Somatization affects the gastrointestinal, nervous, cardiopulmonary, or reproductive systems.
Somatization
There is no definite cure for somatization disorder, but there are methods that can ease the disorder. Antidepressants and cognitive behavioral therapy (specifically group therapy) are well known treatments.
Briquet's syndrome-- Another name for somatization disorder.
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.
Somatization is the process by which mental and emotional stresses become physical in the form of psychosomatic illnesses. Some experts believe that, as stresses play on the body, the weakest or most prone system becomes the likely target for somatization. Others believe the area affected by somatization has a direct relationship to the nature of the negative thought patterns through mind/body relationships not yet fully understood. Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-somatization.htm
Somatoform or somatization disorder refers to a group of chronic conditions where physical symptoms such as pain and discomfort are present but no organic cause could be identified for them.
Only you know why you get so scared when doctors can't find anything wrong with you even though you are in pain. You should explain to the doctor where you are in pain, the severity of pain, and the frequency of pain. You may have a somatization disorder, which is when a person has physical problems caused by psychological problems. However, this doesn't mean that you are psycho or crazy. Discuss the possibility of somatization disorder with your doctor.
Elsa G. Shapiro has written: 'The somatizing child' -- subject(s): Conversion disorder in children, Somatization disorder in children, Somatoform disorders in children
Patients with somatization disorder or pain disorder may be helped by a variety of alternative therapies including acupuncture, hydrotherapy, therapeutic massage, meditation, botanical medicine, and homeopathic treatment.
prognosis for somatoform disorders depends.on.age and whether the disorder is chronic or episodic. somatization disorder and body dysmorphic disorder rarely resolve completely. Conversion disorder tends to be rapidly resolved, but may recur in.25%
Psychosomatic refers to physical symptoms that are caused or exacerbated by psychological factors, such as stress or emotional distress. Somatization refers to the tendency to experience and communicate physical symptoms that have no apparent medical explanation, often as a way of expressing psychological distress. In essence, psychosomatic symptoms have a known psychological cause, whereas somatization involves physical symptoms without a clear medical explanation.