Psychology

Somatization disorder is defined as a disorder that involves chronic complaints of specific bodily symptoms without any physical basis, which persists for a minimum of six months. It is characterized by historic complaints which involve at least four pain symptoms in different areas of the body such as the back, head and extremities two gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea and bloating a sexual symptom  which may be in form of sexual indifference, irregular menses or erectile dysfunction a pseudo neurological symptom such as conversion symptoms, amnesia, or difficulties in breathing the symptoms are evident before the age of thirty years, occur for several years and cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning the symptoms are non intentionally produced or feigned from a patients perspective such symptoms cannot be fully explained by a known medical condition or by direct effects of a substance. In addition, a patient exhibits a general medical condition whose physical complaints are however in excess of what is expected given the history, physical exam, or laboratory findings of the patient (Durand  Burlow 27-37).

The causes can be categorized as biological, cognitive behavioral and psychodynamic. Biologically, somatization disorder is strongly linked to antisocial personality disorder in family and genetic studies. Evidence shows that somatization disorder and antisocial personality disorder share the same underlying neurophysiologic vulnerability (Phillips 235). On the other hand in cognitive behavioral, the disorder as discussed by researchers, may develop in individuals with historic illnesses and family members with a histories of chronic illness and as a result interpret bodily sensations as more serious illnesses. Psycho dynamically, according to Freud, symptoms that present in an individual were as a result of repression emanating from some kind of sexual conflict which then converted into a physical symptom for purposes of protecting the person from anxiety felt as the conflict is unaccepted by society. Freud further concludes that the persons dependency needs are fulfilled through attention and sympathy.

The biological treatment for this disorder includes the use of antidepressants which have shown some capability in alleviating the disorder mostly because anxiety and depression symptoms may occur concurrently with it. Cognitive behavioral as a treatment mechanism focuses on identifying and modifying negative thoughts as well a relaxation training for purposes of reducing physiological arousal. This reduces immensely Somatization symptoms. Furthermore, engaging in less stressful and pleasurable activities also decreases the likelihood of occurrence of Somatization symptoms. The socio cultural aspect considers the fact that individuals unfound physiological basis of their symptoms may face rejection from society thus experience social isolation. To help curb this, building up a proper social network to help the person cope with stresses that trigger the symptoms may be considered as a primary solution (Greeves 98).

Undifferentiated somatoform Disorder
Undifferentiated Somatoform disorder as described by Schultz refers to the diagnosis given to an individual with one or more physical complaints, persistent for at least six months (57). However, these symptoms do not fully meet the criteria for Somatization disorder. The general characteristics of this disorder include the patient experiences one or more physical complaints such as fatigue, gastrointestinal or urinary complaints and loss of appetite. These symptoms last for six months or longer and are unintentionally produced or feigned the symptoms result in clinically significant distress or impairment of social, occupational, or other vital areas of functioning (65). The patient also has symptoms that cannot be fully explained by a known general medical condition or the direct effects of a substance or a general medical condition is existent but the physical complaints are in excess of what would be expected considering the results of the physical examination, lab findings or history of the patient. The direct causes of this disorder are unclear. However, some experts believe that family related problems present during an individuals childhood may have resulted in the development of the disorder. Depression and stress are other possible causes of this disorder. Another possible cause may include obsessive attention to minor changes or sensations in ones body especially in people who overreact to minor medical conditions. These feelings are given undue weight and unnecessary worry. Assuming the sick role to escape unpleasant circumstances and responsibilities as well as fulfilling dependency needs through attention and sympathy are other plausible causes of this disorder (99).

Most treatments for this disorder focus on underlying psychological problems and stresses that may be the primary causes of its occurrence. Programs targeting stress management as well as focus on links between psychological stressors and physiological symptoms are a vital ingredient for the treatment of this disorder. These programs educate individuals on coping strategies related to criticism and mitigating negative behavioral patterns. Antidepressants are also a possible solution for this disorder in situations where it occurs concurrently with depression and anxiety (Phillips 178).

Conversion disorder
It refers to a condition where a patient displays psychological stress in physical ways. It may also be referred to as Conversion Neurosis following Sigmund Freuds belief that patients had sexual or aggressive conflicts with their physical problems. Co-morbid disorders such as mood, personality and substance abuse are incorporated in this kind of disorder (Durand  Burlow 40). The main symptoms include A display of physical problems or problems with the sensory or motor functions controlled by the voluntary nervous system often characterized by paralysis, loss of feeling or difficulties in hearing or seeing Memory loss, cognitive or intellectual problems in certain occasions patients with this disorder believe hat something is wrong with them (183).

The psychodynamic cause is evaluated in a four stage process where a patient first experiences a traumatic event. The patient then unconsciously represses the event as it is unacceptable. Thirdly, as the anxiety of the event increases, it translates into the conscious but subsequently converted into physical symptoms. Finally the patient receives positive reinforcements such as sympathy and attention. Socio-cultural influences on the other hand tend to occur in lower SES and less educated and take on familiar symptoms because patients see things their family members have experienced. Biological symptoms base on the following facts symptoms tend to be more psychopathology marked biological vulnerability with biological processes biological is less important than interpersonal factors (185).

Treatment for this disorder relies on the following clinics methods follow etiology identifying and dealing with traumatic events whether present or in memory removing positive reinforcements and self defeating behaviors which action integrates both the patient and family a significant response to treatment hypnosis has no additional support (186).

Pain Disorder
Somatoform Pain Disorder
It is defined as a persistent and long term pain due to psychological factors. The main symptom is chronic pain which lasts for several months and limits a persons work, relationships, and other relevant activities (Greeves 75). The pain causes significant distress or impairment of functioning and cannot be explained fully by a physician. It is so severe that it impairs a persons ability to function. Reinforcing of the sick role may play a role in the development of such a disorder. The disorder is judged to be related to psychological factors and cannot be explained by another disorder. Some patients may overlook the significant development of the pain as unconscious conflicts are converted into pain symptoms. However, therapeutic treatment, improvement in social and interpersonal functioning may decrease the pain. Prognosis for this disorder is poor as the course is typically chronic and persists for years and often involves other symptoms such as depression, anxiety and drug abuse (78).

Hypochondriac
Hypochondria, also known as hypochondriasis is a chronic mental illness where one fears of having an undiagnosed serious or life threatening disease. Currently, it is considered as a psychosomatic disorder. However, some researchers believe it to be a form of obsessive- compulsive disorder, and its designation may change with time. This disorder makes you believe that normal body sensations or vague symptoms are a sign of an underlying disease (Philips 81). Visible characteristics include excessive fear or anxiety about having a particular disease or condition worry of minor symptoms indicating a serious illness seeking repeated medical exams frequent switching of doctors frustration with doctors or medical care strained social relationships obsessive health research emotional distress frequent checking of vital signs such as pulse or blood pressure thinking you have a disease after reading or hearing about it avoiding situations that cause or increase anxiety such as hospital environments.

The significant factors propagating this disorder include having a serious illness during childhood knowing family members or other relations with a serious disease death of a loved one presence of anxiety disorder rigid belief that being in good condition means being free from bodily sensations and physical symptoms having close relations with hypochondria and feeling vulnerable to illnesses (Schultz 174).

Complications include health risks associated with unnecessary medical procedures depression work or school problems anxiety disorders relationship difficulties substance abuse excessive anger and frustration financial problems due to medical costs strained relationships with health providers. Early recognition and treatment may reduce the impact of hypochondria, discussing openly with your child about fears as a result of them knowing about the existence of a certain disease evident in a close relation would act as a preventive measure for hypochondria.

The underlying facts about hypochondria are that it occurs equally between men and women, it may be overwhelming and disabling, and it occurs with varied intensity, it results in frequent visits to doctors (176). Several causes can be linked to hypochondria. First of all normal body sensations, overlooked by most people, are highly noticed by hypochondria patients as symptoms of life threatening ailments. Secondly, it is believed to be a type o obsessive compulsive disorder. Thirdly, the bodys natural fight or flight response mechanism is seen to be a contributor of hypochondria disorder. Fourthly, a characteristic of hypochondria is anxiety, increased anxiety may cause physiological arousal brought about by increased heart rate, shortness of breath, sweating, nausea and other sensations. Hypochondria patients mistakenly interpret these signs and symptoms as evidence of illness.

Psychotherapy especially cognitive behavioral therapy is a most effective treatment solution for hypochondria. Antidepressants such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may come in handy to relieve such symptoms but may also cause side effects such increase health anxiety which may cause serious physical problem. Home remedies include sticking to your treatment plan, taking medication as directed, learning about your condition, getting active, avoiding drugs and alcohol and creating a good relationship with your doctors (Durand  Burlow 167).

Body Dysmorphic Disorder
It is a type of chronic mental illness where you cannot stop thinking about flaws in your appearance. The flaw despite being minor appears shameful and distressing. This disorder is sometimes known as imagined ugliness. Being preoccupied with your appearance, having a strong belief that you have an abnormality which makes you feel ugly, frequently examining yourself in the mirror or avoiding mirrors altogether, excessive grooming, skin picking, avoiding social situations, are some of the symptoms of this disorder. One becomes obsessed with certain parts of the body for example, nose, hair, skin, breast size, genitalia among others. The human biochemical process, genetic makeup and the social environment play significant roles in the development of this disorder (Greeves 111).

Factors such as childhood teasing, low self esteem, societal pressure or expectations of beauty and sexual abuse may cause vast complications such as suicidal thoughts and behavior, depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, social phobia, substance abuse, social isolation among others.
Body dysmorphiic disorder can be treated using medication such as antidepressants or through cognitive behavioral therapy. Several steps incorporated in the cognitive behavioral therapy include entering social situations without covering your flaws, therapist assisting to stop compulsive behaviors and helping the patient realize that the flaws are non existent (125).

In conclusion, somatoform disorders disclose symptoms that may be correlated but with variable magnitudes. Psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy and use of antidepressants are some of the recommended treatments for most of these disorders. Therefore while aiming to improve the health standards of individuals it is essential to consider accruing symptoms of such disorders.