What are the manifestations of somatization symptoms?

Nov 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Baohua

Introduction

Somatic symptoms include discomfort in the digestive system, abnormalities in the cardiovascular system, respiratory symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and neurological symptoms. These symptoms tend to recur and lack clear organic pathology, often affecting daily life. If persistent physical discomfort occurs despite normal test results, timely medical evaluation is recommended. Common manifestations include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and bloating.

Physical symptoms of somatization include discomfort in the digestive system, abnormalities in the cardiovascular system, respiratory symptoms, musculoskeletal pain, and neurological symptoms. These symptoms are often recurrent and lack clear organic pathology, significantly affecting daily life. If persistent physical discomfort occurs despite normal medical test results, timely medical evaluation is recommended.

1. Digestive system discomfort: Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, acid reflux, belching, diarrhea, constipation, or decreased appetite. These resemble gastrointestinal disorders, but no corresponding organic lesions are found upon examination. Symptoms may worsen with eating or emotional fluctuations.

2. Cardiovascular system abnormalities: Manifest as chest tightness or pain, palpitations, anxiety about heart function, and increased heart rate. Some individuals may feel pressure or constriction in the chest, similar to heart disease symptoms. However, tests such as electrocardiograms typically show normal results, and symptoms become more pronounced during emotional stress.

3. Respiratory system symptoms: Include chest tightness, shortness of breath, a sensation of insufficient air, and frequent deep breathing or sighing. Despite normal pulmonary function tests, discomfort persists and is easily triggered during states of anxiety.

4. Musculoskeletal pain: Often presents as generalized muscle aches, joint soreness, and stiffness or pain in the neck, shoulders, lower back, or back muscles. Pain locations vary and may intensify with pressure. Symptoms do not significantly improve with rest and are not directly correlated with physical exertion.

5. Neurological symptoms: Commonly include dizziness, headaches, lightheadedness, insomnia, vivid dreams, and memory decline. Other manifestations may involve difficulty concentrating and sensory disturbances such as numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. These symptoms tend to recur and impair daily functioning.

Maintain a regular daily routine and avoid staying up late. Engage in moderate, gentle exercises such as walking or yoga. Learn to relax both mind and body through methods like listening to soothing music. Avoid excessive focus on physical discomfort. Eat a light, balanced diet and minimize the impact of emotional fluctuations on physical health.

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Can patients with somatization disorder take venlafaxine?

Venlafaxine hydrochloride, as a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, improves mood and anxiety symptoms by modulating neurotransmitter levels, and has a certain alleviating effect on physical discomfort caused by somatoform disorders. If a patient presents with depressed mood, anxiety accompanied by recurrent somatic symptoms, and meets the clinical indications for medication after evaluation, the physician may consider it as one of the treatment options.

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Is Shugan Granule effective for somatization disorder?

In general, the effectiveness of Shugan Granules in patients with somatization disorder should be determined based on specific causes and symptoms. Close attention should be paid to the patient's emotional state, and stimuli that may trigger emotional fluctuations should be avoided. Accompany the patient in maintaining a regular作息 (daily routine), eating a light and balanced diet, and reducing spicy and greasy foods. Encourage mild activities such as moderate walking and listening to soothing music to help relieve stress.

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What happens if someone has social loneliness for a long time?

Prolonged outward-directed loneliness typically leads to emotional exhaustion, social avoidance, confusion in self-identity, somatic symptoms, and difficulties in forming intimate relationships. Emotional exhaustion arises from maintaining an active social life while experiencing inner loneliness, resulting in excessive depletion of emotional energy. Individuals may appear enthusiastic and cheerful on the surface, yet privately feel fatigued, empty, or even emotionally numb.

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What causes numbness in hands and feet in depression, and what should be done about it?

In general, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet of patients with depression may be caused by factors such as hyperventilation leading to alkalosis, poor circulation due to prolonged physical inactivity, depressive disorder associated with adjustment disorder, somatization of depression, or depression complicated by peripheral neuropathy. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms through general measures, medication, or other treatments under a doctor's guidance.