Somatization
Introduction
If you are going through Somatization you're likely experiencing discomfort and physical distress for given periods of time. Knowing how to cope with this can be a challenge if you choose to care for it on your own. By turning to therapy you can learn more about the condition and how to relieve the physical pain associated with it.
Somatization is a psychiatric condition that results in unexplained physical symptoms. Patients often have complaints that point toward their inability to perform common activities or interact socially. This is a disorder that has created a number of symptoms involving difficult physical functions. It can be hard to uncover the cause of this distress although the symptoms consist of burning sensations and pains throughout the body. There isn't much consistency in the disorder and the feedback that patients receive from doctors varies with each appointment. By attending therapy you can learn about the relationship between the mind and body and further understand how your emotions may be playing a part in physical discomfort.
Challenges Faced by Somatization
The most difficult part about Somatization is coming to understand it and learn how to manage the symptoms consistently. This is a disorder that is said to occur as a way to avoid psychological pain. Instead of accepting emotions such as anxiety there are some people who will deal with physical distress instead. It is a disorder that acts as a defense mechanism against mental pain and a way for people to avoid psychiatric diagnosis. This condition elaborates on the relationship between physical pain and psychological suppression. Although there is a lot of inconsistency associated with the feelings, it can be a defense against mental symptoms.
There are some symptoms that the patient should experience in order to qualify for the diagnosis. At least one of the symptoms must point to a neurological disorder. If the patient is experiencing seizures or having difficulty with coordination and balance it does quality as a neurological issue. They might also have gastrointestinal complaints, nausea and sensitivities to food. It's common to feel body aches such as back pain or joint discomfort. Difficulty swallowing or speaking is also a common symptom. The pain varies but it remains a frustrating and confusing feeling, especially when doctors cannot find the cause of problem. With counseling you can learn how to control this pain and understand why you are experiencing it as a physical sensation.
How Somatization Affects the Family
Somatization consists of catastrophic thinking. Due to the negative beliefs associated with the distress, loved ones may have a difficult time understanding what is happening. In an attempt to help they might not know how to approach the health disorder. There are many people with these symptoms that eliminate personal activities because they fear that their pain will worsen. This can change relationships and distract the person affected from sustaining their health due to increasing worries. With fewer activities to prevent them from stressing about symptoms they are likely to spend more time worrying which increases external distress.
This condition is associated with negative thinking and the cynicism present can take a heavy turn on people who are surrounding by the disorder. In an attempt to help them it can be difficult to remain positive and supportive when the base of the condition is due to negativity and worry. If you are facing this challenge with someone who you care for deeply it's important that you remain supportive and patient during this time. Therapy treats Somatization as it focuses on the mental response of the disorder which in turn can relieve physical pain. When emotions and feelings are brought out in the patient it can slowly reduce physical sensations.
How Therapy Can Help
Through cognitive behavioral therapy it is necessary to increase your activity level. You will go through relaxation training and learn how to practice better communication skills. Therapy can help to reduce the distress associated with somatic symptoms. Since Somatization focuses on changing negative thinking, cognitive behavioral therapy is centered on identifying a thought pattern and how it is linked to physical expression. Through therapy you'll learn how to recognize the power of the mind and become aware of the catastrophic effect it may have on your health. Treatment can feel difficult at first since it's hard to accept that the symptoms are the product of a mental factor. It's easy to become angry toward a doctor who can't uncover the cause of your pain. People with this disorder can even develop a physical disease at some point if it is left untreated - which is why it is crucial to get help from a therapist. During counseling the patient will learn how mental factors contribute to bodily symptoms. Once they understand the reason behind their discomfort they can learn how to change false beliefs that they have and speak about any emotional issues or mental patterns that are inherently causing this disorder.
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