Why do I often feel unwell, but no problem is found in the inspection?
"These days I have always had inexplicable stomachaches or headaches, but every time I ask for leave to see a doctor, the pain disappears; it hurts especially when I am at school, and it will suddenly get better the next day, and then it will come back after a while. It hurts inexplicably, and I don't know why."
"I often have headaches. When I have a headache, I feel that I have brain cancer. I went to the hospital for a lot of brain examinations, but no problems were found, but I just have inexplicable headaches, especially when I am under great pressure. Occasionally, the pain lasts for a period of time. , can't find the reason."
As mentioned by the above-mentioned netizen, many people find that they have some physical symptoms, such as headache, abdominal pain, chest tightness, dizziness and so on. But when we went to the hospital for an examination, we found no physical problems, and repeated investigations were fruitless. There is a possibility that a somatoform disorder may be present at this time.
Somatoform disorder (Somatization Disorder for short) is a group of mental disorders, also known as Briquet syndrome, characterized by recurrent, recurrent, and immediate physical symptoms with significant clinical significance, such as body pain.
One).
Patients who fall within these disease criteria show a high level of concern for their physical symptoms. Thus, somatoform disorders often lead patients to seek excessive medical work-up and treatment rather than psychiatric treatment.
Symptoms of somatoform disorders
Patients are usually unaware of their deep-seated mental problems and firmly believe that they have a physical disease, so the typical performance is to constantly pressure the doctor to perform additional and repeated examinations and treatments, even if the test results are negative.
The general manifestations of somatoform disorders given by "The Merck Manual (Professional Edition)" (TheMercksManual) are:
one. Recurrent physical discomfort that usually begins before age 30; most patients have multiple physical symptoms, but some patients have only one severe symptom, usually pain. Symptoms fluctuate in severity, but symptoms persist, with seldom relief over considerable periods of time. Symptoms themselves or fear that excessive symptoms will cause distress to patients or interfere with their daily life. Some patients experience significant depression.
- When a somatic symptom disorder is accompanied by other medical disorders, patients tend to overreact to the effects of the medical disorder. For example, some patients with a simple myocardial infarction are physically fully recovered, but often appear not recovered, or are often worried about another myocardial infarction.
three. Regardless of whether the symptoms are actually related to other physical diseases, patients are very worried about the symptoms and their potentially disastrous consequences, and it is difficult to appease. Repeated assurances from doctors are often perceived by patients as not paying enough attention to their symptoms.
Four. Focusing on health often becomes central to a patient's life, sometimes throughout their life. Patients are very anxious about their health and are often very sensitive to adverse drug reactions.
It can affect any part of the body, but the specific symptoms and how often they occur vary in different cultures. Regardless of the presentation, the essence of somatization disorders is excessive or inappropriate thoughts, emotions, or behaviors in response to symptoms. For example, a patient with a simple myocardial infarction would perceive their prognosis as poor, and they would have severe anxiety that is out of proportion to the severity of the disease.
Patients may become dependent on others for help and emotional support. When their needs are not met, they become angry and may use threatening behavior or attempt suicide. They are often dissatisfied with medical services, and they keep changing doctors, or seek treatment from several doctors at the same time.
Number 7. The intensity and duration of symptoms may reflect a strong desire to be cared for. Symptoms can help patients avoid responsibility, but they can also prevent patients from feeling happy, suggesting that patients have a priceless sense of worth and guilt deep inside.
During the epidemic, some people worry that they or those around them will be infected, leading to feelings of anxiety, which can lead to symptoms associated with physical symptoms. If you or people around you find symptoms similar to physical symptoms and disease manifestations, please consult relevant professionals in time and make a clinical diagnosis. If you cannot go out alone, you can adjust your status through online consultation and the following activities:
Learning stress management and relaxation techniques, such as Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR), may help improve symptoms;
·exercise. Regular exercise may have a calming effect on mood, improve physical symptoms, and help improve physical function;
·Talk to family members or friends about your worries to reduce your anxiety. If you cannot meet in person, you can contact them by phone, video, etc.;
· Avoid alcohol, nicotine, coffee and other addictive substances. The use of similar substances can make patient care activities more difficult.