The common phrase "all diseases are from the nerves" is not so far from the truth. In any case, a direct relationship has been found between psychological disorders and the occurrence of diseases such as asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, vegetovascular dystonia and some others. Bodily ailments coming "from the nerves" are isolated in separate group psychosomatic disease states.

What is "psychosomatics", how to recognize it and how to cope with such diseases - the site answers the questions of parents.

The word "psychosomatics" is formed from a combination of two words of Greek origin - "psycho", meaning soul and "soma" - body. Psychosomatic diseases are usually called conditions and symptoms that have arisen as a result of psychological trauma, negative emotions, stress. All of these conditions contribute to the inhibition of the protective functions of the body and the development of the disease with an existing predisposition. Children in this sense are no exception.

According to researchers, about 80% of children in developed countries with a history of any disease suffer from neuropsychiatric disorders, and psychosomatic disorders observed in 40% of children and 70% of adolescents.

Causes of psychosomatic diseases

According to psychologist Leslie LeCron, the following causes of psychosomatic symptoms can be identified:

Internal conflict, caused by the struggle between two opposing aspirations, between subconscious inclinations and external requirements, the expectations of others.

Motivation for illness- the child becomes ill when he receives a certain “benefit” from his condition. For example, he receives an exemption from school due to illness. At the same time, the physical symptoms are quite real, they can in no way be considered a simulation.

Identification- certain symptoms can develop in a child who has a living example of the disease before his eyes and with a strong emotional connection with a sick person.

self-hypnosis- symptoms appear in a person who is psychologically attuned to the disease and accepts the idea of ​​​​his own physical illness as a fact that has happened, without questioning and analyzing it. Symptoms can also be suggested from the outside, by close people whom the sick person trusts unconditionally.

self-punishment- psychosomatics arises on the basis of an existing sense of guilt, as a punishment for a real or imagined offense.

Psychosomatic diseases in children and adolescents: table

The table shows the most common childhood diseases, which are classified as somatic, and their psychological causes.

Disease	Psychological reason
allergic reactions	Attempt to attract attention, contradictions, unexpressed emotions, fear and anger, rejection of someone or something (from people to a life situation), incorrect parental attitudes
Shortness of breath, asthma attacks	Internal conflict as a result of a mismatch between the needs of the individual and real opportunities, parental overprotection, self-punishment, suppression of emotions, excessive conscientiousness
Angina	Unspoken feelings, suppression of personality, feeling like a victim
Nosebleeds	Restraint of emotions, excessive self-control against the background of resentment, lack of parental love
Runny nose	Problems with social adaptation, an attempt to distance themselves from others
Viral infections and fever	Suppressed negative emotions, lack of joyful moments in life
Neuroses (nail biting, tics, enuresis, etc.)	High emotional intensity, pressure from others, lack of parental love
Headache	Self-rejection, guilt, and a subconscious desire to be punished
Diseases of the digestive tract (gastritis, indigestion, etc.)	Self-digging, striving for unrealizable results, disappointment in expectations, permanent anxiety, uncertainty, communication with people who cause disgust
Caries	Indecisiveness, shyness, anxious personality type
Liver and kidneys	Unconscious depression, resistance to any change, tendency to self-deception, distrust of others, long-term suppressed feelings of anger
Skin diseases	Disagreement with oneself, internal discord, impatience, dependence on the opinions of others, low self-esteem
Joint problems	Uncertainty and dissatisfaction with oneself, passive-aggressive attitude towards others, suppression of resentment, unfair attitude of parents (real or far-fetched)
bad dream	Strong emotional stress, obsessive thoughts, feelings of deprivation, unstable family situation, fear
Excess weight	Refusal of one's own needs for the sake of others, the desire for self-destruction, a consequence of the experienced humiliation and a sense of defenselessness

How to treat psychosomatic diseases in children and adolescents?

Psychosomatics begin to be "suspected" when, according to the results of medical examinations, it is not possible to detect physiological reason somatic (bodily) disease. In this case, doctors tend to conclude that the disease is caused by mental disorders and destructive emotional experiences - anger, depression, guilt. When choosing a treatment method, one should take into account that psychosomatic diseases always have two components: physiological and psychological. And both should be treated.

What should the parents of a child with a psychosomatic illness do? First of all, to establish an emotional background in the family. Eliminate the impact of stress factors on the child, perhaps slightly lower their requirements for the child, become more attentive and sensitive parents. If you can't handle it, go see a psychologist. There is a high probability that psychological help allow the child to get rid of chronic diseases already in the near future. And do not forget about positive emotions - even the simplest and most affordable joys can drive away many diseases, having, among other things, a rejuvenating effect on the body.

Health to you and your children!

The article is devoted to the psychosomatic causes of a variety of diseases in children and adolescents. The causes of their causes and ways to eliminate the negative manifestation of the psycho-emotional state on physical health are considered.

Scientists in the field of medicine, psychology and psychiatry have found that about 80-85% of all diseases have a psychological basis. As for the rest of the diseases, then, most likely, this connection between the physical state of the human body and the psychological one has yet to be clarified.

