What does “psychosomatic” mean?

The term psychosomatic derives from the Greek words “psyche” (soul/mind) and “soma” (body). Psychosomatic medicine is concerned with how psychological processes and emotional stressors can affect physical health. Psychosomatics explores the relationship between psychological processes and physical symptoms.

In simple terms: Emotional strain such as stress, anxiety, or unresolved inner conflicts can manifest as physical complaints — even when no organic cause is found.

Why is psychosomatics so important?

In today’s fast-paced world, psychological stress such as chronic pressure, emotional overload, trauma, or unresolved inner turmoil is increasing. Many people suffer from physical complaints that cannot be easily explained medically. Psychosomatics provides a helpful framework to understand these symptoms — and to treat them compassionately and effectively.

Psychosomatic Disorders: Symptoms and Examples

Psychosomatic symptoms can present in many forms. Some of the most common include:

• Chronic headaches or migraines
• Back pain or neck tension
• Irritable bowel syndrome (e.g., abdominal pain, bloating)
• Sleep disorders
• Heart palpitations without medical cause
• Chronic fatigue
• Skin conditions like eczema or hives

Here’s a helpful list of psychosomatic body reactions and possible emotional triggers:

This list does not replace a medical diagnosis but highlights typical psychosomatic conditions and real-life examples that are frequently seen in practice.

What Is Psychosomatic Pain?

Psychosomatic pain is pain that is felt in the body without a clear organic cause. It is not imagined — the pain is real and often significantly affects quality of life.

Symptoms of Psychosomatic Pain

• The pain location may shift (e.g., headache today, backache tomorrow)
• No relief from medications
• Symptoms flare during stressful or emotionally intense situations
• The pain may worsen in times of conflict
• Medical tests return normal results

This is referred to as psychosomatic pain. Many people feel misunderstood or dismissed when traditional medicine fails to provide answers.

Psychosomatic Stress and Anxiety Disorders

When psychosomatic symptoms persist over time, they can lead to so-called psychosomatic stress disorders. These symptoms can repeatedly interfere with daily life, work, and relationships. Often, individuals also suffer from psychosomatic anxiety disorders — where mental and physical symptoms amplify one another, and a strong fear of the occurence of further symptoms develops.

Treatment: What Helps with Psychosomatic Symptoms?

1. Psychological Therapy

Psychosomatic symptoms are often addressed through:

• Talk therapy: Understanding the link between thoughts, emotions, and bodily symptoms
• Psychodynamic therapy: Exploring unconscious conflicts
• Body-based approaches: Such as breathing therapy or biofeedback

2. Multimodal Therapy in a Psychosomatic Clinic

A psychosomatic clinic without waiting time is a dream for many — though public clinics often have long waits. Private clinics or acute admission centers may offer faster access.

A comprehensive treatment approach usually includes:

• Individual and group psychotherapy
• Movement and body therapy
• Relaxation techniques (e.g., yoga, mindfulness, PMR)
• Creative therapies (e.g., art, music)
• Social counseling and coaching

Tip: If you’re experiencing severe psychosomatic symptoms, ask your family doctor, psychologist, or therapist for a referral to a psychosomatic clinic.

How Psychological Therapy Works with Psychosomatic Disorders

Psychosomatics – Interaction Body & Psyche: Psychological therapy uses a holistic approach, addressing not only the symptoms but their emotional and social background. The aim is to create awareness of the connection between emotional experiences and physical complaints — and to foster long-term self-regulation strategies.

1. Understanding Instead of Just Treating

Psychoeducation is often the first step: Clients learn what psychosomatic symptoms are, how they develop, and that they are not “imagined.” This alone can reduce feelings of shame and frustration — especially after a long history of medical consultations without clear answers.

2. Exploring Personal Triggers

Therapists help identify the conditions under which symptoms occur — and whether they’re linked to specific emotions, unresolved issues, or life phases. Techniques may include:

• Talk therapy
• Psychodynamic approaches
• Schema therapy
• Mindfulness-based interventions

The goal is to uncover repressed emotions, inner conflicts, or unhealthy life patterns.

3. Working with the Body

Since symptoms manifest physically, body-oriented methods are often integrated — like breathwork, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), biofeedback, or body-focused mindfulness. Clients learn to better sense and manage physical stress responses.

4. Managing Stress and Emotions

Therapy supports clients in building emotional resilience through:

• Emotion regulation
• Self-care techniques
• Setting boundaries
• Healthy communication

Many people with psychosomatic symptoms have forgotten how to listen to their own needs — or have been conditioned to ignore them out of duty, fear, or guilt.

5. Integration and Relapse Prevention

In the final phase of therapy, the focus shifts to integrating insights into everyday life. Clients develop more confidence in managing symptoms and create sustainable routines. Full symptom resolution isn’t always the goal — rather, the aim is to develop a new, mindful way of relating to oneself.

Is There Medication for Psychosomatic Disorders?

Yes — but they should be seen as supportive, not primary treatments.

• Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs) can help with underlying depression or anxiety
• Painkillers may offer temporary relief but don’t address root causes
• Herbal supplements such as St. John’s Wort, lavender, or valerian can support sleep and calmness

Important: Medication should always be supervised by a physician. The most effective approach for psychosomatic disorders often combines Talk Therapy with appropriate medical treatment.

Conclusion: Take Psychosomatic Symptoms Seriously

Psychosomatic illnesses are not a sign of weakness — they show that the mind and body are deeply connected. If you experience recurring physical symptoms without a clear medical explanation, it’s important to seek professional help and explore the emotional roots.

Psychosomatics – Interaction Body & Psyche: Do you recognize yourself in these descriptions? Are you having pain or illnesses without a diagnosable organic cause? Do you want to learn how to better understand the connection between your body and your emotions — and find ways to address the underlying causes? Let’s talk about it in a free initial session!

References:

Bachmann, S. et al. (2020). „Psychotherapie bei somatoformen und funktionellen Körperbeschwerden“. Psychotherapeut 65, 93–101. DOI: 10.1007/s00278-020-00422-5

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Psychosomatische Medizin: https://www.dgpm.de

Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Zentrum für Psychosoziale Medizin: https://www.klinikum.uni-heidelberg.de

Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung: https://www.bzga.de

WHO ICD-11: Somatoforme und psychosomatische Störungen

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Psychosomatische Medizin und Ärztliche Psychotherapie (DGPM). Offizielle Leitlinien und Fachartikel zu Diagnostik und Therapie: https://www.dgpm.de

Deutsches Ärzteblatt – Psychosomatische Medizin: Artikel zu evidenzbasierten Behandlungsansätzen: Deter, H. C. (2003). „Psychosomatische Medizin: Stand und Perspektiven“. Dtsch Arztebl 100(20), A-1324.

K. König, C. Reimer & B. Strauß (2017). Psychosomatik in der Psychotherapie: Ein integrativer Ansatz. Springer Verlag.

World Health Organization (WHO) ICD-11 – Klassifikation psychosomatischer Störungen unter „Bodily Distress Disorder“ (BDD): https://icd.who.int/en

S3-Leitlinie Funktionelle Körperbeschwerden (gültig für psychosomatische Störungen wie somatoforme Schmerzstörung): https://www.awmf.org/leitlinien

Bachmann, S. et al. (2020). „Psychotherapie bei somatoformen und funktionellen Körperbeschwerden“. Psychotherapeut 65, 93–101. DOI: 10.1007/s00278-020-00422-5