Psychosomatic disorders, also known as psychophysiological or somatoform disorders, are a group of medical conditions or physical symptoms that are primarily caused or significantly influenced by psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety, or emotional distress. These disorders involve a complex interplay between the mind and the body, where psychological factors can lead to real physical symptoms or exacerbate existing medical conditions. It's important to note that psychosomatic disorders are not "all in the head"; they have real physical manifestations.
Common examples of psychosomatic disorders include:
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
- Fibromyalgia
- Tension Headaches
- Migraine Headaches (can have psychosomatic triggers)
- Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
- Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Asthma (can be exacerbated by stress)
- Eczema (can be triggered by emotional stress)
- Ulcers (can be influenced by stress)
- Cardiovascular Disorders (stress can contribute to heart issues)
- Skin Conditions (e.g., psoriasis)
- Allergies (stress might influence symptoms)
- Autoimmune Disorders (some may have a psychosomatic component)