What are the manifestations of somatization?

Nov 17, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Baohua

Introduction

Somatization is a physical discomfort reaction triggered by psychological factors, manifesting as bodily symptoms without clear organic pathology, including gastrointestinal discomfort, cardiovascular abnormalities, neurological symptoms, musculoskeletal discomfort, sensory disturbances, and sleep problems. Paying attention to the connection between emotions and physical health, promptly relieving stress, maintaining regular作息 (daily routines), and adopting a positive mindset can help alleviate these somatic symptoms.

　　Somatization is a physical discomfort reaction triggered by psychological factors, manifesting as bodily symptoms without clear organic pathology, including digestive discomfort, cardiovascular abnormalities, neurological symptoms, musculoskeletal discomfort, and sensory or sleep disturbances. A detailed analysis is as follows:

　　1. Digestive system discomfort: Common symptoms include nausea, acid reflux, bloating, and abdominal pain. Some individuals experience a heavy sensation in the stomach after eating, or alternating diarrhea and constipation without obvious cause. These symptoms often worsen during periods of emotional stress, yet medical examinations typically fail to identify any definite gastrointestinal lesions.

　　2. Cardiovascular system abnormalities: Symptoms such as chest tightness, palpitations, and rapid heartbeat are common, particularly during emotional fluctuations. They may be accompanied by stabbing or compressive chest pain, often leading individuals to mistakenly believe they are experiencing heart disease. However, tests such as electrocardiograms (ECG) usually show no abnormalities.

　　3. Neurological symptoms: Frequent dizziness and headaches are typical, with headaches often described as bilateral pressure or tightness that fluctuates in sync with emotional stress. Some people may experience numbness, tingling, or a crawling sensation in the limbs, although nerve conduction studies show no abnormalities.

　　4. Musculoskeletal discomfort: This manifests as generalized muscle aches and stiffness, especially prominent in the neck, shoulders, lower back, and back muscles. Symptoms do not significantly improve with activity and occur without a history of trauma or overuse. Some individuals may report joint pain or clicking sounds during movement, yet joint examinations reveal no organic abnormalities.

　　5. Sensory and sleep problems: Symptoms may include blurred vision and a sensation of a foreign body in the throat—feeling as if something is stuck but cannot be coughed up. Sleep issues commonly involve difficulty falling asleep, frequent dreams, and easy awakening. Individuals often feel fatigued upon waking, and rest fails to restore energy.

　　Paying attention to the connection between emotions and physical health, promptly managing stress, maintaining regular作息 (daily routines), and fostering a positive mindset can help alleviate these somatic symptoms and promote overall mind-body harmony.

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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 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.

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How to get rid of obsessive urges to urinate

In general, frequent urination compulsions may be caused by poor urination habits, hypersensitive neural perception, acute cystitis, anxiety disorder with somatization, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms through general management, medication, or other treatments under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, avoid excessive consumption of diuretic beverages such as coffee and strong tea.