Can your brain create physical symptoms? Yes, it can. Learn what psychosomatic symptoms are and what you can do if you think you’re suffering from them.
Have you ever experienced a physical illness that seemed to appear out of nowhere, especially during a stressful or emotional time? You’re not imagining things — your mental and emotional state can have a real impact on your body. These types of experiences are known as psychosomatic symptoms or neuroplastic symptoms.
In this article, we’ll explain what psychosomatic symptoms are, why they happen and how to address them, especially when they interfere with your day-to-day life.
Defining Psychosomatic Symptoms
The word psychosomatic comes from two roots: “psyche,” meaning mind, and “soma,” meaning body. Psychosomatic symptoms are physical symptoms that are caused or made worse by mental or emotional factors, such as stress, anxiety, depression or trauma.
These symptoms aren’t “all in your head.” They’re real and can affect your daily functioning. What makes them psychosomatic isn’t that they’re fake but that they originate from psychological processes rather than a direct physical injury or illness.
Common Psychosomatic Symptoms
Psychosomatic symptoms can affect nearly any part of the body. Some of the most frequently reported include:
- Headaches or migraines
- Stomachaches or digestive issues
- Muscle pain or tension
- Rapid heartbeat or chest pain
- Fatigue and low energy
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Skin rashes or itching with no medical cause
- Tremors or shaking
- Appetite changes
These symptoms often mimic real medical conditions, making diagnosis difficult. For example, someone experiencing chest pain might fear a heart attack, but the root cause is actually anxiety.
How the Mind and Body Interact
The brain and body are deeply connected. When you’re under emotional stress, your body enters the fight-or-flight state, activating the sympathetic nervous system. This results in a flood of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which affect:
- Heart rate
- Muscle tension
- Blood pressure
- Digestion
- Immune function
When the stress is temporary, the body returns to normal after it ends. But when the stress becomes chronic or unresolved, it can result in lasting physical symptoms that have no underlying disease.
What Causes Psychosomatic Symptoms?
Several mental health issues are commonly associated with psychosomatic symptoms.
1. Anxiety Disorders
Generalized anxiety, panic attacks and health anxiety can all lead to ongoing or sudden physical symptoms. The body is often in a heightened state of alert, which can manifest as nausea, headaches or heart palpitations.
2. Depression
Depression isn’t just an emotional condition — it can also be physical. People with depression may experience chronic pain, sleep problems, changes in appetite or a weakened immune response.
3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Past trauma can leave lasting effects on the body. People with PTSD may experience physical flashbacks, stomach pain and unexplained aches that resurface during emotional triggers.
4. Somatic Symptom Disorder
This is a clinical condition in which someone experiences one or more distressing physical symptoms that are significantly affected by psychological factors. The person isn’t faking the symptoms — they’re very real — but no clear medical explanation is found.
Diagnosing Psychosomatic Symptoms
Diagnosing psychosomatic symptoms can be challenging because they often resemble physical illness. Doctors typically perform medical tests to rule out physical causes first.
Once physical conditions have been ruled out, a mental health evaluation may be recommended. This process may involve:
- A review of stressors in your life
- An assessment of anxiety or depressive symptoms
- Discussion of past trauma or emotional concerns
- A look at patterns of how and when symptoms occur
If you feel your physical health concerns aren’t being taken seriously, it’s important to advocate for a comprehensive evaluation — both physical and psychological.
Why Psychosomatic Symptoms Are Often Misunderstood
Unfortunately, psychosomatic symptoms are frequently misunderstood. People may be told that they’re exaggerating, faking or imagining their symptoms. This stigma can discourage people from seeking help or cause them to delay mental health treatment.
Remember, just because a symptom has a psychological root doesn’t make it any less real. Your suffering is valid and deserves support.
Treating Psychosomatic Symptoms
The best approach to treating psychosomatic symptoms is to address both mind and body.
1. Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective approaches. It helps people reframe negative thought patterns and learn how emotional stress contributes to physical discomfort.
Other therapeutic approaches like mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), trauma-informed therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) may also be helpful.
2. Medication
In some cases, antidepressants or antianxiety medications may be prescribed to manage the emotional root causes contributing to symptoms.
3. Lifestyle Changes
Exercise, sleep, diet and relaxation techniques can all help reduce the impact of stress on the body. Practices such as yoga, meditation and breathing exercises have been shown to enhance both emotional and physical well-being.
4. Medical Collaboration
Your mental health provider and primary care physician should ideally work together to create a holistic care plan, ruling out physical illness while managing psychological triggers.
When to Seek Help
If you’re experiencing frequent physical symptoms that don’t seem to have a medical cause — or you’ve had multiple tests with no clear answers — it may be time to explore the emotional side of your health.
Signs you should reach out:
- You feel your doctor isn’t finding the cause of your symptoms.
- You’re experiencing ongoing stress, grief, trauma or anxiety.
- Your symptoms worsen during emotional highs or lows.
- You’re starting to avoid activities, work or relationships because of physical discomfort.
You’re Not Alone
Psychosomatic symptoms are common and treatable. They’re a reminder that your mind and body are connected and both deserve care. Whether you’re living with chronic pain, emotional trauma or unexplained physical discomfort, support is available.
The Mental Health Hotline can connect you with licensed professionals who understand the full picture of your health. You don’t have to keep suffering in silence — compassionate help is always just a call away.
