What are somatisation disorder and hypochondria?

Everyone knows what it's like to feel pain and experience physical symptoms when stressed or worried. Everyone also knows that the pain passes when we are very busy with other things. Physical feelings can come and go depending on how we feel mentally. These feelings are not a sign of a serious physical illness. Nevertheless, you may be worried about being seriously physically ill and be unable to be reassured by physical examinations.

 Both anxiety and depression may trigger physical symptoms:  

• Your appetite and digestion are affected (depression)
• Aches and pains
• Palpitations, a tendency to break out in a sweat, dizziness, muscle tension and pain (anxiety)
• Tingling feelings in the face, hands and feet (anxiety)

In the case of some psychological disorders, you may have physical symptoms only. Not even the most thorough of examinations will reveal a physical illness.

You may be worried about contracting something serious, but do not feel depressed or anxious.