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Causes and factors affecting psychosomatic disorders

The interplay of psychological, physical, social, and cultural factors contributes to the occurrence of physical symptoms caused by unreacted psychological stress. From a psychological point of view, repressed emotions, constant anxiety, depression, anger, and chronic stress play a fundamental role in the onset of psychosomatic symptoms. These emotions affect the nervous and endocrine systems and alter the concentration of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, leading to impaired function of vital organs. From a physiological point of view, genetic predisposition or chronic diseases may contribute to a person’s increased susceptibility to these disorders, as the body responds differently to psychological stress depending on the strength of the immune system and the resilience of the physiological systems. Social factors include family and social support, economic status, professional or academic pressures, and the environment. Studies have confirmed that a lack of social support or constant exposure to stress increases the severity of symptoms. Cultural factors also influence how a person expresses psychological distress. In some cultures, psychological symptoms are more likely to manifest themselves through physical manifestations than through the verbal expression of emotions. What’s more, ineffective coping strategies, such as suppressing emotions or avoidance, can contribute to worsening conditions. Understanding the underlying causes and factors is necessary for the development of comprehensive therapeutic and preventive measures, including psychotherapy, behavior correction, social support and stress management programs, in order to reduce the impact of these factors and improve the mental and physical health of the person.