Medication Management in Psychosomatic Disorders: Treatment Guidance

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Psychosomatic disorders can be challenging conditions to diagnose and manage. As a result, many may have to tread a long road before finding answers and getting their treatment plan just right. 

Since these disorders are rooted in psychological stress, therapy and counseling are essential for understanding and treating what’s going on. However, sometimes people’s symptoms might be too severe to allow them to benefit from therapy. 

In a situation such as this, someone might also look to medication to help manage their symptoms. This could be for reducing the impact physical symptoms have on their daily quality of life. Alternatively, medication may be required to treat an underlying mental health condition. 

Either way, psychosomatic disorder treatment with medication isn’t a straightforward path; everyone has unique needs, so they require personalized care. A mental health professional can help you understand the right medication and therapeutic approach for your circumstances. 

This article also works as a useful tool for understanding psychosomatic treatment and medication options, as it covers:

  • Psychosomatic disorders and their causes
  • The role medication can play in treating psychosomatic conditions
  • Types of treatment options for psychosomatic disorders
  • Medication guidance for treating physical psychosomatic symptoms
  • Medication guidance for mental health conditions
  • Where to find professional support
Medication Management in Psychosomatic Disorders: Treatment Guidance

Psychosomatic Disorders and Their Causes

Psychosomatic disorders occur when mental distress causes physical symptoms or makes pre-existing illnesses worse. Psychosomatic symptoms can impact multiple body systems simultaneously, typically showing up in the hormonal, immune, and central nervous systems. For instance, these body systems can be harmed or prevented from functioning normally by stress hormones like cortisol.1 

Adrenaline is another stress hormone that can cause psychosomatic symptoms if it remains consistently high in the bloodstream over time. For example, this could result in hypertension, stomach ulcers, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).2 

Additionally, when stressed, our bodies send inflammatory signals to our brains, immune cells, and vagus nerves. This action can impact energy levels, sleep function, pain perception, and moods. When these signals are consistently “switched on” (common in people with chronic stress and early life adversity), we may become more susceptible to physical symptoms in the areas mentioned.3 

While experts used to believe psychosomatic symptoms were purely caused by psychological factors like stress, this view has changed. Even if someone’s symptoms are caused by something like anxiety, they may also be biologically predisposed. For example, someone’s genetics may predispose them to heart issues, but stress associated with this predisposition is what might cause their chest pain to manifest.2 

Outside of biological processes, there are also psychological theories about emotional trauma being “stored” in the body. While this isn’t meant literally, it can act as a helpful metaphor for what’s going on. For instance, stress can rewire our nervous systems, and our present actions in relationships can be influenced by early experiences of caregiving. In these ways, our bodies “remember.” There is also evidence connecting chronic pain and digestive issues to traumatic experiences in childhood.2 

Based on this information, we see how psychosomatic conditions are multifaceted, involving many biological and psychological processes.

How Can Medication Help Psychosomatic Treatment?

Psychosomatic recovery can be achieved through a holistic approach to treatment. While medications like antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anxiolytics, beta-blockers, and hypnotics can ease some physical and emotional symptoms, they’re unlikely to address the root cause.4 

Similarly, you may seek psychosomatic recovery by taking medicine for your physical symptoms, like painkillers, anti-inflammatories, topical skin treatments, and sleep or digestive aids. While these can help ease physical symptoms, they don’t treat their underlying issues.

Having said as much, medication can certainly be an important part of psychosomatic treatment. After all, it may help reduce the daily impact of physical symptoms and allow you to engage in other treatments. However, any medication plan should also consider mental health support, such as psychotherapy or counseling.4 

In addition, there are also somatic therapies that combine psychotherapy techniques with physical interventions to connect mind and body, treating both together. These can work well alongside other forms of treatment, forming a comprehensive care plan.

Next, we explore the different treatment options that can work together holistically, supporting people with psychosomatic disorders in several ways.

Types of Treatment Options for Psychosomatic Disorders

As mentioned, there are many ways to approach treating psychosomatic disorders. You may come across prescriptions, therapy, and mental health strategies you can employ at home. The following sections explore what these entail:

1. Therapy for Psychosomatic Disorders

Therapy is useful for many people, as there are different types that target various causes of psychosomatic symptoms. 

For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) explores the automatic thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that often worsen mental health and helps people regain control of these. This approach could be ideal for someone with a high-stress career or perfectionistic tendencies.5 

On the other hand, someone’s psychosomatic symptoms may be caused by unresolved pain from their past. Psychodynamic therapy works at depth to explore traumatic memories and understand how they are impacting someone’s current experiences.6 

There is also somatic therapy, which combines talk therapy with relaxation techniques, movement, and body awareness. This type of approach may be helpful for people who feel disconnected from their bodies and aren’t sure about the causes of their stress.7 

2. Medication

For psychosomatic symptom relief and treating mental health conditions, there is a range of medications that can help. Drugs such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and even herbal remedies have been found to be effective.8 However, the best medication for you will depend on your physical symptoms and the underlying source of stress that’s causing them. Further, if you’re on medication, it’s important to discuss supplementation with herbal remedies with your doctor, as some may contraindicate certain drugs. 

3. Self-Care

While professional interventions like therapy and medication are important, people can also employ mental wellness strategies at home for further support. Many people living with psychosomatic illnesses may have already developed their own coping mechanisms to make life easier, but it’s worth outlining what you can do. 

Managing a stress-related illness effectively typically involves getting enough rest, eating foods that support well-being, and engaging in physical activity. Furthermore, the benefits of stepping back from overly stressful relationships and allowing yourself to process difficult emotions cannot be underestimated.

