Psychosomatic conditions can occur for anyone and in most cases they will occur as a result of stress, anxiety, depression or a traumatic event.

Some of the symptoms can present as headaches, stomachaches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Once physical causes have been ruled out and it is determined that mental or emotional factors are the sole cause of illness the type of somatic disorder can be established:

• Briquet’s Syndrome is defined by a long history of medical problems prior to reaching the age of 30.
• Body dysmorphic disorder is an exaggeration or obsession with a physical problem or characteristic.
• Hypochondriasis is the belief that a minor medical problem is the worst possible problem, such as the belief that a headache is a brain tumor.
• Conversion disorder are neurological symptoms, such as hearing loss, blindness, etc.

Regardless of the type of Somatic Disorder, the treatment will start with improving the symptoms and reducing the stress and counseling to cope with trauma, anxiety and depression.