Psychosomatic disorders are medical conditions where psychological or emotional factors play a significant role in the development or exacerbation of physical diseases. Some of the most common psychosomatic disorders include peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome, asthma, and eczema. This article explores these conditions and the mechanisms through which psychological states affect their development.

Peptic Ulcer Disease

Peptic ulcer disease is characterized by the formation of ulcers on the lining of the stomach, caused by an imbalance between aggressive factors (acid, pepsin) and protective mechanisms (mucus, bicarbonate). Psychological stress can significantly impact this balance. Stress stimulates the release of cortisol and adrenaline, which increases stomach acid production and decreases mucus production, thereby increasing the risk of ulcers. Additionally, stress can impair blood flow to the stomach lining, hindering its regeneration.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional disorder that manifests as abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation without any organic changes in the intestines. Psychological states such as stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate IBS symptoms. Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to disruptions in gut motility and increased sensitivity to pain. The nervous system also affects the release of various gut hormones, destabilizing intestinal function.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by periodic episodes of breathlessness, coughing, and wheezing. Psychological stress can worsen asthma symptoms by activating the sympathetic nervous system, which increases the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. Stress can also heighten the sensitivity of the airways to allergens and irritants, contributing to the exacerbation of asthma symptoms.

Eczema

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition marked by itching, redness, swelling, and rashes. Psychological states such as stress and anxiety can worsen eczema by activating the immune system and increasing inflammatory processes in the skin. Stress can also reduce the function of the skin barrier, making it more susceptible to irritants and allergens, which can aggravate eczema symptoms.

Mechanisms of Psychological Influence on Psychosomatic Disorders

Psychological states can influence the development of psychosomatic disorders through various mechanisms:

Activation of the Stress Response: Chronic stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to increased levels of cortisol and other stress hormones. This can disrupt the function of organs and systems involved in psychosomatic disorders.

Inflammatory Processes: Psychological stress stimulates the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, leading to chronic inflammation. This can exacerbate conditions such as peptic ulcer disease, eczema, and asthma.

Autonomic Nervous System Changes: Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, which affects the function of internal organs and tissues, such as the gastrointestinal tract and airways, disrupting their normal activities.

Immune Response Alterations: Chronic stress can weaken immune defenses, contributing to the development and exacerbation of autoimmune and inflammatory processes.

Psychosomatic disorders represent significant clinical issues where psychological and emotional factors play a critical role. Understanding the mechanisms by which psychological states affect physical diseases helps in developing comprehensive treatment approaches that include not only medical but also psychological and social aspects. To improve patients’ quality of life, it is crucial to implement strategies for reducing stress and supporting mental health.