Somatization is the generation of somatic symptoms due to psychological distress, often coinciding with a tendency to seek medical help for them.Adriana Feder, M.D. Somatization The term somatization was introduced by Wilhelm Stekel in 1924.R. L. Woolfolk/L. A. Allen, Treating Somatization (2006) p. 5
Somatization is a worldwide phenomenon,P. S. Sutker/H. E. Adams, Comprehensive Handbook of Psychopathology (2001) p. 217 with chronic cases being classified as somatic symptom disorder.Woolfolk/Allen, pp. 14–5
Associated conditions Somatization can be, but is not always, related to certain psychiatric conditions such as: Mood disorders (e.g., major depressive disorder) Anxiety disorders Somatic symptom disorder
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has classified somatoform disorders in the DSM-IV and the World Health Organization (WHO) have classified these in the ICD-10. Both classification systems use similar criteria. Most current practitioners will use one over the other, though in cases of borderline diagnoses, both systems may be referred to.
Theory
Ego defense In psychodynamic theory, somatization is conceptualized as an ego defense, the unconscious rechannelling of repressed emotions into somatic symptoms as a form of symbolic communication (organ language).P. S. Sutker/H. E. Adams, Comprehensive Handbook of Psychopathology (2001) p. 216
Sigmund Freud's case study of Anna O. featured a woman who suffered from numerous physical symptoms, which Freud believed were the result of repressed grief over her father's illness, although his assessment has been questioned by later research as treatment did not resolve her symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for somatic symptom disorder typically combines different strategies for managing the patient's symptoms including regularly scheduled outpatient visits, psychosocial interventions (e.g., joint meetings with family members),Woolfolk, pp. 41–3 psychoeducation, and treatment of prominent comorbid symptoms of anxiety or depression.
Based on multiple systematic reviews, the initial suggested treatment for somatic symptom disorder is regular, scheduled outpatient visits every 4–8 weeks that are not based on active symptoms. These visits often focus on establishing a therapeutic alliance, legitimizing the somatic symptoms, and limiting diagnostic tests and referral to specialists.
See also Psychosomatic medicine Identified patient Somatosensory amplification Hypochondriasis Medically unexplained physical symptoms Nocebo Somatic marker hypothesis
References
External links Pain and Somatization