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The primary difference between hypochondriasis and somatization disorder is that people manifesting the former are fearful that their symptoms indicate a serious disease(s), whereas those with somatization disorder typically do not progress beyond a concern with the symptoms themselves.

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What is the difference between psychosomatic and somatization?

To somatize is to take stress and basically turn it into or express it in somatic ways. A child with separation anxiety may somatize the anxiety and express it as a stomach ache. In somatization, the stomach ache is real, but a major cause of the stomach ache is anxiety. The term "somatization" is associated with a specific disorder, which involves the occurrence of multiple physical complaints over a period of time which are believed to have more of a basis in mental health rather than in an actual physical disorder (See the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders for more detail on that). The term psychosomatic is a more general term for the study of medical issues in which psychological factors play a major role. Psychosomatic medicine would include the study and treatment of, for instance, heart disease and diabetes in which psychological factors play an important role, but also other somatoform disorders (of which somatization disorder is one). such as In conversion blindness (also a somatoform disorder), the sufferer cannot see even though the brain and eye function normally. It is believed that because of psychological factors, the sufferer's exprience is that they cannot see. They are not believed to be 'faking" blindness (that would be termed "malingering if the purpose was for some sort of secondary gain like money, and it would be called "factitious disorder" if the purpose was to for primary gain like being in the sick role and receiving sympathy). In conversion blindess the sufferer really experiences themselves as blind despite the fact that the cause is psychological rather than physiological. The psychoanalytic explanation for this would be that there was something in the person's environment that they desperately do not want to see, and "blindness" is the unconscious mind's solution to the problem. In the psychosomatic study of heart disease, however, there is more of a focus on the impact of stress, anxiety, and anger on the heart and its functioning. In psychoneuroimmunology, there is a focus on the ability of certain personality traits and ways of managing stress to impact overall health and resistance to disease.


What is the difference between narcissism and megalomania?

Narcissism is a personality trait characterized by excessive self-love and a need for admiration, while megalomania is a mental disorder where a person has delusions of grandeur and power.


The difference between a psychological disorder versus normal behavior?

A psychological disorder refers to patterns of behaviors, thoughts, or emotions that cause distress or impairment in functioning, and typically deviate significantly from cultural or societal norms. Normal behavior, on the other hand, is adaptive, functional, and in line with societal expectations. The distinction between the two lies in the degree of dysfunction, distress, or impairment caused by the behavior.


What is the difference between disability and disorder?

Simply put a disorder can cause a disability. A disability (meaning impaired, as in physical functioning) is a physical or mental impairment that prevents an individual functioning as most people could. A disorder (an ailment that affects the function of mind or body) is the name given to a disease which may sometimes manifest in such a was as to cause a disability. Not all disorders (eg an eating disorder) cause a disability


Somatization disorder?

