Introduction
Do you often feel physical discomfort—like pain, fatigue, or digestive issues—even when medical tests show everything is normal? You’re not imagining it. You might be dealing with a psychosomatic disorder, also known as somatic symptom disorder.
Psychosomatic disorders occur when psychological stress manifests as physical symptoms, without a clear medical explanation. While the body appears physically fine, the symptoms are real, distressing, and often disabling.
At Dr. Mitali Soni Loya’s Psychiatry & De-addiction Clinic in Bhopal, we understand the mind-body connection and offer compassionate care that helps patients feel validated, supported, and empowered to heal, both emotionally and physically.
Symptoms to Watch For:
People with psychosomatic disorders may experience a range of bodily symptoms that interfere with daily functioning and well-being:
- Persistent body aches or pain (e.g., headaches, back pain, muscle stiffness)
- Numbness, tingling, or strange sensations in limbs
- Digestive issues such as bloating, nausea, or abdominal discomfort
- Fatigue or low energy despite normal lab results
- Heart palpitations or chest pain with no cardiac findings
- Sexual or menstrual dysfunctions without gynecological issues
- Frequent health worries and repeated medical visits
- Excessive focus on symptoms, often leading to distress and anxiety
- Multiple tests or scans with no clear diagnosis
- Fear of serious illness, even after medical reassurance
The key pattern is that emotional stress, anxiety, or trauma often precedes or worsens these physical symptoms. The pain is real—but the root lies in the mind-body imbalance.
Common Causes of Psychosomatic Disorder:
Psychosomatic disorders don’t stem from “faking” illness. They result from the brain’s complex interaction with the body in response to stress, fear, or unresolved emotions.
Psychological and emotional triggers:
- Childhood trauma or emotional neglect
- Chronic stress, anxiety, or grief
- Suppressed emotions (e.g., anger, guilt, fear)
- Perfectionism or constant self-pressure
- Relationship or work-related strain
Biological and neurological causes:
- Heightened sensitivity to normal body sensations
- Overactivity in brain areas responsible for pain perception
- Autonomic nervous system dysregulation (e.g., fast heartbeat, gut sensitivity)
Environmental and behavioral factors:
- Repeated medical reassurance without resolution
- Modeling of illness behavior from caregivers
- Lack of emotional outlets or coping skills
Understanding and treating both emotional and physical layers is key to recovery.
Treatment Process of Psychosomatic Disorder:
Step 1: Psychiatric Consultation and Symptom Mapping
Dr. Mitali conducts an in-depth evaluation to understand your symptoms, emotional state, stress history, and medical journey. The goal is not to dismiss your pain, but to decode its true source.
Result: Diagnostic clarity and validation of what you’re experiencing
Best suited for: Individuals with ongoing symptoms despite normal tests or those overwhelmed by unexplained pain
Step 2: Psychoeducation and Stress-Mind-Body Link
We help patients and families understand how emotions influence the body. Education helps reduce shame, break stigma, and create a foundation of awareness.
Result: Emotional relief and improved cooperation with therapy
Best suited for: Patients who’ve been misunderstood or misdiagnosed
Step 3: Psychotherapy (CBT or Mind-Body Therapy)
Therapy focuses on uncovering and processing unresolved emotions, challenging negative thought patterns, and reducing symptom focus.
Result: Reduced symptom severity and better emotional control
Best suited for: Individuals with suppressed emotions, past trauma, or persistent health anxiety
Step 4: Relaxation Training and Lifestyle Support
Techniques like deep breathing, guided imagery, and progressive muscle relaxation are taught to reset the nervous system and reduce stress-related body signals.
Result: Less physical tension, improved sleep, and reduced flare-ups
Best suited for: Anyone with tension-induced symptoms or autonomic overactivity
What to Expect Before and After Treatment of Psychosomatic Disorder?
Before treatment:
Many patients feel misunderstood, frustrated, or afraid. They’ve visited multiple doctors, undergone endless tests, and still have no answers. Family members may start to doubt their pain. The emotional toll can be just as intense as the physical symptoms.
After treatment begins:
Once therapy and stress regulation techniques are introduced, most patients experience a reduction in physical symptoms. They begin to feel heard, understood, and supported. As emotional balance is restored, the body starts to feel safer—and the pain gradually reduces or disappears.
Benefits of Treatment
- Reduction in chronic pain, fatigue, and digestive issues
- Fewer medical visits and tests
- Better understanding of emotional triggers
- Improved coping and stress management
- Restoration of daily routines and personal confidence
- Emotional healing and physical relief
- Stronger mind-body connection
Lifestyle Tips
- Practice mindfulness and meditation daily
- Avoid excessive googling or self-diagnosing symptoms
- Set realistic boundaries at work or in relationships
- Use journaling to express and release unspoken emotions
- Engage in light movement like walking or stretching
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule
- Seek support instead of bottling up stress
What Makes Our Approach Different
At Dr. Mitali Soni Loya’s clinic, we treat the person, not just the pain. We take your symptoms seriously while helping you uncover the deeper emotional root. You are never made to feel like your suffering is “in your head.” Our therapy-first, medication-minimal approach focuses on lasting relief—not temporary distraction.
We specialize in reframing symptoms as signals, not sickness, and walking with you as those signals begin to fade.
Journey with Dr. Mitali Soni Loya’s Psychiatry & De-addiction Clinic
Consultation
A safe, open conversation about your physical and emotional history—where no symptom is dismissed. We map your journey from the first pain to the present, with full sensitivity.
Pre-preparation
Before therapy begins, we explain how psychosomatic disorders work, set healing expectations, and involve families (when needed) to remove doubt or stigma.
Treatment
A structured combination of talk therapy, relaxation methods, and emotional regulation support—designed to gradually reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
Why choose us?
- Specialist in psychosomatic and mind-body disorders
- Focus on validation, not dismissal
- Trauma-informed, gentle, and stigma-free environment
- Personalized healing roadmap
- One of Bhopal’s most trusted mental health professionals
Book Your Appointment with Dr. Mitali
Tired of living with unexplained symptoms or being told "nothing is wrong"? Let us help you connect the dots between your mind and body—and begin the healing you deserve. Book a consultation with Dr. Mitali Soni Loya today.
📞 +91 88174 75079
📍 10 Ramanand Nagar, Near Lalghati Square, Bhopal, M.P. – 462023
FAQs
Q. Are psychosomatic symptoms real?
Yes, absolutely. While the cause may be emotional or psychological, the symptoms are very real and can be debilitating.
Q. Will medications help?
In some cases, short-term medications (e.g., for anxiety or pain) may be used. However, therapy is the mainstay of treatment.
Q. I’ve seen so many doctors already—what will be different here?
We won’t repeat tests—we’ll explore the emotional patterns and stressors that could be triggering your body symptoms, often for the first time.
Q. Is this condition lifelong?
Not necessarily. With proper therapy and support, many patients experience full or significant recovery.
Q. Will my family understand this?
We offer family sessions to help them understand what psychosomatic disorders are—and aren’t—so they can become your allies, not skeptics.