Have you experienced ongoing physical symptoms despite receiving unclear or negative medical test results? You’re not alone. Approximately 10% of people, at some point in their lives, experience painful or distressing physical symptoms that persist without a clear medical explanation (i.e., the absence of known pathology). These symptoms can often worsen when worry about illness becomes difficult to control, leading to preoccupation with finding the cause. This phenomenon is often referred to as Somatic Symptom Disorder.
Common Questions You May Be Asking Yourself:
Have you had unclear or negative medical tests for physical symptoms?
Are you experiencing ongoing symptoms despite prescribed treatments?
Do you find it hard to manage your anxiety about illness or physical discomfort?
Do your symptoms seem to worsen during stressful periods in your life?
When someone experiences physical symptoms, it’s natural to expect a medical treatment plan. Physicians are trained to diagnose bodily symptoms, which often leads to extensive investigations in search of an organic cause. However, when tests return negative and treatment options remain unclear, it can feel confusing and invalidating, especially when the pain or discomfort persists.
You might feel like your doctor is suggesting that “it’s all in your head.” However, it’s more accurate to think of these symptoms as involving mind-body connections. The body’s pain centres are located in the brain, which is intricately connected to the body. This means that stress, emotions, and physical symptoms are often interlinked.
Symptoms That May Respond Well to Talk Therapy:
If you are open to considering the role of stress and emotional factors in your physical symptoms, trained clinicians can help. Therapy can assess the connection between emotional stressors and bodily distress symptoms, offering tools to manage these factors. Talk therapy and improved self-management strategies have been shown to reduce symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Recognizing the link between the mind and body can provide clarity and relief. With the right support, you can reduce your symptoms and regain a sense of control over your life. Therapy offers a space to understand these connections, address emotional contributors, and work toward improved well-being.