What are the symptoms of somatization in depression?
Nov 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Somatization of depression refers to the manifestation of depressive emotions through physical discomfort, with main symptoms including pain in multiple areas, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal discomfort, persistent fatigue, palpitations, and chest tightness. Alleviating somatic symptoms of depression requires both emotional regulation and lifestyle adjustments, achieved through regular作息 (daily routines), moderate exercise, and emotional support from family and friends, leading to gradual relief of physical discomfort.
Somatic symptoms of depression refer to the manifestation of depressive emotions through physical discomfort. Common symptoms include pain in multiple areas, sleep disturbances, gastrointestinal discomfort, persistent fatigue, palpitations, and chest tightness. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Pain in multiple areas: Pain may affect the head, shoulders, neck, lower back, and limbs. It is often described as a dull ache or soreness, with intensity closely related to the degree of low mood. The pain significantly worsens during emotional suppression and responds poorly to rest or medication. In some individuals, the location of pain may shift along with emotional fluctuations.
2. Sleep disturbances: Common issues include difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakening during the night, or early morning awakening with inability to fall back asleep. Some individuals may instead experience excessive daytime sleepiness. Even after sufficient sleep duration, they still feel mentally exhausted and unable to regain energy through sleep.
3. Gastrointestinal discomfort: Symptoms such as recurrent nausea, acid reflux, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation frequently occur. These symptoms show little correlation with dietary habits. Gastrointestinal discomfort tends to worsen during periods of emotional stress or low mood. Medical examinations typically reveal no clear organic gastrointestinal disease.
4. Persistent fatigue: Individuals often feel extreme exhaustion during routine activities—even simple tasks like housework or walking become difficult to sustain. The body feels "drained." Heaviness, soreness, and weakness in the limbs may occur without obvious physical exertion and are not effectively relieved by rest.
5. Palpitations and chest tightness: Even when emotionally stable, individuals may suddenly experience rapid heartbeat or heart palpitations, accompanied by chest tightness or a sensation of chest constriction. These symptoms are not caused by structural heart disease but tend to occur when emotional suppression reaches a certain threshold.
Alleviating somatic symptoms of depression requires both emotional regulation and lifestyle adjustments. Establishing regular routines, engaging in moderate exercise, and receiving emotional support from family and friends can gradually reduce physical discomfort and help restore balance between mind and body.