DefinitionSomatization disorder is a long-term (chronic) condition in which a person has physical symptoms that are caused by psychological problems, and no physical problem can be found.Alternative NamesBriquet syndromeCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThe disorder usually begins before the age of 30 and occurs more often in women than in men. The disorder is more common in people with irritable bowel syndrome and chronic pain.Physicians often dismiss patients with somatization disorder as having problems that are "all in their head." However, as researchers study the connections between the brain, the digestive system, and the immune system, somatization disorders are becoming better understood. They should not be seen as "faked" conditions.SymptomsPeople with this disorder have many physical complaints that last for years and can involve any body system. Most often, the complaints involve chronic pain and problems with the digestive system, nervous system, and reproductive system.The symptoms are generally severe enough to interfere with work and relationships, and lead the person to visit the doctor and take medication. The person often has a lifelong history of "sickliness." However, even after a thorough evaluation, no physical cause is ever found to explain the symptoms. Stress often worsens the symptoms.Some of the many symptoms that can occur with somatization disorder include:Abdominal painAmnesiaBack painBloatingChest painDiarrheaDifficulty swallowingDizzinessExcessive menstrual bleedingHeadachesImpotenceIrregular menstruationJoint painNauseaPain during intercoursePain during urinationPainful menstruationPain in the legs or armsPalpitationsParalysis or muscle weaknessSexual apathyShortness of breathVision changesVomitingIt is important to note that many of these symptoms also occur in other medical and psychiatric disorders. If you experience any of these symptoms, work with your doctor to find possible causes before a diagnosis of somatization disorder is made.Signs and testsA thorough physical examination and diagnostic tests are performed to identify physical causes. The types of tests done depend on what symptoms you have.A psychological evaluation is performed to identify related disorders.TreatmentOnce other causes have been investigated and it is likely that you have somatization disorder, the goal of treatment is to help you learn to control your symptoms. There is often a mood disorder, which may respond to antidepressant medications.Having a supportive relationship with a sympathetic health care provider is the most important part of treatment. Regularly schedule appointments to review your symptoms and coping mechanisms. The health care provider should explain any test results.You should not be told that your symptoms are imaginary. With the current understanding of the complex interactions between the brain and other body parts, scientists recognize that real physical symptoms can result from psychological stress.ComplicationsComplications from invasive testing and from many evaluations while looking for the cause of the symptomsBecoming dependent on pain relievers or sedativesWorsening of the condition due to a poor relationship with the health care provider and evaluation by many providersCalling your health care providerHaving a good relationship with your primary health care provider is helpful. Call for an appointment if you notice a major change in your symptoms.PreventionCounseling or other psychological interventions may help people who are prone to somatization learn other ways of dealing with stresses. This may help reduce the intensity of the symptoms.ReferencesMoore DP, Jefferson JW. Briquet's syndrome. In: Moore DP, Jefferson JW, eds. Handbook of Medical Psychiatry. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2004:chap 90.deGruy FV. The somatic patient. In: Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Medicine. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap 61.Purcell TB. Somatoform disorders. In: Marx J, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2006:chap 111.

Related Questions

What is hypochondriasis disorder and conversion disorder?

Both are actually somatoform disorders. Hypochondriasis is a preoccupation with fears about a real physical problem where the severity of the illness is misconceived. The preoccupation will persist even with disconfirming evidence. Conversion is a presence of a motor or sensory symptom that cannot be medically explained in fact sometimes is anatomically impossible. The symptoms are not intentionally feigned and often the cause is presumed to be a traumatic event.


What is the difference between schizo effective and schizo affective?

There is no difference. The correct term is schizoaffective disorder. Schizoeffective disorder is a misspelling.


The difference between bipolar I disorder and bipolar II disorder is?

the number of depressive and manic episodes.


What is the difference between somatoform and psychosomatic disorder?

A somatic disorder is a malfunction of the body. A psychosomatic disorder is a disorder of (most commonly) the body caused by a psychological factor (the mind).


What is the difference between a narcissist and a s?

Narcissism is a psychological disorder. S is a letter.


What is the difference between anxiety and an axiety disorder?

I think the difference between the two is that anxietywere you get worried about things, while anxiety disorder is when it is were you can't control you anxiety and you worry about everything. That is just what I inffer. Hope it helped!


What is the main difference between generalized anxiety disorder and phobic disorder?

Individuals with generalized anxiety disorder cannot pinpoint the cause of their nervous feelings, whereas individuals with phobias can.


What is the difference between avoidance personality and avoidance personality disorder?

In the personality it does not necessarily interfere with your life it is just who you are, the disorder is a chronic condition that cripples you.


What is schitzophrania?

Schizophrenia is a mental disorder that makes it difficult to tell the difference between real and unreal experiences.


What is the difference between Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder?

It is much less serious.


What is the difference between AIDS and SCIDS?

scid is a genetic disorder while aids is caused by hiv virus


What region is located between the hypochondriac region?

The brain. Hypochondriasis is a neurotic condition in which the person imagines an illness. The brain is the center of imaginations or neuroses.