Understanding Functional Disorders: The Link Between Psychology and Physical Symptoms

disorder in which there is no known physiologic reason for the abnormal functioning of an organ or organ system

functional disorder

The disorder you are describing is commonly known as a functional disorder or a psychosomatic disorder. In these disorders, there is no apparent physical cause that can be identified through medical tests, but the patient experiences real and often distressing symptoms.

Functional disorders are thought to arise from a complex interplay between psychological factors (such as stress, anxiety, or depression) and physiological factors (such as disrupted nerve function or altered immune responses). This means that although there may not be any observable physical abnormalities, the body is still responding in a way that produces physical symptoms.

Some examples of functional disorders include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, tension headaches, and functional dyspepsia. These disorders can be challenging to diagnose because they do not have clear physical markers or distinctive pattern of symptoms. Treatment for functional disorders may involve a combination of psychological therapies (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or relaxation techniques) and medical interventions (such as pain relief medication or dietary changes).

If you or someone you know is experiencing unexplained physical symptoms, it is important to seek medical advice in order to rule out any underlying physical causes. Once a physical cause has been ruled out, a referral to a mental health professional may be beneficial in addressing any underlying psychological factors that may be contributing to the condition.

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