About this topic
Somatization disorder is a condition where a person has physical signs in more than one body part. These signs cannot be traced to a physical cause. The signs are real. They can cause stress and problems in everyday life. Many doctors now see a link between emotional stress and physical problems, such as pain. Often, people with this problem are very worried about their health. This may happen if doctors are not able to find an exact physical problem that is causing the signs. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take any drugs that your doctor suggests you take.
- Talk with a counselor to help deal with this problem.
- Stay active and be around other people.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may send you to see a therapist or counselor. They may be able to help deal with signs and lessen stress. It is important to keep these visits as well. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Treat anxiety or low mood
- Help with belly problems or loose stools
- Treat other signs
Will physical activity be limited?
Your physical activity should not be limited. In fact, physical activity and exercise may help relieve stress and signs. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Addiction to drugs for pain
- Isolation or pulling out of social activities
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Try to lower how much stress you have in your life. This may help with your signs. Exercise can help with stress. You may also want to try yoga, walking, or relaxation exercises. ‚
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Trouble coping with signs
- Sudden change in signs
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
Make sure you are comfortable with your regular doctor. Seeing too many doctors or specialists can cause problems. You may have too many tests that are not needed. This can cause you to have more stress and frustration. ‚
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what may help ease my stress.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a change in my signs or trouble coping with my signs.
Where can I learn more?
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/somatoform-disorders.html ‚
U.S. National Library of Medicine ‚
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001951/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