How Psychosomatics Work

A psychosomatic disorder refers to physical health problems that arise as a result of psychological or emotional stress. In other words, mental and emotional experiences can act as a trigger for physical illness.

According to practicing psychologist Lana Zupko, a specialist in addiction, crisis support, and personal growth, the mechanism unfolds as follows:

“The psyche responds to any changes in life activity with a state of arousal. The energy generated by this process is normally released through physical actions — like walking, breathing, or speaking. However, under negative stress, the body still experiences this arousal, but the energy doesn’t get released through movement.”

Instead, the psyche represses the individual’s attempts to become aware of or process the experience, in order to avoid reliving a traumatic event. As a result, the body “freezes,” creating muscular tension or blockages. This disrupts the natural harmony between mind and body.

“Since maintaining long-term tension consumes a lot of energy, the body tries to release it by any means possible — and this is how psychosomatic symptoms begin to manifest,” explains Zupko.

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Key Factors Behind Psychosomatic Disorders

Franz Alexander, the founder of psychosomatic medicine, identified several contributing factors:

• Genetic predisposition

• Birth-related trauma

• Early childhood illnesses that increase sensitivity in specific organs

• Parenting approaches in early development (such as weaning, toilet training, and sleep routines)

• Traumatic physical experiences in infancy or childhood

• Emotional trauma in early life

• The emotional climate in the family, including the personality traits of parents and siblings

• Recent physical injuries

• Recent emotional upheavals — particularly in intimate, personal, or professional relationships

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Common Psychosomatic Conditions Include:

• Autonomic nervous system dysfunction (also known as vegetative-vascular dystonia)

• Allergies

• Depression

• Bronchial asthma

• Nervous diarrhea

• Colitis

• Type 2 diabetes

• Stomach and duodenal ulcers

• Tingling or “crawling ants” sensation on the skin

• A persistent lump in the throat

• Atopic dermatitis

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An Integrated Approach to Treatment

“Effective treatment of psychosomatic disorders requires a multidisciplinary approach,” says Lana Zupko.

This may include collaboration between a psychologist, a therapist trained in any therapeutic modality (such as Gestalt therapy, CBT, psychoanalysis, or body-oriented therapy), a neurologist, psychiatrist, family physician, and relevant medical specialists (such as endocrinologists or gastroenterologists).

“Working with psychosomatic symptoms involves practices that pay close attention to bodily sensations. The goal is to restore physical sensitivity, identify areas of muscular tension, understand the underlying emotional cause, and gradually release it,” she adds.