What is somatization?
Somatization is essentially the conversion of unconscious emotional difficulties and conflicts into bodily / physical (somatic) symptoms and complaints; another way to think of it is physical symptoms that are unexplained by medical examination.
Examples of conditions that can be related to somatization or emotional difficulties include:
- Headaches & Migraines
- IBS
- GERD
- Nausea
- Fibromyalgia
- Pain
- Hypertension
- Neurologic Complaints (e.g., weakness or tingling in limbs)
- Immune system difficulties (e.g., allergies)
- Erectile Difficulty
Treatment
ISTDP has been shown to effectively treat somatization. Internalizing anger
(and other feelings) can lead to or exacerbate somatic difficulties. Working
on experiencing, in a conscious manner, these avoided feelings can lead to
relief of the somatic complaints. Please see About ISTDP for more
information.
*** Of note, it is important to have a thorough medical examination to rule
out any physical causes for symptoms.
If there are physical causes present, along with proper medical treatment,
psychotherapy can be a useful complementary treatment as part of your
overall health care and well-being.
For an article in the Journal of Family Practice about Somatization and ISTDP please visit:
