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Conditions & Symptoms
Life CoachingManaging ASD & ADHDChronic Health IssuesUnexplained Medical SymptomsEmotional RegulationFamily & CouplesPTSDDepressionAnxiety
What are “psychosomatic” or “somatoform” conditions?
Let’s break down the words, “Psych” means soul, mind or the animating life-force of a person, “somatic” is a physical expression of the body (soma = body), so it is a physical expression of something that originates in the mind. The pain or sensation is not something your mind is imagining, it’s something it is creating as a physical expression of a mental state.
“Somato” is of the body and “form” is to have the appearance of; conditions that appear bodily but have their origin in the mental process.
What is the difference?
Let’s break down the words. “Psych” means somatoform is used in medical spaces as a category of mental health disorders.
I’ve been told it’s all in my head, but it feels so real, is there anything I can do about it?
It can be hurtful and difficult to hear these words from a medical professional, such as your doctor, especially when they cannot find a cause for the issues you have. Psychologists understand the effect repressed emotional states, stress and many other mental or emotional factors can have on the state of the mind and the mind-body connection. Know that you are not alone, and help can be found with mental health professionals trained in this area, as our psychologists are.
Does having a psychosomatic or somatoform condition mean that I am weak?
No. They are legitimate health issues that affect millions of people, they are not a personal flaw.
Neurodevelopmental Assessments
What are “psychosomatic” or “somatoform” conditions?
Let’s break down the words, “Psych” means soul, mind or the animating life-force of a person, “somatic” is a physical expression of the body (soma = body), so it is a physical expression of something that originates in the mind. The pain or sensation is not something your mind is imagining, it’s something it is creating as a physical expression of a mental state.
“Somato” is of the body and “form” is to have the appearance of; conditions that appear bodily but have their origin in the mental process.
What is the difference?
Let’s break down the words. “Psych” means somatoform is used in medical spaces as a category of mental health disorders.
I’ve been told it’s all in my head, but it feels so real, is there anything I can do about it?
It can be hurtful and difficult to hear these words from a medical professional, such as your doctor, especially when they cannot find a cause for the issues you have. Psychologists understand the effect repressed emotional states, stress and many other mental or emotional factors can have on the state of the mind and the mind-body connection. Know that you are not alone, and help can be found with mental health professionals trained in this area, as our psychologists are.
Does having a psychosomatic or somatoform condition mean that I am weak?
No. They are legitimate health issues that affect millions of people, they are not a personal flaw.
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