Psychosomatic illness develops when psychological stress or emotional conflict leads to real physical symptoms or worsens an existing medical condition. It’s not “imagined” , the body truly reacts to mental and emotional strain through biological pathways.
Here’s how it typically develops step-by-step:
1. Emotional or Psychological Stress
A person experiences ongoing stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, or unresolved emotional conflict.
- Examples: grief, work pressure, relationship problems, guilt, fear.
2. Activation of the Stress Response
(CONSULT A NEUROLOGIST/MD)
The fight-or-flight system (sympathetic nervous system) becomes chronically activated.
- The brain (especially the hypothalamus) signals the adrenal glands to release stress hormones , mainly adrenaline and cortisol.
3. Physical Changes in the Body
(CONSULT A NEUROLOGIST/MD)
These hormones affect many body systems:
- Cardiovascular: increased heart rate, blood pressure.
- Digestive: reduced digestion, stomach acid imbalance.
- Immune: suppressed or overactive immune response.
- Muscular: tension, pain.
If stress persists, these changes stop being temporary , they start to damage tissues or organs.
4. Symptom Formation
(CONSULT A NEUROLOGIST/MD)
Over time, this leads to physical symptoms such as:
- Headaches, migraines
- Stomach ulcers or irritable bowel
- Chest pain, palpitations
- Chronic fatigue, muscle pain
- Skin rashes, eczema
- Hypertension
The symptoms are real but are triggered or worsened by psychological factors.
5. Reinforcement Cycle
The physical symptoms cause more worry and stress, which further increases physiological arousal , creating a vicious cycle of mind–body interaction.
6. Chronic Condition or Disorder
(CONSULT A NEUROLOGIST/MD)
Without addressing the psychological roots (through therapy, stress management, or emotional processing), the symptoms can become chronic and difficult to treat medically alone.
Shervan K Shahhian
LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION 