Somatoform Disorders- help.

i have posted here before, but i am really confused. i am having all kinds of GI trouble-- and have had a sonogram and a HIDA scan and the results are questionable.i am on lithium-- one in the morning and twice a night. anti-depressants do not really help me-- i have been on them all, practically. sinequan helps-- but makes my heart rate soar.

my question is-- is can the human mind really make a body hurt really badly and cause other gi problems-- even though nothing is really wrong?  doctors are tired of looking-- and i just don't know if this is psychosomatic?  i do have a long history of emotional troubles..... i just don't know know whether to stop searching....  my GP has referred me to a surgeon for my gall bladder-- but didn't explain why.... i don't want it removed if it doesn't need to be-- if this is all in my head....

how do psychiatrists and other doctors finally arrive at "somatoform disorder" as a diagnosis? and when you really hurt how do you accept it as a patient?

THANK YOU....
haldolprincess

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Yes, having a high stress level and physcial sensitivity can cause g.i and musculoskeletal pain that is quite severe. The diagnosis is made by a combination of psychiatric criteria and negative workups like you have had.

The key to all of this is surfacing and dealing with emotional conflict.  G.I. symptoms are increased with conflict...that's what you have to work on.

[Nebula]

Occupational Therapy helps deal with musculoskeletal pain management and if you have insurance, I'd think that your doctor could refer you.