Psychosomatic and Somatoform Disorders: Types and Care

Author: Thomas C. Weiss
Published: 6 Apr 2015 - Updated: 6 Sep 2026
Publication Type: Informative

Table of Contents:
Synopsis - Definition - Overview - FAQs - Insights, Updates - Related Content

Synopsis

This information explains how psychosomatic and somatoform disorders connect the mind and the body, showing why emotional states such as anxiety, stress, grief, and trauma can trigger or worsen real physical symptoms that have no clear medical cause. Key facts covered include the three general forms of psychosomatic illness and the four main somatoform conditions - somatization disorder, conversion disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, and hypochondriasis - along with how each presents. This affects a wide group of people, particularly women and those whose symptoms begin before age thirty, as well as seniors and people with disabilities who often undergo repeated testing before a psychological cause is recognized. It matters because these physical complaints are genuine rather than invented, and understanding their roots can reduce unnecessary medical evaluations while guiding people toward supportive care. The main findings point to treatment built on a consistent doctor relationship, cognitive-behavioral therapy, stress management, and, when needed, medication, offering a clear and grounded reference for patients, caregivers, and anyone trying to understand the mind-body link.*

At a Glance

• 1 - Anxiety and fear can produce tremor, nausea, sweating, and palpitations. These come from nervous impulses and adrenaline released into the bloodstream.
• 2 - Somatoform symptoms rarely disappear entirely and may vary in severity from year to year. They frequently persist for a number of years once they begin.
• 3 - People with body dysmorphic disorder may avoid mirrors, withdraw socially, and constantly seek reassurance about their appearance. They can fixate on flaws that are minor or do not exist at all.
• 4 - People with somatoform disorders face a raised risk of major depression and of suicidal thoughts or actions. Warning signs such as hopelessness, sleep changes, or loss of interest in activities call for prompt medical care.

Topic Definition

Psychosomatic Disorder

A psychosomatic disorder is a condition involving both the mind and the body, in which mental factors such as anxiety and stress are believed to cause or worsen physical illness. The word joins "psyche," meaning mind, with "soma," meaning body, and in practice it describes two situations: a genuine physical disease made worse by a person's mental state, and physical symptoms produced by emotional factors when no underlying disease can be found. Somatoform disorders sit within this group as psychiatric conditions expressed through bodily symptoms, meaning the discomfort a person feels is driven by psychological factors rather than an identifiable medical cause, even though the symptoms themselves are real and often mirror those of recognized medical illness.

Overview

The word, 'psychosomatic,' means mind or, 'psyche,' and body or, 'soma.' A psychosomatic disorder is a disease involving both mind and body, in other words. Some physical diseases are thought to be especially prone to worsen by mental factors such as anxiety and stress. A person's current mental state may affect how bad a physical disease is at any particular moment.

Psychosomatic illnesses can be classified in three general forms.

• The first form includes those who experience both a mental illness and a medical one; these illnesses complicate the symptoms and management of each other.
• The second form includes those who experience a psychiatric issue that is a direct result of a medical illness or its treatment; having depression due to cancer and its treatment for example.
• The third form of psychosomatic illness is, 'somatoform,' disorders. Somatoform disorders are psychiatric ones that are displayed through physical issues. What this means is the physical symptoms people experience are related to psychological factors instead of a medical cause.

Somatoform disorders may include the following:

• Somatization Disorder: A disorder in which a person experiences physical complaints such as diarrhea, headaches, premature ejaculation, or ones that do not have a physical cause.
• Conversion Disorder: A disorder in which a person experiences neurological symptoms affecting their movement and senses which do not seem to have a physical cause. Symptoms may include blindness, seizures, or paralysis.
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder: An obsession or preoccupation with an imaginary or minor flaw such as wrinkles, small breasts, or the size or shape of another part of the person's body. Body dysmorphic disorder causes severe anxiety and might impact a person's ability to function as usual in their daily life.
• Hypochondriasis: A fixation or obsession with the fear of having a serious form of disease. People with hypochondriasis misconstrue usual body functions or minor symptoms as being serious or even life-threatening. A person; for example, with hypochondriasis might become convinced that they have colon cancer when experiencing temporary flatulence after consuming cabbage.

Psychosomatic Diseases

To some extent, most diseases are indeed psychosomatic; they involve a person's body and mind. There is a mental aspect to every physical disease. The way a person reacts to and copes with disease varies widely from person to person. A rash of psoriasis; for example, might not bother some people too much. Yet the rash covering the same portions of the body in another person may make them feel depressed and more sick.

There may be physical effects from mental illness. For example; some people with mental illnesses might not take care of themselves, eat appropriately, or take care of themselves - which can cause physical issues. The term, 'psychosomatic disorder;' however, is mainly used to mean a physical disease that is believed to be caused, or worsened, by mental factors.

Some physical diseases are thought to be especially prone to be worsened by mental factors such as anxiety and stress. Examples include eczema, psoriasis, high blood pressure, ulcers and heart disease. It is thought that the actual physical part of the person's illness might be affected by mental factors; something that is hard to prove.

Many people; however, with these and other physical diseases say their current mental state can affect how bad their physical disease is at any particular time. Some people also use the term, 'psychosomatic disorder,' when mental factors cause physical symptoms, but where there is no physical disease. A chest pain; for example, might be caused by stress and no physical disease is found. It is well known that the mind can cause physical symptoms. When a person is anxious or afraid; for example, they might develop:

• Tremor
• Nausea
• Sweating
• Dry mouth
• Headaches
• Chest pains
• Palpitations
• Increased heart rate
• A, 'knot,' in the stomach
• Increased breathing rate

The physical symptoms are due to increased activity of nervous impulses sent from the person's brain to different parts of their body, as well as to the release of adrenaline into the person's bloodstream when they are anxious.

Causes

The exact way a person's mind may cause certain additional symptoms remains unclear. How a person's mind can affect actual physical diseases is not known with certainty. It might have something to do with nervous impulses going to the person's body, which is not fully understood. There is some evidence the brain might have the ability to affect certain cells of the immune system, something involved in various physical diseases.

The exact cause of somatoform disorders is something that is not completely understood. Somatoform disorders are believed to be, 'familial,' meaning genetics might play a role. Somatoform disorders may also be triggered by strong emotions such as anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, stress, guilt or anger. People who experience somatoform disorders generally will not recognize the role these emotions play in their physical symptoms. They are not; however, intentionally producing the physical symptoms, or making up their physical issues. Their physical symptoms are real, yet are caused by psychological factors.

Women are more likely than men to experience a somatoform disorder. The symptoms often times start before the person has reached thirty years of age and persist for a number of years. The severity of the symptoms might vary from year to year, but there are rarely times when the person's symptoms are absent.

There is currently no, 'cure,' for somatoform disorders. Treatment concentrates on establishing a consistent and supportive relationship between the person and their doctor. Referral to a psychiatrist may help a person with somatoform disorders to manage their symptoms. Even though treatment can be difficult, those who experience somatoform disorders can live well - even if they continue to experience symptoms.

Symptoms

Somatoform disorders are the major forms of psychosomatic illness. The physical symptoms of somatoform disorders are all too real, they have psychological roots instead of physical causes. The symptoms often times resemble symptoms of medical illness. People who experience somatoform disorders might undergo extensive testing and medical evaluations to find out the cause of the symptoms they are experiencing. Somatoform disorders include:

• Hypochondriasis
• Conversion disorder
• Somatization disorder
• Body dysmorphic disorder

The disorders may cause difficulties in a person's everyday life to include academic, social and occupational issues. People who experience body dysmorphic disorder can become obsessed with what are actually minor flaws in their physical appearance, or might perceive flaws where none actually exist. Common concerns include the loss of hair, the shape and size of bodily features such as nose, breast, or eye appearance, as well as wrinkles and weight gain. Symptoms and associated behaviors of body dysmorphic disorder can include the following:

• Avoiding mirrors
• Depression and anxiety
• Avoiding being seen in public
• Withdrawal from social situations
• Constant checking of appearance in a mirror
• Desiring reassurance from others about the person's appearance

Conversion Disorder Symptoms

The symptoms of conversion disorder usually look like neurological issues and can include double vision or blindness, loss of sensation, difficulties with swallowing, and impaired coordination or balance. The symptoms a person with conversion disorder may experience also include seizures, issues with urinary retention, an inability to speak, paralysis or weakness.

Symptoms of Hypochondriasis

Hypochondriasis is the condition of thinking that usual body functions or minor symptoms represent a serious medical condition. A person with hypochondriasis may interpret a headache as a brain tumor, or muscle soreness as a sign of impending paralysis. Common symptoms of hypochondriasis can include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Repeated visits to a doctor until a diagnosis is made
• Feeling that a doctor has made a mistake by not diagnosing the cause of the symptoms
• Seeking constant reassurance from family members and friends about the symptoms they experience

Symptoms of Somatization Disorder

Somatization disorder is characterized by physical symptoms without a physical cause. Somatization disorder may have some different symptoms. These symptoms can include the following:

• Pain
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Painful intercourse
• Painful menstruation

People with Somatoform Disorders and Indications of a Serious or Life-threatening Condition:

