In the scientific understanding of psychosomatic – a direction at the intersection of medicine and psychology, studying the relationship of diseases at the physiological level and psychological state. The concept itself has existed for about 200 years. However, in recent years, in addition to the specialists in psychosomatic medicine, more and more doctors and psychologists say that the origin of many diseases of people lie in psychological and emotional factors, such as personality traits, attitude to their illness, trauma.
Psychosomatic diseases include bronchial asthma, allergies, headaches, including migraines, some diseases of the heart and gastrointestinal tract, dermatitis, radiculitis, infertility with the exception of pathologies of the reproductive system, obesity and many others. To achieve the highest results in the treatment of psychosomatics requires the help of a psychologist in addition to medical intervention. It is also possible that psychological techniques will be the main method aimed at improving the health of the patient.
Psychological causes of psychosomatic diseases
How do psychological factors affect the occurrence of physical diseases? According to the classification of one of the experts in the field of psychosomatic Leslie Lecron, there are several main sources of psychosomatic disorders.
Self-punishment. A person experiencing a sense of guilt becomes ill, and his illness becomes a kind of unconscious punishment of himself. Such a situation can alleviate feelings of guilt. But, as we understand, the disorder can significantly affect the quality of life of the individual and lead to irreversible consequences.
Conflict. The basis for the emergence of malaise can become intrapersonal conflict, which will be in the fight 2 - ' s opposing interests personality and will lead, conditional support speaking, to victory one of them. In this case, the "loser" part of the personality begins to "defend their rights", which will manifest itself in the form of psychosomatics, that is, symptoms of diseases.
Identification. A person identifies with a loved one who is sick or has been sick. In this case, there are similar symptoms or the same disease. Most often it is a strong emotional connection, and there is a possibility that he will die or has already died, so there is a fear of losing him, and in fact it has already happened.
Body language. Sometimes the disease becomes a means of expressing the internal state. As illustrative examples, such statements can be cited: "it causes only a headache"," I do not digest it"," my heart hurts for it","my hands are tied". In this case, a particular organ begins to hurt, migraines or disorders of the digestive system appear, breathing becomes difficult or the heart hurts.
Past experience. Traumatic situations from the past can also be the basis of ill health. Usually it is a negative experience of childhood – a single traumatic episode or systematic exposure and prolonged stay in an unfavorable situation. Despite the fact that a lot of time has passed, the personality continues to experience. It is this emotional state that leaves its mark on the body, contributing to the emergence of symptoms. And the disease will not recede until there is an opportunity to process and let go of the situation of the past and the experiences themselves.
Motivation (conditional benefit). Ailment occurs with the aim of bringing some benefit to its possessor. But it can not be called a simulation, the symptoms appear unconsciously. And it becomes a means to achieve a certain goal, for example, a child is sick to get the attention of parents.
Suggestion. In this case, the symptoms of the disease appear through suggestion, then the person unconsciously accepts the thought of his disturbed state. The suggestion of the symptom occurs under the influence of people who have authority or just happened to be near in a difficult period.
In order to identify such causes will need individual counseling psychologist specializing in psychosomatic and neuroses. Only classes with a psychologist will allow you to realize and work out the problem that led to the emergence of psychosomatic disease and get rid of it.
Psychosomatic diseases-how to treat?
As we already understand, the basis of psychosomatic diseases are psychological and emotional causes of their occurrence, a kind of protective mechanism that helps a person to achieve certain psychological goals at the cost of health. However, most diseases are reversible in nature, in other words, it is possible to fully recover and get rid of the disorder forever, both independently and timely, professional assistance of a psychologist in psychosomatic medicine, taking into account an integrated approach.
Of great importance is the desire of the patient to cope with the disease and become healthy. If you suspect that you or a loved one is subject to psychosomatics, you can sign up for a consultation with a psychologist in Moscow directly on the site. Professional help of a consultant with extensive experience and your desire to be healthy – a guarantee of effective work and maximum results in the optimal time!
In any case, if you have reason to believe that the disease is associated with psychological causes, be sure to seek help from a psychologist-psychosomatic. Most likely, at the first consultation your assumptions will be confirmed or refuted.