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Do you wonder why you always have unrelenting physical pain or discomfort, yet can't find a medical explanation? You might be suffering from somatic anxiety.
What is somatic anxiety?
Somatic anxiety (or somatization), is the manifestation of anxiety in the form of physical complaints. Somatization might appear as frequent headaches, stomach troubles, skin conditions, dizziness or lightheadedness, and many other physical symptoms. People with somatization often have a history of numerous doctors’ visits in attempts to find a medical explanation for symptoms, yet routinely are told that “everything looks normal.”
In this article, we explain what somatic anxiety is and answer common questions.
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Is somatic anxiety a diagnosis?
Somatization, or somatic anxiety, is not a diagnosis but a description of a person’s experience. Somatic symptom disorder, however, is a psychiatric diagnosis in the fifth version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) that applies to individuals who experience severe impairments in functioning. Most people with somatic anxiety don’t meet full criteria for a disorder, but can be disruptive to life all the same.
Symptoms of somatic anxiety
Somatization is characterized by excessive worry about having or developing a serious illness. Individuals with somatic anxiety may interpret bodily sensations as signs of serious health problems and often spend significant time and energy worrying about their health. This worry persists despite medical examinations and assurances that there is no serious medical basis for this concern. The main features of somatic anxiety are:
- Excessive worries about physical health. A persistent fear or belief that one has, or will have, a serious illness based on interpretation of bodily symptoms (even when medical examinations show no serious medical conditions).
- Hyper-attention to bodily functions. Constant attention to and interpretation of bodily sensations, pain or discomfort, often leading to misinterpretations about their meaning.
- Hospital visits and health checks. Frequent visits to the doctor and the need for repeated medical examinations which may lead to temporary relief but does not provide long term solutions.
- Avoidance behaviors. Avoiding certain places, activities, or things that the person believes could lead to illness or injury.
- Emotional stress. Somatic anxiety can lead to significant anxiety, stress, and negative impact on daily functions.
Somatic anxiety can cause a great deal of suffering. If the signs above feel familiar, seek treatment to reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.
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Treatment of somatic anxiety
Treatment for somatic anxiety often involves a combination of psychotherapy and medication. Here are some of the most common treatment methods:
Psychotherapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of therapy for somatization. CBT helps people understand their problem and how it developed. CBT also helps individuals to identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety and develop other approaches that lead to improved well being.
Medication: Treatment may include the use of antidepressants. These medications can help regulate mood and reduce anxiety symptoms.
It is important to remember that treatment for somatic anxiety varies by individual. Length of treatment for somatic anxiety can vary in time depending on the severity, with milder symptoms requiring shorter treatment than more severe cases. At the beginning of treatment, an assessment is always made to see what might be most helpful.
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Here at Lavendla, we know that is never too late to find relief from somatic anxiety. If you are experiencing symptoms that are affecting your personal life or work, contact one of our qualified therapists today.
12 common questions and answers about health anxiety
What is somatic anxiety?
Somatic anxiety, or somatization, is characterized by an excessive worry about having or developing a serious illness. People with somatic anxiety are often extremely preoccupied with their physical health and may interpret normal bodily sensations as signs of serious health problems.
Are somatic anxiety and hypochondria the same thing?
Somatic anxiety used to be called hypochondria. The name was changed in the latest version of the DSM-5 diagnostic manual.
What are the symptoms of somatic anxiety?
Somatic anxiety is an exaggerated concern about having or developing a serious illness where people may experience common bodily sensations as signs of serious health problems and often spend significant time and energy worrying about their health. This concern persists despite medical examinations and assurances that there is no serious medical basis for the concerns.
Is somatic anxiety the same as death anxiety?
Many therapists agree that all anxiety problems involve a fear of death in various ways, with somatic anxiety being a fear of dying from a disease even though there is no evidence of this.
Can somatic anxiety lead to depression?
Somatic anxiety can contribute to the development of depressive symptoms if it goes untreated for a long time. People may start to avoid situations and socialization because of their anxiety, which leads to isolation and worsening depression.
How is somatic anxiety different from generalized anxiety?
Somatic anxiety focuses specifically on issues concerning physical health, such as worries about having a serious illness. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) applies to people who worry about many areas, such as work, relationships, and physical health, and find that these worries severely impact their functioning.
What should I do if I have a relative or close friend who suffers from anxiety?
Having a loved one with somatic anxiety can be difficult. Conversations may revolve around their symptoms and doctors’ appointments. It is important to listen to the person with anxiety rather than dismissing their concerns, but refrain from encouraging discussions that focus on physical symptoms. You can also encourage the person to seek support from a therapist to develop ways to cope with having so many physical symptoms.
Can you experience somatic anxiety without being aware of it?
Yes, somatic anxiety can be a complicated issue. Often the person suffering from somatic anxiety believes that their anxiety stems from the belief that they have a physical illness (rather than the other way around).
Can somatic anxiety be treated?
Yes, somatic anxiety can be treated with therapy from a qualified professional and with medications if appropriate.
What is cognitive behavioral therapy?
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based therapy that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to anxiety.
Can physical activity help reduce health anxiety?
Yes, physical activity can be helpful in reducing anxiety. Regular exercise promotes psychological well-being by releasing endorphins, improving sleep quality, and reducing stress so it affects quality of life.
Where can I go if I need help?
Book an initial session with a Lavendla therapist today and start your journey toward psychological health. We will help you make the hard things easier.
Step-by-step treatment for somatic anxiety
This section explains how somatic anxiety is treated using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
Assessment of symptoms
A qualified professional gathers information about your current problems and your history. You may also be asked to complete several questionnaires that assess a variety of areas.
Psychoeducation and objectives
You learn about how your anxiety affects you both physically and psychologically. You work with your therapist to identify strengths, analyze situations, and set goals for treatment.
Tools for changing behaviors and patterns
Next, you work on identifying and changing patterns of thinking that are linked to your somatic anxiety. With your therapist you can work with different tools to overcome your problem. You may be given homework to practice between sessions.
Follow up and evaluate progress
Throughout the entire process, your therapist provides support and encouragement. At the end of the treatment, you also receive a plan to continue practicing and maintain your progress over time.
Feel free to book a first session with one of our licensed psychologists or therapists to see how we can help you. We make the hard things easier.
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