Psychosomatic Disorders

A Whole-Person Perspective

Psychosomatic disorders sit at the intersection of mind and body. These conditions involve real physical symptoms — such as seizures, paralysis, or chronic pain — that are not explained by structural damage or disease, but instead reflect disruptions in brain–body communication often triggered by psychological stress or trauma.

At Integrative Psychiatric Services (IPS), we recognize that these are not imagined symptoms. They are real, distressing, and deserve comprehensive, compassionate care that addresses both medical and emotional needs.

Psychosomatic Disorders in America: Fast Facts

Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND) affects up to 12 per 100,000 people annually, but is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) occur in about 20–40% of patients referred to epilepsy centers for “seizures.”
PNES is more common in women, often beginning in adolescence or early adulthood.
FND can co-occur with PTSD, depression, anxiety, or a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

What Causes Psychosomatic Disorders?

The causes of psychosomatic conditions are complex and multifactorial, involving
the mind, brain, and nervous system. Key contributing factors include:

Chronic or unresolved stress
Trauma or adverse childhood experiences
Emotional conflicts that are difficult to express
Functional brain changes in areas responsible for movement, sensation, and emotional regulation
Learned neurological patterns, especially in the context of past illness or caregiving environments

These disorders are not voluntary or consciously produced. The symptoms emerge
as the brain misprocesses signals — often as a protective response to psychological
overwhelm.

Types of Psychosomatic Disorders at IPS

1. Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FND)

2. Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES)

3. Somatic Symptom Disorder

Common Symptoms

Symptoms can vary widely, but often include:

Sudden limb weakness or paralysis
Seizure-like episodes without loss of consciousness
Gait or coordination issues
Sensory changes (e.g., numbness, tingling, vision disturbances)
Speech or swallowing difficulties
Non-specific chronic pain, fatigue, or gastrointestinal distress

Many individuals feel invalidated or misunderstood after years of inconclusive medical testing — which can worsen emotional distress and symptoms.

Diagnosis and Assessment

At IPS, we partner closely with neurologists, primary care providers, and other specialists to ensure a thorough evaluation and accurate diagnosis. We offer:

Treatment Options at IPS

We take a trauma-informed, integrative approach that treats the whole person, not just the symptoms:

Psychotherapy (CBT, Trauma-Focused, Psychodynamic): Explore emotional triggers, build regulation skills, and promote emotional awareness
Neurobehavioral Retraining & Grounding Techniques: Help retrain the brain to respond differently to stress and bodily cues
Medication Management: May address co-occurring anxiety, depression, or PTSD when present
Mind-Body Interventions: Yoga, mindfulness, somatic experiencing, and breathwork help calm the nervous system
Education & Empowerment: Understanding the disorder is often the first and most powerful step toward healing
Family and Social Support: Involving loved ones can reduce stigma and reinforce functional recovery

Moving Forward with Clarity and Care

Psychosomatic symptoms are real, valid, and treatable. They are not signs of weakness, nor are they "all in your head." With the right care, many people recover significantly — regaining confidence, function, and peace of mind.

At IPS, we’re here to help you make sense of confusing symptoms and reclaim control of your body and your life — with compassion, evidence-based care, and hope.