Balihow – Have you ever experienced unexplained weakness, nausea, difficulty sleeping, or heart palpitations, even though medical examinations show your physical condition is perfectly fine?
If these symptoms resonate with you, it’s crucial not to dismiss them as “just ordinary tiredness.” What you might be experiencing is a psychosomatic disorder, a real and complex medical condition that manifests physically due to underlying psychological and emotional factors.
According to Dr. E. Mudjaddid, Sp.PD-KPsi, an internist and consultant for psychosomatic and palliative medicine at Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong, this disorder highlights the intricate connection between our minds and bodies. “It doesn’t mean the patient is faking illness,” he explains. “Negative emotions such as anxiety, fear, or past trauma can ‘disguise’ themselves, emerging as physical symptoms in various organs throughout the body.”
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Psychosomatic Symptoms Are Often Confusing
One of the primary reasons psychosomatic conditions are so challenging to identify is the shifting nature of their complaints. One day, a patient might suffer from stomach pain, the next, dizziness, followed by insomnia, heart palpitations, or overwhelming fatigue. These diverse symptoms can often occur almost simultaneously, leading to significant confusion and distress.
Such fluctuating symptoms can leave patients feeling isolated or “strange,” yet it’s vital to recognize that there is a legitimate medical and psychological basis for their discomfort. Dr. Mudjaddid outlines several clinical characteristics typically associated with a psychosomatic disorder:
- No organic abnormalities are found despite comprehensive medical examinations.
- If left unaddressed, the condition can progress and develop into genuine physical disorders.
- It is not accompanied by severe mental illnesses such as psychosis or severe personality disorders.
- Complaints are often linked to emotional pressures, including low self-esteem, rejection, trauma, anxiety, or chronic stress.
- Symptoms tend to shift from one organ to another without a typical medical pattern.
- The condition is frequently triggered by daily life stressors, whether related to work, family dynamics, financial struggles, or social interactions.
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Psychosomatic Conditions Must Not Be Ignored
Research from the World Health Organization (WHO) and prominent journals like Psychosomatic Medicine consistently shows that psychosomatic disorders are a tangible form of what is recognized as “somatic symptom disorder.” This means the physical symptoms that arise are not products of imagination but rather authentic physiological reactions to emotional pressures that have not been processed or expressed in a healthy manner.
Over the long term, unmanaged stress can trigger an imbalance of stress hormones, such as cortisol, which in turn impacts vital bodily functions like blood pressure regulation, the digestive system, sleep quality, and even the immune system. This critical insight underscores why psychosomatic conditions should never be underestimated. “If left untreated, this disorder can even develop into genuine organic conditions,” warns Dr. Mudjaddid.
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In response to the growing public awareness and need for specialized care, Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong has launched a dedicated psychosomatic service. Dr. Pitono, Director of Bethsaida Hospital Gading Serpong, emphasizes that their approach to psychosomatic illness is profoundly comprehensive and integrated, addressing four key dimensions:
The first is the Bio-Organic dimension, which encompasses thorough physical examinations, the provision of necessary medication, and essential education on leading a healthy lifestyle.
Secondly, they employ a Psycho-Educational approach. This involves fostering a supportive and empathetic relationship between doctor and patient, ensuring patients feel genuinely heard and understood, a crucial step in their healing journey.
Following this, the Socio-Cultural approach assists patients in navigating and resolving social issues that contribute to their stress, such as domestic conflicts, work-related pressures, and economic challenges.
Finally, the Spiritual dimension guides patients to explore their inner conflicts from a spiritual or religious perspective, promoting inner peace and mental tranquility.
Ultimately, mental health and physical well-being are inextricably linked. Prioritizing and nurturing emotional health is just as vital as diligently monitoring blood pressure or managing blood sugar levels for holistic wellness.
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Ringkasan
Psychosomatic disorders are real medical conditions where psychological factors manifest as physical symptoms like heart palpitations, nausea, or fatigue, even with normal medical test results. These symptoms often shift, causing confusion, but are not faked; they’re genuine physiological responses to unprocessed emotional stress, such as anxiety, trauma, or chronic stress. Ignoring these conditions can lead to further health problems.
Effective treatment involves a holistic approach addressing bio-organic factors (physical exams, medication), psycho-educational support (empathic doctor-patient relationship), socio-cultural issues (resolving social stressors), and spiritual aspects (inner peace). This integrated approach recognizes the crucial link between mental and physical health, emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being for overall health.