Paul Bushell Column

Somatoform Disorder

We should not underestimate the

connection between our mind and body. It is obvious that when we experience

something physically, our mind registers this and we have thoughts and feelings

about this physical sensation. The converse is also true, where our thoughts and

feelings can sometimes cause physical responses. This is sometimes most obvious

in children, who when feeling sad and anxious, will often complain of a sore

stomach or throat. In some rare and extreme cases, some people develop physical

symptoms which cannot be explained in physical terms or by physical tests. When

these symptoms continue over a long period of time without physical diagnosis,

this can be diagnosed psychologically as Somatoform Disorder. In these cases, the

patient is not fabricating or exaggerating their physical symptoms consciously,

but genuinely feels and experiences these symptoms. However, because there is no

physical cause, there is room to try and understand how mental difficulties can

be an explanation. In this case, there is room to try and understand and treat

patients psychologically.