Somatization disorder = is not the same as health anxiety. For one thing it is rare; According to the
DSM-IV-TR ,
somatization disorder is rare in males in the United States, although higher rates are seen among males from some cultural and ethnic groups.
The DSM-IV-TR estimates that between 0.2% and 2% of women, and less than 0.2% of men, suffer from somatization disorder in the U.S.Somatization disorder is a psychiatric condition in which the patient experiences multiple physical symptoms that are not explained by disease. It is classified as a "somatoform disorder." The disorder can seem similar to hypochondriasis . The difference is that those who suffer from hypochondriasis are afraid of being sick. Those with somatization disorder experience numerous physical symptoms but are not necessarily afraid of those symptoms.
http://www.minddisorders.com/Py-Z/Somatization-disorder.html
Randomized trials have demonstrated the value of physician education in the management of the patient with somatization.Cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy strategies may be specifically helpful in reducing distress and high medical use. Psychosocial interventions directed by physicians form the basis for successful treatment. A strong relationship between the patient and the primary care physician can assist in long-term management.
Psychoeducation can be helpful by letting the patient know that physical symptoms may be exacerbated by anxiety or other emotional problems. However, be careful because patients are likely to resist suggestions that their condition is due to emotional rather than physical problems.
The primary care physician should inform the patient that the symptoms do not appear to be due to a life-threatening, disabling, medical condition and should schedule regular visits for reassessment and reinforcement of the lacking severity of ongoing symptoms.
The patient also may be told that some patients with similar symptoms have had spontaneous improvement, implying that spontaneous improvement may occur. However, the physician should accept the patient's physical symptoms and not pursue a goal of symptom resolution.
Indeed, regular, noninvasive, medical assessment reduces anxiety and limits health care–seeking behavior; this may be facilitated by regularly scheduled visits with the patient's primary care physician.
Encourage patients to remain active and limit the effect of target symptoms on the quality of life and daily functioning.
Family members should not become preoccupied with the patients physical symptoms or medical care. Family members should direct the patient to report symptoms to their primary care physician.
There is an awful lot of material available about this dx and CBT is often the choice of treatment. Like other somatization disorders, patients are not always willing to agree with their Drs. that they have no real medical problems and accept their mental health dx.
Here in the forum we support everyone but some topics are really out of our realm as we are not professionals and that is why you see referrals to Psychiatrists and Therapist so often.
We cannot dx; only a profession can.
We can and will continue to support one another as we have been doing for years.
Gentle Hugs,
Kitt