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- Email: uni.ambulanca@gmail.com
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“You know I can't express emotions. I internalize, I grow a tumor.” – Woody Allen
A psychosomatic illness, disease, or disorder is a type of illness that manifests in the physical body but has a psychological origin, or at least psychological factors play a significant role in its development. The term “psycho” relates to the mind, while “somatic” relates to the body. Among the many factors affecting an individual’s well-being and the course of their illness, chronic stress has emerged as a crucial factor.
Emotions or stress do not directly cause psychosomatic illness, but the way these emotions are experienced in the body triggers certain chemical responses. These responses activate the sympathetic nervous system, stimulating the function of specific organs. If this stimulation becomes chronic—meaning a person frequently experiences certain emotions—it can lead to reduced organ function and eventually cause illness.
The symptoms depend on the underlying physical condition. However, stressful events can exacerbate the condition, leading to symptoms such as:
Since chronic stress plays a significant role in psychosomatic illnesses, it is important to understand your personal sensitivity to stress and find effective ways to manage it, especially if you suffer from a physical condition that stress may trigger. A holistic approach to treatment integrates both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. Regular checkups with a healthcare provider, psychotherapist, and possibly a psychiatrist may be necessary. In our clinic, the psychotherapeutic modalities used to treat psychosomatic disorders include Gestalt Therapy, Integrative Systemic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), EMDR, and more.
