PSYCHOSOMATIC

DISORDERS
 INTRODUCTION
The word psychosomatic
means mind and body.
Psychosomatic disorders
are those disorders in
which psychic elements,
chemical, physiological
and structural
alternations are turned
the physical symptoms
in the person.
 Definition
Psychosomatic means mind (psyche) and
body (soma). Apsychosomatic
disorderis a disease which involves both
mind and body. Some physical diseases are
thought to be particularly prone to be
made worse by mental factors such as
stress and anxiety by:
BIOLOGICAL FACTOR
PERSONALITY VULNERABILITY
PSYCHPSOCIAL FACTOR
 7 CLASSICAL PSYCHOSOMATIC ILLNESSES
CARDIOVASCULAR ENDOCRINE DISORDER
DISORDER Diabetes mellitus
Essential hypertension Hyperthyroidism
Coronary artery disease Cushing syndrome
Post-cardio surgery Pre-menopausal syndrome
delirium Amenorrhea
Migraine Menorrhagia

GASTRO-INTESTINAL IMMUNE DISORDER

DISORDER Autoimmune disorders
Esophageal reflux Allergic disorders like
Peptic ulcer bronchial asthma and hay
Ulcerative colitis fever
Crohns disease Viral infections
MUSCULOSKELETAL RESPIRATORY DISORDERS
DISORDERS Bronchial asthma
Rheumatoid fever Hay fever
Rhinitis
SKIN DISORDERS : Psoriasis, Pruritus,
 Treatment
Relaxation techniques: this is one of the
most important methods aimed at reducing
anxiety and restlessness. It include:
- Jacobsons progressive muscle relaxation
technique.
- Yoga
- Hynosis
- Meditation
- Biofeedback
Behavior modification techniques
Individual therapy
 Nursing management
ASSESSMENT
Perform thorough physical assessment.
Monitor laboratory values, vital signs,
intake and output and other assessments
necessary to maintain an accurate
diagnosis.
Assess patients level of anxiety
Assess level of knowledge regarding
effects of psychological problems.
 NURSING DISGNOSIS
Ineffective individual coping related
to repressed anxiety and inadequate
coping methods, evidenced by
initiation or exacerbation of physical
illness.

Knowledge deficit related to

psychological factors affecting
physical condition evidenced by
various physical problems.
 Nursing interventions
Encourage the patient to discuss current life
situations that he perceives as stressful and feelings
associated with it.
Provide positive reinforcement for adaptive coping
mechanism.
Help patient to identify a resource person within the
community.
Have patient keep a diary of appearance, duration
and intensity of physical symptoms.
Help patient identify needs that are being met
through the sick role.
Discuss adaptive methods of stress management
such as relaxation technique, physical exercises,
meditation and breathing exercises.