Definition
Somatization is a phenomenon that leads to expressing a psychic suffering on an organ or a bodily apparatus through the appearance of recurrent (somatic) physical symptoms. Typically, these manifestations cannot be fully justified by a known general medical condition.
Somatization recognizes a multifactorial etiology and can occur in variously heterogeneous clinical pictures.
The most common somatic symptoms include dyspnoea independent of exertion, gastro-intestinal disorders (especially colitis, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting), headache, back pain and joint pain. Furthermore, menstrual disorders, coordination or balance deficits, dizziness and difficulty in swallowing may occur.
Somatization can be associated with alterations in mood, such as depression, cyclothymia and bipolarity. Moreover, it can be found in the presence of anxiety and psychological disorders due to bodily dysmorphism (concern for an imaginary or slight defect in appearance), hypochondria, pain, personality and conversion.
Somatic symptoms - lasting several months or years - lead to requests for medical examinations and treatments. Patients tend to present their problems dramatically, vaguely, exaggerated or as part of a long and complicated medical history.
Possible Causes * of Somatization
- Panic attack
- Major depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Cyclothymic disorder
- Hypochondria
