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Somatization is the generation ofsomatic symptoms due topsychological distress, often coinciding with a tendency to seek medical help for them.[1][2] The termsomatization was introduced byWilhelm Stekel in 1924.[3]
Somatization is a worldwide phenomenon,[4] with chronic cases being classified assomatic symptom disorder.[5]
Somatization can be, but is not always, related to certainpsychiatric conditions such as:[6]
TheAmerican Psychiatric Association (APA) has classifiedsomatoform disorders in theDSM-IV and theWorld Health Organization (WHO) have classified these in theICD-10. Both classification systems use similar criteria. Most current practitioners will use one over the other, though in cases of borderline diagnoses, both systems may be referred to.
Inpsychodynamic theory, somatization is conceptualized as anego defense, the unconscious rechannelling ofrepressed emotions into somatic symptoms as a form of symbolic communication (organ language).[7]
Sigmund Freud's case study ofAnna O. featured a woman who suffered from numerous physical symptoms, which Freud believed were the result of repressed grief over her father's illness, although his assessment has been questioned by later research as treatment did not resolve her symptoms.[8]
Treatment for somatic symptom disorder typically combines different strategies for managing the patient's symptoms including regularly scheduled outpatient visits, psychosocialinterventions (e.g., joint meetings with family members),[9][medical citation needed]psychoeducation, and treatment of prominentcomorbid symptoms ofanxiety ordepression.[citation needed]
Based on multiple systematic reviews, the initial suggested treatment for somatic symptom disorder is regular, scheduled outpatient visits every 4–8 weeks that are not based on active symptoms. These visits often focus on establishing a therapeutic alliance, legitimizing the somatic symptoms, and limiting diagnostic tests and referral to specialists.[10][11]