somatized

Example:Many people with depression might somatize their emotional distress into physical symptoms such as headaches or muscle pain.

Definition:The process of experiencing psychological issues as physical symptoms. The conversion of emotional pain into somatic complaints such as pain, fatigue, or gastrointestinal problems.

Example:Doctors suspected that the patient's somatization disorder was causing her to experience a wide range of physical complaints, including dizziness and chest pain, which were not related to any underlying medical conditions.

Definition:A psychiatric disorder in which the patient experiences multiple, persistent physical complaints that cannot be explained by a medical condition or mental illness. The physical symptoms are believed to be due to psychological factors, such as stress or trauma.

Example:In therapy, the counselor helped the patient to somatize her feelings of anxiety and stress into more acceptable and communicable verbal forms.

Definition:To convert or express mental or emotional distress into physical symptoms. To express one’s psychological issues through physical complaints instead of verbal or emotional expression.