By Humairaa Mayet
Edited by Tasmiyah Randeree
Psychosomatic disorders have become increasingly prevalent. There are many different types of psychosomatic disorders, each of which affects mental health in conjunction with physical health. To EmpowHER spoke to Laura Traver-de Sousa about this phenomenon.
A psychosomatic disorder originates from aggravated emotional stress and manifests in the body as physical pain and other symptoms. It is a psychological condition involving the occurrence of physical symptoms, usually having idiopathic or lack of medical explanation. People with this condition may have excessive thoughts, feelings, or concerns about the symptoms, which affects their ability to function well.
For as long as I can remember, my entire university career was marked by temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Running from pillar to post and doctor to dentist seemed to yield no solutions, and eventually its origins became obvious. The stress of transitioning from high school to university was accompanied by massive amounts of anxiety. Fixating upon these anxieties led to me constantly clenching my jaw, both consciously and unconsciously.
TMJ disorder, like other psychosomatic disorders, seems to have no simple, one-dimensional medical explanation. This has resulted in many psychosomatic illnesses being misdiagnosed.
Laura Traver-de Sousa is a psychologist who treats mental illness, psychosomatic disorders notwithstanding. She explained that psychosomatic disorders are not rare occurrences; approximately 7 percent of the general population suffers from one psychosomatic disorder or another.
According to Traver de-Sousa, less severe symptoms of psychosomatic disorders are incredibly common. These have been experienced by many people. Whether it be dizziness or an upset stomach because of nervousness or fatigue because of sadness, these have underlying psychosomatic causes.
Many of us will be affected [by symptoms of psychosomatic disorders] at some point in our lives, albeit in minor and transient ways.
The main cause of psychosomatic disorders is unclear, explained Traver de-Sousa. Psychosomatic disorders, however, may be exacerbated by stress and a chaotic lifestyle. They may also be the result of childhood trauma, sexual abuse, mental illness, and substance abuse.
While there are innumerable causes of psychosomatic disorders, there are not nearly as many solutions. Psychosomatic disorders are often undiagnosed and this leads to them being treated incorrectly. When diagnosing a patient presenting with a physical ailment, the mental history of that patient must be taken into account.
“Against all logic, people's subconscious selves choose to be crippled rather than experience the anguish that exists inside them,” said Traver de-Sousa. More often than not, it is psychological conditions which manifest as physical illnesses. This is why psychosomatic disorders must be treated by both medical professionals and psychologists.
TMJ disorder, for example, would be treated by a psychologist. It would also be treated by a physiotherapist - who will assist in alleviating muscle tension - and a dentist - who will make a bite guard to prevent clenching. It would also be treated by a doctor who may prescribe painkillers and muscle relaxants.
Psychosomatic disorders tend to evade medical explanation. This is where psychologists come in, explained Traver-de Sousa. “A common misconception is that psychosomatic conditions are imaginary, that ‘it’s all in the head’. However, physical symptoms of psychosomatic conditions are real and require treatment like any other illness would need,” she said. In order to be combatted effectively, psychosomatic disorders must be caught early and treated effectively.
Stress is one of the most significant causes of psychosomatic disorders. Psychologists assist their patients in dealing with the root causes of this stress; typically anxiety or depression.
“A helpful analogy of psychosomatic illness is to think of it as a house being built on a weak foundation with a bad storm about to hit the structure. The prevalent steps for preventing the walls from being cracked is to fix and/or ensure a strong foundation. It is also necessary to handle the cracks that have already formed while the foundation is being repaired,” said Traver-de Sousa.
There is a mental aspect to every physical disease. How we react to disease and how we cope with disease vary greatly from person to person. A psychosomatic disorder is a disease which involves both mind and body. Some physical diseases are thought to be particularly prone to being made worse by mental factors such as stress and anxiety. Your mental state can affect how bad a physical disease is at any given time.
Psychologists assist in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of the psychological conditions from which psychosomatic illnesses stem. A massive role is played by psychologists in the promotion of healthy behaviour and the prevention of diseases that would impair the patient’s quality of life, Traver de-Sousa explained.
In order to treat psychosomatic disorders, psychologists employ cognitive behavioral therapy techniques and mindfulness-based therapy techniques. These are the most effective ways to treat psychosomatic disorders.
Psychosomatic disorders are treatable. Although they can be treated with surgery, medication, and other forms of treatment, they are only really able to be cured once their mental basis is found.
“Enduring psychosomatic disorders can lead to a massive decline in mental health and wellbeing,” said Traver-de Sousa. Long-term disorders may lead to the development of chronic anxiety and depression as well as fatigue and insomnia. Other side effects of psychosomatic disorders may include ulcers, hypertension, dyspnea, indigestion, headaches, and skin rashes.
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More about Laura Traver-de Sousa:
She holds her Master’s in Psychology and has worked in the field for five years.
She is a full-time Registered Counsellor and Play Therapist in private practice as well as a Clamber Club teacher.
She enjoys hiking, going to the gym, and DIY. She is also a fan of reading, engaging with friends and family, food, sleeping (rarity), travelling, dancing, and crime documentaries.
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