Somatization Disorder
Somatization is a disorder in which the patient has a psychological
condition that is creating symptoms of pain which the person believes
are physical. The causes of somatization are not known but do develop
in families which indicate it is genetic.
There are many symptoms of somatization, but the ones that occur the
most include fainting, diarrhea, blindness, headaches, constipation,
nausea, abdominal pain, painful menstrual periods, and many vague
physical complaints. Most of the complaints are magnified and described
by the patients as severely painful. Some may be dramatically pictured
as too painful to bear. There can be as many as four or more painful
symptoms at the same time. Many of the patients go to one doctor
after another seeking comfort and help which not only may take
extensive tests and procedures which are not only costly but could be
detrimental in the progression of the disease.
Proper treatment is difficult to find because there is little that
can be done for the patient. A doctor or health practitioner who
can gain the confidence of the patient and sympathize with the patient
to direct the patient into a healthful lifestyle may be the best. Any
many psychiatrists who treat depression have had successful treatment
with drugs.
