medicine” per se – it is a field where our understanding is still relatively nascent. However, all medical professionals understand that there are many diseases which can be aggravated by our mental state. In aiming to treat the whole person, they often recommend tackling feelings of stress and anxiety as part of treatment for the physical condition.

What kind of conditions are psychosomatic?

Many diseases and conditions can be affected by the mental state of the patient, however some conditions are more prone to the state of the mind of the individual than others.

At the moment, there are a number of conditions which are thought to be most aggravated by mental factors:

Psychosomatic disorders often have negative effects on the respiratory system, the gastrointestinal system, and the cardiovascular system. They can also have negative effects on the quality of life of a person, and can have adverse effects on a person’s ability to function properly.

Note that psychosomatic medicine does not cover physical illnesses which are caused entirely by your mental state. These are known as somatoform disorders. In psychosomatic medicine, there is always a physical cause to an illness, as well as a significant mental factor.

How are psychosomatic disorders treated?

Since there is a clear physical cause involved in psychosomatic disorders physical treatments are generally involved. However, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and other forms of therapy may also be recommended with the aim of tackling the mental factors of the disease.

Articles related to Psychosomatic disorders

Experts in Psychosomatic disorders

Related clinics

Dr Mohammad Katshu

Psychiatry

This website uses our own and third-party Cookies to compile information with the aim of improving our services, to show you advertising related to your preferences as well analysing your browsing habits. You can change your settings HERE.
Reject
Only essential
Accept all
Custom configuration | Cookies Policy | Privacy Policy