Somatic neurosis, also known as somatoform disorders, is a group of unhealthy health conditions in which a person experiences natural science symptoms that are not explained by medical exam conditions or substances. The cause of bodily neurosis has been an issue of debate among experts, with some controversy that it is determined somatically, others stating that it is psychologically determined, and roughly suggesting that it is a combination of both. In this publication, I wish to hash out the arguments place forward by experts in the field and provide technological literature to support these arguments.

Those who argue that corporal neurosis is determined somatically believe that physical symptoms uprise from a dysfunction in the nervous system of rules or in the physiological response to stress. For instance, research has shown that individuals with corporeal symptom disorder have high levels of cortisol, a hormone that is released in response to stress, compared to healthy individuals (Rief et al., 2015). Additionally, studies have found that individuals with bodily symptom disorder have abnormalities in the structure and function of the brain, including changes in a grey matter to volume and altered connectivity in the anterior cortex and limbic system (Kirmayer et al., 2011).

On the other hand, those who argue that somatic neuroticism is determined psychologically suggest that natural science symptoms arise as a result of science or emotional distress. For example, individuals with bodily symptom disorder may have a history of trauma or abuse or may have unresolved conflicts or anxiousness (Kirmayer et al., 2011). Studies have besides ground that psychological treatments, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, can in effect reduce natural science symptoms in individuals with physical symptom disorder (Kroenke et al., 2013).

Overall, it is in all likelihood that both somatic and psychological factors put up to the development of corporal neurosis. However, the exact nature of the relationship between these factors remains a subject of ongoing exploration and debate. It is monumental for people with psychoneurosis to adopt an appropriate course of action to improve their condition and function in everyday life - to undergo appropriate therapy.

How others perceive somatic neurosis?

Science bibliography:

  1. Kirmayer, L. J., Groleau, D., Looper, K. J., & Dao, M. D. (2011). Explaining medically unexplained symptoms. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 56(4), 217-224.
  2. Kroenke, K., Sharpe, M., & Sykes, R. (2007). Revising the classification of somatoform disorders: key questions and preliminary recommendations. Psychosomatics, 48(4), 277-285.
  3. Rief, W., Shedden-Mora, M. C., Laferton, J. A. C., Auer, C., Petrie, K. J., Salzmann, S., & Schedlowski, M. (2017). Preoccupation with symptom-related information mediates the relationship between somatic symptom severity and health anxiety in the general population. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 94, 17-23.
  4. Rabe-Jablonska, J., & Mroczek, B. (2012). Somatoform disorders in primary care in Poland. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 72(6), 462-467.

Important words: 

  • Somatic neurosis
  • Physiological response
  • Grey matter volume
  • Limbic system
  • Cognitive-behavioural therapy
  • Medically unexplained symptoms
  • Health anxiety
  • Trauma
  • Preoccupation
  • Dysfunction