Somatoform Autonomic Dysfunction – Causes, Complaints & Therapy

Causes

Several risk factors are considered to be the causes of somatoform autonomic dysfunction. Thus, psychological problems in connection with hereditary predisposition and biological abnormalities such as altered breathing behavior often lead to the complaints. Difficult living conditions in childhood or chronically ill parents who have received special attention can also lead to somatoform autonomic dysfunction.In these cases, the complaints are accepted as part of a learning process that suggests greater sympathy for sick relatives. However, the triggers are often also serious life circumstances such as the death of a relative, accidents or trauma. However, a physical cause for somatoform autonomic dysfunction cannot be found.

Symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of somatoform autonomic dysfunction:

• Tachycardia

• Sweats

• Xerostomia

• Flushing

• Feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen

• Chest pain

• Shortness of breath

In somatoform autonomic dysfunction, by definition, at least two vegetative symptoms must occur, such as tachycardia, sweating, dry mouth, hot flashes, feeling of pressure in the upper abdomen or restlessness in the upper abdomen. In addition, at least one of the following symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, severe fatigability, swallowing air or frequent bowel movements or frequent emptying of the bladder must be present.

Often the existing symptoms change. For example, heart problems may initially exist, while later gastrointestinal complaints are in the foreground. Often harmless and insignificant discomforts are perceived as threatening by those affected. This in turn leads to tension, which causes new physical complaints. A vicious circle arises that can only be broken by psychotherapeutic measures.

Diagnosis

Before the suspected diagnosis of a somatoform autonomic dysfunction can be made, all possible examination methods that can rule out an organic cause must be carried out. First, the doctor takes a detailed medical history . Already at this point there may be indications of the presence of a somatoform autonomic dysfunction. Laboratory tests and imaging procedures supplement the diagnostics.

If organic causes can be ruled out, the disease is by definition only considered a somatoform autonomic dysfunction if other criteria are also met. At least two vegetative symptoms such as tachycardia, sweating, dry mouth or hot flashes must occur. In addition to the vegetative symptoms, at least one symptom from the following categories such as chest pain, shortness of breath, swallowing air, diarrhea or frequent emptying of the bladder must be present.

treatment and therapy

In order to prevent the somatoform autonomic dysfunction from becoming chronic, early therapy is recommended. A prerequisite for successful treatment is that the patient recognizes that there is a connection between his emotional state and the symptoms. First of all, a psychotherapeutic consultation is necessary. This is the most complicated part of treatment because many sufferers cannot accept that there is no physical cause.

The doctor is often blamed for the failure of the treatment because he supposedly cannot find a cause. Once this part of the therapy has been successfully completed, muscle tension can be slowly relieved using relaxation techniques. False ideas about the cause of the disease disappear to the extent that the greater the success with the relaxation methods.

Autogenic training , Progressive muscle relaxation or biofeedback are used as relaxation methods. Another treatment method is what is known as operant behavior training. This is about learning to take a more active part in life. Gentle behavior is replaced here by active behavior. This includes daily behavioral exercises, self-confidence training and joint exercises with caregivers to change interpersonal behavior.Cognitive treatment approaches are intended to help people find their way back to life despite physical symptoms. Mental misinterpretations are processed and positive thoughts are encouraged. In addition, this treatment should give the patient the opportunity to distract themselves and no longer attach any importance to the symptoms. This training should also show ways to deal with problems in a less stressful way.

Prevention

Somatoform autonomic dysfunction cannot be prevented. For this purpose, it would be necessary in advance to recognize wrong thought patterns. However, this is difficult. Only the complaints often draw attention to the fact that something is wrong. Often they are the starting point for profound changes in the way of thinking.