Psychology. Digestive problems, asthma... What are these psychosomatic disorders?

From the Greek psyche (soul, mind) and soma (body), the word psychosomatic highlights the deep link between the mental and bodily dimensions of the human being.

Unlike purely physical illnesses (such as a viral infection or a fracture) or purely psychological illnesses (such as schizophrenia or anxiety disorders), psychosomatic disorders occupy an intermediate zone. They express psychological suffering through physical effects.

Digestive disorders, asthma, chronic pain...

For example, a person experiencing a period of intense stress or emotional overload may begin to suffer from stomach aches, migraines or back pain without any organic abnormalities being detected during medical examinations.

These symptoms, although lacking any apparent physiological cause, are genuine and can seriously impair quality of life.

The mechanisms for understanding these links between the psyche and physical health are still largely unknown. But research is progressing.

Scientists from Inserm in Nantes, for example, have discovered that "cortisol (the stress hormone, editor's note) directly influences the neurons that make up the enteric nervous system, a tissue independent of the central nervous system, distributed throughout the digestive tract, which regulates gastrointestinal functions."

This explains the digestive problems that develop following significant stress.

In addition, repressed or unexpressed emotional experiences can unconsciously translate into pain or bodily disturbances, in a mechanism of “somatization”.

What treatment?

The treatment of these disorders is based on a multidisciplinary approach. It involves treating the body while taking into account the patient's psychological dimensions.

Medical treatment can initially relieve physical symptoms. But, in parallel, psychotherapeutic support is necessary . Stress management can be accompanied by mindfulness meditation, relaxation, or yoga, among other things.

Source: Frontiers – Mayo Clinic – Inserm