Somatic Symptoms as a Result of Psychological Distress

Understanding Somatic Symptoms: When the Mind Affects the Body

Have you ever felt physically unwell during a period of emotional stress, only to find that doctors couldn’t pinpoint a clear medical cause? You’re not alone. This phenomenon, where psychological distress manifests as physical symptoms, is known as somatisation, and it’s more common than many realise.

What Are Somatic Symptoms?

Somatic symptoms are physical complaints, like headaches, fatigue, stomach pain, or chest tightness, that are not fully explained by a medical condition. While the symptoms are very real and often distressing, their root cause lies in emotional or psychological distress rather than an identifiable physical illness.

These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to chronic, debilitating pain. Common examples include:

• Digestive issues (e.g., irritable bowel syndrome)

• Muscle tension or chronic pain

• Headaches or migraines

• Heart palpitations

• Fatigue or low energy

• Sleep disturbances

How Does Psychological Distress Cause Physical Symptoms?

The mind and body are deeply interconnected. When we experience stress, anxiety, or depression, our bodies respond. This connection is mediated by the nervous system and hormonal pathways, especially the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the body’s stress response.

During prolonged periods of psychological distress, the body can become stuck in “fight, flight, freeze” mode. This leads to increased heart rate, muscle tension, digestive disruptions, and changes in immune function, responses that can evolve into persistent physical symptoms over time.

For example, someone dealing with intense anxiety might experience chest pain or gastrointestinal issues. A person struggling with unresolved trauma could develop chronic pain or fatigue. In some cases, these symptoms can be so prominent that they overshadow the underlying psychological factors.

Somatic Symptom Disorder (SSD)

In more severe cases, individuals may be diagnosed with Somatic Symptom Disorder, a mental health condition where physical symptoms cause significant distress and impairment, even if no medical explanation is found. People with SSD are not “faking it”, their suffering is real, and their symptoms are often severe enough to impact daily life.

Assessing Psychological Distress – The Kessler-10 Scale

When you consult with a mental health professional about somatic symptoms, they may use standardised screening tools to better understand your overall wellbeing. 

One commonly used measure is the kessler psychological distress scale (K10), which helps clinicians assess anxiety and depression symptoms you may have experienced over recent weeks.

This kessler psychological distress scale 1 involves answering questions about experiences such as feeling tired, nervous, hopeless, or restless. Your healthcare provider will interpret your k10 assessment score alongside other information about your somatic symptoms, medical history, and personal circumstances.

Rather than focusing on specific numbers, what matters most is that these tools help your clinician understand whether psychological factors might be contributing to your somatic symptoms. 

This assessment is particularly valuable when exploring conditions like somatic symptom disorder, as it guides clinicians in developing an appropriate treatment plan that addresses both your physical discomfort and underlying emotional wellbeing, ensuring you receive comprehensive care specific to your individual needs.

Breaking the Stigma

Unfortunately, many people experiencing somatic symptoms are misunderstood or dismissed. They may be told that is in all in their head, which can be invalidating and unhelpful. In reality, somatic symptoms highlight the complexity of human health and the inseparable relationship between the mind and body.

Recognising and validating these symptoms is the first step toward healing. A holistic approach, often involving therapy, stress management techniques, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medication, can be highly effective. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based interventions have shown particular promise in managing somatic symptoms linked to psychological distress.

When to Seek Professional Help for Somatic Symptoms

Recognising when somatic symptoms require professional attention can be challenging, especially when you’ve been told your physical complaints have no clear medical cause. 

Consider seeking help if your somatic symptoms persist for several weeks, significantly impact your ability to work or maintain relationships, or cause you ongoing worry about your health. 

If you notice that your physical discomfort seems to coincide with periods of stress or difficult life circumstances, this pattern suggests that addressing psychological factors could be beneficial. Additionally, if you’re avoiding normal activities due to unexplained physical symptoms, it may be helpful to speak with a psychologist or other mental health professional who can help explore all aspects of your experience.

Early intervention can prevent symptoms from becoming more entrenched and help you develop effective coping strategies.

Conclusion 

Somatic symptoms are a powerful reminder that our mental and emotional health profoundly affects our physical well-being. By paying attention to both mind and body, we can better understand the roots of our discomfort and work toward genuine healing. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing unexplained physical symptoms, it may be worth exploring the role of stress, trauma, or emotional health, and seeking support from professionals trained to help navigate this intricate connection.

Contact us today at Hargan to find out more.