Psychosomatic Disorders
Modern psychosomatic medicine is fundamentally based on the view that symptoms are forms of communication. As such, symptoms are often important signs or indications of developmental problems that are in the process of coming to the surface.
Milton H. Erickson and Ernest L. Rossi
Contents
About Psychosomatic Illness
Definition
A psychosomatic disorder is a mental condition that leads to physical symptoms and for which there is usually no adequate medical explanation. This condition can affect almost any part of the body, and sufferers have often already been through a marathon of doctor’s appointments.
Often, people with a psychosomatic disorder do not show any obvious symptoms of a mental health condition and are convinced that their condition has a medical cause.
We therefore refer to a condition as psychosomatic when somatic symptoms are partly caused by psychosocial and/or physical-psychological interactions. For this reason, some doctors also refer to the condition as a somatoform disorder (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome, chronic pain and fibromyalgia).
Causes may include, for example, psychological stress or life crises. Traumatic experiences can also trigger or exacerbate physical symptoms. Conversely, physical symptoms can also take a toll on one’s mental health.
What can trigger psychosomatic disorders
Causes & Triggers
To date, scientists have not been able to fully establish the exact causes of psychosomatic disorders. Some researchers believe that stress triggers the release of hormones and neurotransmitters in the body, which can lead to functional disorders.
Psychosocial stressors, as well as biographical and biological factors, play a significant role in the development, persistence and exacerbation of psychosomatic disorders.
A treacherous illness
Signs, Symptoms and Consequences
A psychosomatic disorder can affect any part of the body and can therefore manifest itself in a wide variety of ways. The most common symptoms are tiredness and insomnia, pain, high blood pressure, breathing difficulties, indigestion, migraines, erectile dysfunction, skin rashes and stomach ulcers.
How we can help you
Treatment
At the Verus Clinic, our approach is based on a view of illness that regards and treats the body and mind as a single entity.
At the Verus Clinic, an interdisciplinary team comprising doctors from various specialisms, medical and psychological psychotherapists, and a range of creative therapists therefore works to develop solutions for our patients, with the aim of restoring harmony between body and mind.
Our treatment methods
How We Can Treat You and Help You
Diagnostic procedures at the Verus Clinic therefore include a detailed initial medical history, selected psychological tests and the latest neuropsychological assessment methods.
Art Therapy
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Body-Oriented Psychotherapy
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Complementary Therapies
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Group Psychotherapy
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Individual Psychotherapy
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Music Therapy
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Pain Management Supplemented by TCM
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Psychotherapy
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Trauma Therapy
Treatment methods About the Treatment Trauma arises when our physical and/or psychological integrity is violated and the person affected is left feeling helpless, at the
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