People who experience somatoform disorders are at risk for suicidal thoughts and actions. Pursue immediate medical care if you, or a person you are with, have tried to harm or kill oneself, or have had thoughts about harming or killing oneself. People with somatoform disorders are also at risk of developing major depression. Pursue prompt medical care if you, or someone you are with, experience any of the following symptoms:

• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Restlessness or irritability
• Persistent feelings of emptiness or sadness
• Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness
• Sleep issues such as excessive sleeping or insomnia
• Difficulties with remembering things or concentrating
• Loss of interest in hobbies and activities, to include sex
• Changes in eating habits such as loss of appetite or overeating

Treating Psychosomatic Disorders

Treating somatoform disorders, which make up most of psychosomatic illnesses, may be challenging. After ruling out physical causes of a person's symptoms, it usually concentrates on establishing a trusting and supportive relationship between the person and their doctor. The person's doctor will recommend regular checkups as one of the most important parts of the their treatment.

The person's doctor might refer them to a psychiatrist for assistance with managing their disorder. Psychotherapy; specifically cognitive-behavioral therapy, might be effective in relieving some of the underlying psychological factors causing the person's physical symptoms. Learning how to manage stress in a healthy way through stress management techniques may be a part of the person's therapy. If a specific mental disorder such as depression can be identified, treatment with medications can also help.

Symptoms of a somatoform disorder may continue, despite efforts at cognitive-behavioral therapy. When this happens, treatment can be aimed at providing symptomatic relief and helping people to live their lives. Medications might be administered to help provide relief from symptoms such as fatigue, headache, or digestive issues. Medications; however, might not be needed in all instances.

To improve the person's disorder, while attempting to control their somatoform symptoms, can include some different things. These things include practicing stress management techniques, keeping regularly scheduled checkup appointments, and following the treatment plan the person and their doctor design for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

NOTE: Researched FAQs by Disabled World (DW)

Can children develop psychosomatic or somatoform disorders

Yes, children and teenagers can experience physical symptoms rooted in emotional stress, though somatoform disorders are most often noted before a person reaches thirty years of age. A pediatrician or child psychologist can help separate emotional causes from medical ones.

How is a somatoform disorder actually diagnosed

A doctor first rules out physical diseases through examination and testing, then looks at the pattern, duration, and psychological context of the symptoms. Diagnosis usually involves both a primary physician and a mental health professional working together.

Is a psychosomatic illness the same as faking being sick

No, people with these conditions are not inventing or intentionally producing their symptoms, and the physical complaints they feel are genuine. The distinction is that the cause is psychological rather than a detectable medical disease.

What is the difference between hypochondriasis and general health anxiety

Hypochondriasis is a persistent fixation on the fear of having a serious disease, often misreading normal body functions as dangerous. General health worry tends to be milder and passes, while hypochondriasis usually drives repeated doctor visits and lasting distress.

Can lifestyle changes reduce psychosomatic symptoms

Regular sleep, physical activity, and structured stress management techniques can lessen the intensity of many mind related physical symptoms. These habits work best alongside medical guidance rather than as a replacement for it.

Do somatoform disorders qualify as a disability

They can affect academic, social, and occupational functioning severely enough to limit daily life for some people. Whether they meet a formal disability standard depends on the assessment rules used by a given program or region.

Which specialists treat psychosomatic and somatoform conditions

Care usually starts with a primary care doctor and may extend to a psychiatrist, psychologist, or cognitive-behavioral therapist. A coordinated team approach tends to give the steadiest long term results.

Are medications always required for these disorders

Medications are not needed in every case and are typically used to ease specific symptoms such as headache, fatigue, or an identified condition like depression. Many people improve mainly through therapy, checkups, and stress management.

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Insights, Analysis, and Developments

Editorial Note: What makes this subject worth close attention is the reminder that a physical symptom without a medical explanation is not the same as a symptom that is imagined, since the pain, fatigue, and neurological changes people report are entirely real and simply carry psychological roots instead of physical ones. Because somatoform conditions are thought to run in families and can surface after strong emotions like guilt, anger, or bereavement, they often go unrecognized by the very people living with them, which is why a patient trusting relationship with a physician tends to matter more than any single test result. There is no outright cure, yet regular checkups, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and healthy stress management give people a genuine path to living well even while symptoms linger, and that practical, hopeful framing is a useful counterweight to the frustration of repeated inconclusive medical evaluations.*

Author Credentials: Thomas C. Weiss is a researcher and editor for Disabled World. Thomas attended college and university courses earning a Masters, Bachelors and two Associate degrees, as well as pursing Disability Studies. As a CNA Thomas has providing care for people with all forms of disabilities. Explore Thomas' complete biography for comprehensive insights into his background, expertise, and accomplishments.

* Editorial additions by Ian C. Langtree.