How to treat severe somatization symptoms

Severe somatic symptoms require comprehensive treatment including psychotherapy, medication, symptomatic management of physical symptoms, family support interventions, and lifestyle adjustments. Organic diseases must be ruled out first. If physical symptoms persistently worsen or affect daily functioning, timely medical evaluation is recommended to establish a clear diagnosis.

1. Psychotherapy: One of the core treatment approaches. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is commonly used to help patients recognize the connection between physical symptoms and psychological stress, correct cognitive distortions, learn emotional regulation techniques, and reduce the interference of symptoms in daily life.

2. Medication: For accompanying anxiety or depressive symptoms, anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications may be prescribed. These help regulate neurotransmitter balance to alleviate emotional distress, thereby indirectly reducing physical discomfort. Medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.

3. Symptomatic management of physical symptoms: Target specific complaints such as pain, insomnia, or gastrointestinal discomfort using physical therapies (e.g., acupuncture, massage) or symptom-specific medications to rapidly relieve physical distress and enhance the patient’s confidence in treatment.

4. Family support intervention: Guide family members to provide understanding and companionship, avoiding excessive focus on or denial of symptoms. Help create a relaxed family environment to reduce the patient's psychological burden and reinforce therapeutic outcomes.

5. Lifestyle adjustments: Maintain regular sleep patterns and avoid staying up late. Engage in moderate aerobic exercises such as brisk walking or yoga. Develop hobbies to divert attention from physical symptoms, reduce hypervigilance, and promote overall physical and mental recovery.

Follow a regular diet with balanced nutrition and avoid spicy or irritating foods. Learn relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to reduce stress responses. Actively participate in social activities to prevent isolation and gradually restore normal social functioning.