Understanding Somatoform Disorders and Mindfulness

Posted on May 4, 2024 in Psychology and Sociology

I. Somatoform Disorders

Somatoform disorders are mental illnesses that cause physical symptoms, such as pain, without a physical cause or underlying medical condition. These symptoms are not due to substance abuse or another mental illness.

Common Somatoform Disorders:

Somatization Disorder (Briquet’s Syndrome): Characterized by recurring, multiple, and ongoing complaints of pain.
Conversion Disorder: Neurological symptoms like blindness or paralysis with no medical explanation.
Pain Disorder: Chronic pain in one or more areas caused by psychological stress, often disabling.
Hypochondriasis (Health Anxiety): Excessive worry about having a serious illness.
Undifferentiated Somatoform Disorder: Unexplained physical complaints for at least six months.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Obsession with perceived flaws in appearance.

Causes of Somatoform Disorders:

Defense Against Psychological Distress: Physical symptoms may manifest instead of experiencing depression or anxiety.
Heightened Sensitivity to Physical Sensations: Increased awareness of minor pains and discomforts.
Catastrophic Thinking: Exaggerated fears and negative beliefs about physical sensations, leading to misinterpretations (e.g., headache = brain tumor).

Symptoms:

Gastrointestinal issues, sexual symptoms, headaches, pain, difficulty swallowing or speaking, and urinary problems.

Diagnosis:

Requires a history of multiple physical complaints before age 30, lasting for several years, and meeting specific criteria related to pain, gastrointestinal symptoms, sexual/reproductive symptoms, and neurological symptoms.

Treatments:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors.
Medications: Antidepressants may help alleviate symptoms and reduce anxiety/depression.

Somatoform Theories:

Psychosomatic Theory: Somatic symptoms as a way to express emotional distress.
Behavioral Theory: Illness behaviors reinforced by responses and consequences.
Cognitive Behavioral Theory: Beliefs and attributions influence the experience of physical sensations.
Rachman’s Emotional Processing: Difficulty processing emotions can lead to somatization.

Major Theories of Personality:

Biological Theories: Genetics influence personality.
Behavioral Theories: Personality shaped by interactions with the environment.
Psychodynamic Theories: Unconscious mind and childhood experiences impact personality.
Humanist Theories: Free will and individual experience shape personality; emphasis on self-actualization.
Trait Theories: Personality composed of stable traits that influence behavior.

II. What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It involves being aware of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment.

How Does Mindfulness Work?

Mindfulness involves awareness and acceptance of present experiences. It helps individuals observe and accept their thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them.

Domains of Consciousness in Mindfulness:

Experiential Domain: The part of you that is awake and aware.
Private Self: Your internal narrator and self-talk.
Public Self: The image you present to others.

Benefits of Mindfulness:

Promotes well-being and positive emotions.
Improves working memory and cognitive function.
Acts as a buffer against depression and stress.

Mindfulness and Strengths:

Mindfulness cultivates positive characteristics like compassion, wisdom, and well-being. Curiosity is a strength linked to mindfulness and a satisfying life.

III. Stress

Stress is the feeling of being overwhelmed or unable to cope with demands. It involves a biological and psychological response to perceived threats.

Stress Response:

The body’s reaction to stressors, including increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and release of glucose for energy.

Stress Disorders:

Anxiety disorders that develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, causing prolonged anxiety and distress.

Symptoms of Stress:

Physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms, including stomachaches, headaches, muscle tension, irritability, sadness, anger, shame, guilt, anxiety, and fear.

Types of Stressors:

External Stressors: From the environment, such as weather, noise, pollution, and people.
Internal Stressors: From within the body or mind, such as fatigue, illness, hunger, emotions, and thoughts.

Forms of Stress:

Acute Stress: A response to a sudden, terrifying event.
Chronic Stress: Long-term or continuous state of nervous arousal.
Traumatic Stress: Resulting from traumatic events like accidents, assault, or natural disasters.

Patterns of Acute Stress:

Acute Stress: The most common form, resulting from recent or anticipated stressors.
Episodic Acute Stress: Frequent occurrences of acute stress.
Chronic Acute Stress: Never-ending stress with significant health consequences.

Relationship-Trauma Disorder:

Trauma survivors with stress disorders may experience difficulties in close relationships due to trust issues, communication problems, and emotional challenges.

Components of Stress:

Stressor: The event or situation causing stress.
Stress Reaction: The body’s response to the stressor.
Distress: Stress from acute anxiety or pressure.
Eustress: Positive stress from motivating challenges.
Conflict Situation: Choosing between options with opposing motives.

Types of Conflicts:

Approach-Approach Conflict: Choosing between two desirable options.
Avoidance-Avoidance Conflict: Choosing between two undesirable options.
Approach-Avoidance Conflict: Weighing the pros and cons of options with both good and bad elements.

Evaluating a Situation:

The level of stress depends on how we appraise the situation. Primary evaluation involves judging the situation as irrelevant, positive, or negative. Secondary evaluation involves deciding how to cope with a potentially stressful situation.