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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Possibly psychogenic/psychosomatic illness?
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Possibly psychogenic/psychosomatic illness?
by Julie, Nov 08, 1999 12:00AM
I have been ill for over 10 years. I had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1989. Last year I was told I don't have it.
I have major depression. I have tried many anti depressant medications with severe side affects or allergic reaction to them all. ( Zoloft made me dissociate, Paxil make me hypomanic and many of them cause my bowels and bladder to stop completely. Last year I had septicemia ( staph) from being impacted for so long. Doc didn't believe me when I said I could not go.
Anyway, I have neurological problems, I don't tolerate meds well at all, ( I have dystonic reaction to many of them. Even Ditropan caused dystonia)
This past year I have developed chorea -form movement disorder.
I saw a movement disorder specialist. I am waiting for results of a Huntington's disease test.
I am curious though. I know that underlying medical conditions can cause psychiatric problems ( Like diabetes can, and Huntington's) Can a Chemical imbalance cause physical symptoms that would mimic a neurological disease?
I have had so many things ruled out. I am kind of hoping that it is a psychosomething and not Huntington's.
I have major depression. I have tried many anti depressant medications with severe side affects or allergic reaction to them all. ( Zoloft made me dissociate, Paxil make me hypomanic and many of them cause my bowels and bladder to stop completely. Last year I had septicemia ( staph) from being impacted for so long. Doc didn't believe me when I said I could not go.
Anyway, I have neurological problems, I don't tolerate meds well at all, ( I have dystonic reaction to many of them. Even Ditropan caused dystonia)
This past year I have developed chorea -form movement disorder.
I saw a movement disorder specialist. I am waiting for results of a Huntington's disease test.
I am curious though. I know that underlying medical conditions can cause psychiatric problems ( Like diabetes can, and Huntington's) Can a Chemical imbalance cause physical symptoms that would mimic a neurological disease?
I have had so many things ruled out. I am kind of hoping that it is a psychosomething and not Huntington's.
Doctor's Answer
by HFHS MD-JM, Nov 10, 1999 12:00AM
Julie,
Neurological disorders such as Multiple sclerosis, Huntingtons disease, and Parkisons disorder all have related psychological manifestations associated with them such as depression and mood instability. Psychological disorders can often mimic neurolgical disorders and vice-versa but usually can be differentiated by a careful neurologicaland psychiatric assement.
Somatization is the process that results in the unconscious/unintentional production of somatic/physical symptoms that represent psychological conflicts(depression, anxiety). Example, people often experience nausea or diarrhea when they feel anxious.
I suggest that you work with your neurologist and psychatrist to sort these issues out. A somatoform disorder should be considered. Keep in mind that this information is intended for general educational purposes only. Consult your personal physician for specific health concerns. You may find it helpful to search this forums archives using somatoform disorder as a keyword.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD-JM
Keywords: Somatization, somatoform disoreder
Neurological disorders such as Multiple sclerosis, Huntingtons disease, and Parkisons disorder all have related psychological manifestations associated with them such as depression and mood instability. Psychological disorders can often mimic neurolgical disorders and vice-versa but usually can be differentiated by a careful neurologicaland psychiatric assement.
Somatization is the process that results in the unconscious/unintentional production of somatic/physical symptoms that represent psychological conflicts(depression, anxiety). Example, people often experience nausea or diarrhea when they feel anxious.
I suggest that you work with your neurologist and psychatrist to sort these issues out. A somatoform disorder should be considered. Keep in mind that this information is intended for general educational purposes only. Consult your personal physician for specific health concerns. You may find it helpful to search this forums archives using somatoform disorder as a keyword.
Sincerely,
HFHS MD-JM
Keywords: Somatization, somatoform disoreder
I would much rather be dealing with somatization than Huntington's! Especially where my children are concerned.
I am hoping my Huntington's test is back this week.
I will post to let you know.
In the mean time, Thank you very much for the advice. I like going to my appointments at least having an idea what questions to ask.
Sincerely,
Julie