What Causes Psychosomatic Illnesses?
Psychosomatic illnesses are caused by mental and emotional stresses that manifest as physical diseases without biological causes. According to experts, some common psychosomatic illnesses include irritable bowel syndrome, upset stomach, muscle aches, tension headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, hyperventilation or panic attacks, colitis and ulcers, and even infertility. The skill with which a person handles stress affects the potential appearance and severity of psychosomatic illnesses. Before psychosomatic illnesses can be properly diagnosed, tests must be administered to rule out possible physical reasons for the illness. This step is often frustrating for patient and doctor alike, as test after test comes back negative. This has led some physicians to tell their patients that psychosomatic illnesses are “all in their head.” Today, most doctors know better. Though the root may be mental or emotional, the disease and symptoms are very real.
