Types of Psychosomatic Disorders
Given the wide variety of clinical manifestations and the long history of studying this pathology, several classifications of psychosomatic disorders have been developed to date. The most common classification includes 4 main groups:
- Classical psychosomatic diseases;
- Somatoform disorders;
- Nosogeny;
- Somatogeny.
Although this classification is not widespread among practitioners, it allows the most logical and understandable systematization of all psychosomatic disorders. In the practice of Western psychiatry, the concept of "psychosomatic disorders" and "somatoform disorders" is identified.
Psychosomatic diseases in the classic manifestation
Classical psychosomatic diseases include those diseases caused by psychological trauma, chronic stress, chronic fatigue, lack of proper rest and other psychogenic effects. A huge role in the development of psychosomatic diseases is played by the type of person’s personality, especially the emotional response to external stimuli. Initially, classic psychosomatic diseases meant seven pathologies (the “Chicago seven” or “the holy seven”):
- Essential arterial hypertension;
- Duodenal ulcer;
- Nonspecific ulcerative colitis;
- Bronchial asthma;
- Thyrotoxicosis;
- Rheumatoid arthritis;
- Neurodermatitis.
Later, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and even coronary heart disease were added to psychosomatic diseases. Currently, the question of attributing to this group of radiculitis, migraine, irritable bowel syndrome, dyskinesia of the gallbladder, psoriasis and some other diseases is being considered.
Somatoform Disorders
In somatoform disorders, the patient presents a large number of serious complaints from organs and systems, while there is no objective pathological change in them. This is confirmed by numerous laboratory and instrumental studies, on the passage of which the patients themselves insist. Given the lack of organic pathology, and sometimes even functional changes, the prescribed therapy is ineffective. The patient complains about the unprofessionalism of the doctor, and the doctor classifies such a patient in a special category of “annoying” or “undesirable” clients. Unfortunately, this practice is quite common, although incorrect. These patients are shown not a “special category”, but a consultation with a psychotherapist.
Nosogenia
Nosogeny is a pathological psychological reaction of a person (usually in the form of neurosis, asthenia) in response to the occurrence of a somatic disease in him. Most often, nosogenesis is found in diseases of the cardiovascular system (coronary heart disease, arterial hypertension), in the detection of malignant neoplasms, while waiting for severe treatment (surgical interventions, prolonged immobilization after injuries or burns, chemotherapy).
Somatogeny
Somatogeny is a neuropsychiatric disorder resulting from a direct pathological effect on the central nervous system and higher nervous activity of infections, intoxications, brain injuries, radiation exposure, and tumors. Somatogeny can develop after hemodialysis, some surgical interventions, after transferring, or in the period between exacerbations of severe mental illness.
