Somatoform Disorder

What is Somatoform disorder

It is primarily characterized by the presence of recurrent and multiple somatic complaints of several years duration for which medical attention has been sought but which was apparently not due to any physical disorder.

Symptoms

Gastrointestinal symptoms

Vomiting (other than during pregnancy) Nausea
Diarrhoea
Abdominal pain (other than when menstruating)
Bloating
Intolerance of (gets sick from) several different foods

Pain Symptoms

Pain in extremities
Joint pain
Other pain (excluding headaches)
Back pain
Pain during urination

Cardiopulmonary symptoms

Amnesia
Loss of voice
Double version
Blindness
Seizure or convulsion
Paralysis or muscle weakness
Difficulty swallowing
Deafness
Blurred vision
Fainting or loss of consciousness
Trouble walking
Urinary retention or difficulty urinating

Sexual Symptoms

For the major part of the person’s life after opportunities for sexual activates Burning sensation in sexual organs or rectum (other than during intercourse)
Sexual indifference

Pain during intercourse
Impotence

Female Reproductive Symptoms

Judged by the person to occur more frequently or severely than in most women painful menstruation

Excessive menstrual bleeding
Vomiting throughout pregnancy

Treatment

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT is a commonly used talking therapy, which is an action-based therapeutic method that helps you to understand the condition further, as well as the reasons behind why you might be experiencing the emotional and physical problems that are associated with it.
Our experienced therapists will help you to learn techniques that are geared towards more positive thought processes in relation to your condition, which may include:
• Adapting your extreme beliefs about your health and physical symptoms
• Learning how to reduce stress
• Coping techniques for when you experience physical symptoms
• Reducing preoccupation with your symptoms
• Improving your ability to function daily in various situations
• Addressing stress, anxiety and depression which may be contributing to symptoms of SSD

Mindfulness

Mindfulness is accepted as an additional treatment to CBT for reducing the symptoms. This involves elements of the CBT, with the addition of current psychological methods that can teach you to be present in the moment, as opposed to dwelling on what may or may not happen in the future.

Using breathing and meditation techniques, you will begin to learn how to clear your mind of negative thoughts which may be contributing to the preoccupation and health anxiety that is experienced if you have SSD, as well as associated symptoms of depression.

Medication

Medication can be used for SSD when this is used alongside therapy, and can be particularly effective if you are experiencing symptoms of health anxiety, pain or depression that are commonly associated with the condition.

It is important to remember that it can take several weeks to notice improvement in symptoms when taking medication such as antidepressants.

Phone Number

Send Your Mail