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Somatization disorder Causes and Risks:
In somatization disorders, there tends to be a pattern of multiple and recurrent symptoms and complaints that can involve any body system and often persist for years. Most frequently the complaints involve the gastrointestinal system, the nervous system, the cardiopulmonary (heart and lungs) system, or the reproductive system. The symptoms begin before the age of 30 and occur more often in females. The symptoms are severe enough to lead to visiting health professionals, taking medication, or interfering with the person's life. The cause is not specific but symptoms begin or worsen after losses (for example, job, close relative, or friend). A lifelong history of sickliness is often present, and often people with this disorder relate to others only through their symptoms. A greater intensity of symptoms often occurs with stress .
Prevention:
Counseling or other psychological intervention may help people who are prone to somatization to learn other ways of dealing with stresses. This may help reduce the intensity of symptoms.
Symptoms:
Note: A variety of symptoms may be present at any given time.
Signs and Tests:
- physical examination and limited diagnostic tests to rule out physical causes of vague, confusing symptoms
- psychological evaluation to rule out related disorders
Treatment:
The goal of treatment is to help the person learn to control the symptoms.
A supportive relationship with a sympathetic health care provider is the most important aspect of treatment. Regularly scheduled appointments should be maintained to review symptoms and the person's coping mechanisms. Acknowledgment and explanation of test results should occur. It is not helpful to tell the people with this disorder that their symptoms are imaginary.
Prognosis:
People with a somatization disorder rarely acknowledge that their illness has a psychological component and will usually reject psychiatric treatment.
Complications:
There is a possibility that a real disease may be overlooked by their health care provider in people with a somatization disorder because of a previous history of unfounded complaints.
Complications may result from invasive testing and multiple evaluations looking for the cause of the symptoms.
A dependency on pain relievers or sedatives may develop.
A poor relationship with the health care provider seems to worsen the condition, as does evaluation by many providers.
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
(A good relationship with a consistent primary health care provider is helpful. Call for an appointment if there is a significant change in symptoms.)
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