Posted by Dinah on June 7, 2004, at 10:06:01
In reply to Somatization Disorder, posted by Somaticide on June 3, 2004, at 21:53:09
I'm not sure how much I buy the idea of somatization. It turns out that the same chemicals that affect anxiety depression are also involved in migraines, intestinal processes, and the like.
I've got migraines, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, and a touch of mood disorder (cyclothymia maybe - someplace low on the bipolar spectrum). I also get various aches and pains at times. Am I expressing my anxiety and anger through body symptoms? Or are are my problems with chemical balance (especially serotonin) affecting all parts of my body - not just my mind? There tends to be a whole cluster of symptoms that go together and all seem to be tied in to the same chemical systems, especially serotonin and the cholinergic system.
I suspect that many "somatic" complaints are legitimate health concerns that doctors just don't fully understand. And things are getting better. The new acute migraine treatments involve serotonin, and it's now known that migraines involve cascades of serotonin.
I would be suspicious of any therapist who talked about somatization without mentioning any of the medical facts. That being said, a therapist can help a lot by helping to teach techniques and providing a "holding" environment and place to release pressure that might prevent stressors from triggering flareups of chemical troubles.
And I could be wrong, but things like hysterical blindness or paralysis are known as something other than somatization aren't they?
poster:Dinah
thread:353564
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040603/msgs/354490.html