Somatoform Disorders Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Somatoform disorder is a type of mental disorder characterized by physical complaints, such as chest pain and headaches, which interfere with daily life. However, in patients with this disorder, all the results of the doctor’s examination showed normal results.
There are several types of somatoform disorders, namely:
- Somatization disorder. This disease is characterized by the emergence of various complaints one after another, but all the results of the doctor’s examination are normal.
- Hypochondriasis. Sufferers believe that they have one particular diagnosis, for example, they believe that they have breast cancer, even though the examination results are normal.
- Body dysmorphic disorder. People with this disease believe that there are parts of their body that are disabled, even though no other person has the same perception.
- Somatoform autonomic disorders. This disease is characterized by the emergence of autonomic symptoms such as palpitations or cold sweats, without any clear cause.
- Somatoform pain disorders. This disease has symptoms in the form of pain that cannot be explained by the cause.
Symptoms
The symptoms of somatoform disorders can vary. In a patient, there may only be one complaint, or there may be various kinds of complaints. Complaints that generally occur in people with somatoform disorders include:
- Dizzy
- Pain that can appear in various places – such as in the head, joints, joints, and so on
- Stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhea
- sexual dysfunction
- There are body parts that are asymmetrical or deformed
In addition to these symptoms, people with somatoform disorders can also experience excessive anxiety about their complaints. This anxiety affects his daily life.
What is typical for people with somatoform disorders is that when they are examined by a doctor, all of the examination results are normal. But people with somatoform disorders still believe that they are sick.
Reason
Until now, the causes of somatoform disorders are not clearly known. It is suspected that genetic and environmental factors play a role in triggering this disease. However, the mechanism is still uncertain.
In addition, somatoform disorders are more common in people who are dependent on alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
The doctor will think about the possibility of diagnosing somatoform disorders after carrying out an examination to determine whether there is an organic disease. For example, if a sufferer comes with complaints of recurrent chest pain, the doctor will carry out various examinations to determine the cause of the chest pain. If all the results of the doctor’s examination and supporting examinations show normal results, but complaints of pain are still there, then the diagnosis of somatoform disorders can be considered by a doctor.
To ensure the existence of somatoform disorders, in-depth interviews and observations of patients are needed. Usually, a mental health specialist (psychiatrist) who is competent to determine the diagnosis and treat.
Treatment
Treatment of somatoform disorders is carried out by a psychiatrist. There are two main treatments that need to be done in patients, namely:
- Behavioral cognitive therapy
- Administration of anti-depressants
In cognitive behavioral therapy, the psychiatrist and the patient will discuss together in several meeting sessions. The goal is to help sufferers understand the situation they are experiencing, find out what caused their complaint to occur, and try to find a way out by changing their mindset. In order for all of these goals to be achieved, it takes multiple discussion sessions with the same psychiatrist.
Administration of anti-depressant drugs will also usually be given by a psychiatrist. People with somatoform disorders generally do not experience depression, but most sufferers experience anxiety. Anti-depressants are used to treat anxiety in sufferers.
It takes several months to significantly reduce the symptoms of somatoform disorders. Therefore, regular treatment and family support are very important.
Prevention
Until now there is no action that can be done to prevent somatoform disorders.