Somatization Disorder
Somatic Symptom & Related Disorder
In Somatoform disorders Psychological problems take a physical form. The Physical symptoms of Somatoform disorders, which have no known physiological explanation and are not under voluntary control, are thought to be linked to Psychological factors, presumably anxiety, and are therefore assumed to be Psychologically caused.
About Somatization Disorder:
Recurrent, multiple somatic complaints for which medical attention is sought but that have no apparent physical cause are the basis for Somatization Disorder. To meet the diagnostic criteria, the person must have symptoms mentioned.
SYMPTOMS
1. Four Pain Symptoms in different locations (e.g head, back, joint)
2. Two gastrointestinal Symptoms (e.g. diarrhea, nausrea)
3. One Sexual symptom other than pain (e.g. indifference to sex, erectile dysfunction)
4. One Pseudo neurological Symptom (e.g. those of Conversion disorder)
CAUSES
It has been proposed that patients with Somatization disorder are more sensitive to physical sensations, or interpret them catastrophically. Another possibility is that they have stronger physical sensations than other people. A behavioral view of Somatization disorder holds that the various aches and pains, discomforts and dysfunctions are the manifestation of unrealistic anxiety in bodily systems. Consistent with this idea that high anxiety is involved, patients with Somatization disorder have high levels of cortisol, an indication that they are under stress.
TREATMENT
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REFERENCE
David H. Barlow, BOSTON UNIVERSITY
V. Mark Durand, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA- ST. PETERSBERG
2. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY: 9TH EDITION
Davision G.C., Neale, J.M. and Kring, A.M.
3. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
Allov. L.B.: Riskind, J.H. and Manos, M.J.
4. ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY AND MODERN LIFE. NY: Harper and Collins. 2000
Carson. R.C. and Butcher. N.J.