Medication Guidance for Managing Physical Psychosomatic Symptoms

Even though addressing their root causes is essential, it may be easier to cope with psychosomatic disorders with the help of medication for your physical symptoms. Your primary care provider will be able to advise you about specific prescriptions, and you should always consult them before taking new medicines. 

For example, you may wish to explore some of the following options to manage your symptoms:

  • Pain    : There are many options for treating pain, though long-term use and dependency should be a consideration. Your first-line treatment may be paracetamol, aspirin, or NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen. There are also many opioid pain medications, but these are potent and come with a higher risk of dependence long-term. Alternatives to pain meds include antidepressants, anticonvulsants, local anaesthetics, and corticosteroids.9 
  • Insomnia: Medications for insomnia include sedatives, hypnotics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants, among others. People should be aware of their side effect profiles and any long-term risks.10 
  • Digestive issues: Those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may be prescribed fibre supplements, loperamide, lubiprostone, antidepressants, rifaximin, pregabalin, octreotide, and probiotic treatments, among others. Medications may depend on the type of IBS (constipation, diarrhea, or mixed).11 
  • Skin conditions: Some people may experience eczema, hives, acne, or psoriasis. These can be treated with a range of medications, including steroids, retinoids, antihistamines, and other topical treatments.
  • Physical anxiety symptoms: Those with physical symptoms of anxiety, such as high blood pressure, raised heart rate, and tremors, may be prescribed beta-blockers, which relax the circulatory system.12 

As might be clear, many psychosomatic symptoms can be alleviated in isolation, though this should be in conjunction with other psychological treatments.

Medication Guidance for Mental Health Conditions

It may be that your psychosomatic symptoms are driven by an underlying mental health condition. In this case, medications for your psychosomatic illness may be used to treat specific mental health diagnoses. For example:

  • Anxiety disorders    : These disorders are commonly treated with SSRIs and SNRIs such as escitalopram, duloxetine, venlafaxine, and paroxetine.13 
  • Depression: People can expect to be prescribed SSRIs, SNRIs, atypical antidepressants, or tricyclic antidepressants, among others.14 
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Prescriptions may be for SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, or antipsychotics.15 
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): This condition may also be treated with SSRIs, SNRIs, or antipsychotics.16 

Some of these medications will only be prescribed if people don’t feel any improvement with first-line treatments. In addition, if your primary care provider diagnoses you with any of these conditions and prescribes medication, they will most likely also recommend therapy. In other words, many people benefit from a multifaceted approach to treatment, so they likely won’t only use medication in their recovery. 

Mission Connection: Get Support for Psychosomatic Disorders Today

Sometimes, medication will be an essential part of psychosomatic disorder care. Yet, to fully recover, most people need a holistic approach that tends to their mental, physical, and even social well-being. To get this multifaceted treatment right, people with psychosomatic disorders may benefit from more involvement and personalized care from treatment providers.

At Mission Connection, we strive to give our clients individualized treatment plans that meet their unique needs and goals. We offer a range of in-person, online, and group therapies, as well as medication management, which can be tailored to those with psychosomatic disorders.

If you or a loved one is struggling with a psychosomatic disorder, get in touch with our team today. We’ll talk you through how we work at Mission Connection to provide lasting healing.

Medication Management in Psychosomatic Disorders

References

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  2. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Psychosomatic disorder. In ScienceDirect Topics. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/psychology/psychosomatic-disorder 
  3. Bower, J. E., & Kuhlman, K. R. (2023). Psychoneuroimmunology: An Introduction to Immune-to-Brain Communication and Its Implications for Clinical Psychology. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 19(1), 331–359. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-080621-045153 
  4. Singh, A. N. (2006). Psychosomatic medicine and psychopharmacology, symbiosis of present and future. International Congress Series, 1287, 12–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ics.2005.10.004
  5. Kent, C., & McMillan, G. (2009). A CBT-based approach to medically unexplained symptoms. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 15(2), 146–151. https://doi.org/10.1192/apt.bp.107.004606 
  6. Luyten, P., & Fonagy, P. (2020). Psychodynamic Psychotherapy for Patients With Functional Somatic Disorders and the Road to Recovery. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 73(4), appi.psychother. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.20200010 
  7. Psychology Today. (2022, June 2). Somatic Therapy. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/somatic-therapy 
  8. Somashekar, B., Jainer, A., & Wuntakal, B. (2013). Psychopharmacotherapy of somatic symptoms disorders. International Review of Psychiatry, 25(1), 107–115. https://doi.org/10.3109/09540261.2012.729758 
  9. Alorfi, N. M. (2023). Pharmacological Methods of Pain Management: Narrative Review of Medication Used. International Journal of General Medicine, 16(16), 3247–3256. https://doi.org/10.2147/IJGM.S419239 
  10. Pagel, J. F., & Parnes, B. L. (2001). Medications for the Treatment of Sleep Disorders: An Overview. Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 3(3), 118–125. https://doi.org/10.4088/pcc.v03n0303 
  11. Trinkley, K. E., & Nahata, M. C. (2010). Treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, 36(3), 275–282. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2710.2010.01177.x 
  12. Farzam, K., & Jan, A. (2023). Beta blockers. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532906/ 
  13. Munir, S., & Takov, V. (2022). Generalized anxiety disorder. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441870/ 
  14. Chand, S., & Arif, H. (2023). Depression. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430847/ 
  15. Brock, H., Hany, M., & Rizvi, A. (2024). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553162/ 
  16. Mann, S. K., Marwaha, R., & Torrico, T. J. (2024, February 25). Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559129/