It follows from this that the emotions that a person experiences, experiences, problems and stresses are the basis of almost all diseases, and external influences, such as hypothermia, infections, etc., are only a trigger that pushes the onset of the disease.

This definition does not only apply to adults. It completely affects the childhood period of life. It is important to note that it is the childish, fragile psyche that reacts most acutely to psychological discomfort. Often, the basis for the disease is formed in childhood, and manifests itself later, when the child grows up.

At present, the number of children who are not completely healthy has increased dramatically. This is largely due to the pace of life that is now relevant. Children are not only in a high-speed information flow, but their parents are not able to pay enough attention to them.

All this leads to misunderstanding, psychological tension, the inability to pour out the soul and relieve stress.

The essence of psychosomatic problems

Psychosomatics is a science that studies the relationship between mental state and physical health of the body. That is, how psychological, mental and psycho-emotional states affect the formation of a particular type of disease.

This area of ​​research is so thin that some are quite skeptical about it.

But despite this, the doctors themselves never reject the fact that it is the positive attitude of a sick person that helps him heal faster.

These studies have only recently begun. In the last century, American, Russian and Israeli doctors and psychotherapists began to study in detail cases where the cause for the disease in children did not exist, but the disease itself was present. Or when the disease could not be cured by the use of standard medicines.

After that, the doctors involved in these studies found that it is the awareness of the individual himself of the problems present in him that helps to heal. That is, the widespread phrase is confirmed - all diseases are from nerves.

Principles of healing by psychosomatic methods

If parents seriously think about the health problems that their children have, then they should analyze the following points and factors:

The presence of fears, constraint, discontent. This is especially true if these feelings and emotions are diligently hidden or disguised. In this case, you need to change your mentality and help your offspring cope with the problems that have arisen. This will positively affect your health. And a disease that did not succumb drug treatment- will gradually go away.

The most important thing is to correctly identify the problem that exists. In this case, it will be possible to get rid of problems as quickly as possible.

It is important to remember that the human body is a self-healing and self-purifying system, capable of regenerating itself as much as possible. It is important to free the soul and emotions and allow the body to do what nature itself has in it.

If a child has a certain disease, this indicates that he has an internal conflict. So he is not able to solve it himself - you need to help him do it. And the disease will recede with itself.

Categories of persons who are most susceptible to psychosomatic diseases

If we talk about the tendency to psychosomatic diseases, then it is pronounced in children of all ages and regardless of gender. But there are periods of crisis when psychological problems can most clearly affect the well-being of a small person. This is usually the age

• 1 year;
• 3 years;
• 7 years;
• adolescence - from 13 to 17 years.

In childhood, the imagination draws such a realistic picture that there is no complete understanding of where is reality and where is fiction. He perceives everything exaggerated. Therefore, any negativity expressed in relation to him, he can perceive as a personal tragedy and experience it for a long period, scrolling in his head again and again.

In addition, any action that is undesirable for him can be projected onto his health. So, for example, if it’s hard to get up in the morning, it can get sick often enough not to go to kindergarten or school. This "broadcast" gives him the opportunity to soak a little more in bed.

Illness is a way to draw attention to yourself, your fears and experiences. It appears as a defense mechanism. A small person, getting sick, gets what he needs every day - increased attention and care from his parents.

Psychological portrait of a child prone to psychosomatic diseases

Most often, psychosomatic illnesses appear in children who have the following psychological portrait:

• do not cope well with a stressful situation, succumbing to panic, loss of strength, blues;
• close within themselves, not talking about their problems to friends, relatives or just acquaintances;
• being in a stressful situation or a pessimistic mood, they draw negative scenarios for themselves, expecting all the time a dirty trick or negative events;
• are under the influence of global paternal and maternal control, that is, they are deprived of freedom of choice, they cannot fulfill their desires and achieve goals;
• they do not know how to enjoy positive situations and are unable to give joy to people around them;
• do not experience positive emotions even with general joy;
• they are always afraid of falling short of the expectations that teachers, relatives, and people around them have for them;
• cannot withstand a given daily regimen, including night or daytime sleep and meals;
• succumb to someone else's influence or put too high someone else's opinion and all the time trying to match it;
• do not take root well in a new situation, react painfully to new friends, a new place of residence, even to new toys;
• do not part with the old and the past - from situations to ordinary toys;
• have a depressed mood.

Of course, considering the list of the above conditions not only for a child, but also for an adult, it is worth noting that any person can have all this. The appearance of one of the states is not so scary. It is important that it is not long or permanent. It is the monotonous, permanent depressive state of a person that causes disruptions in the physical body.

Emotional component

In order to avoid the occurrence of an unbalanced psycho-emotional state, it is necessary to control the following emotions:

• fear;
• anger;
• joy;
• interest;
• sadness.

In addition, well-known world psychosomatic specialists, such as Liz Burbo, advise controlling three incarnations:

• self-esteem - how he perceives himself in the world around him among his peers and adults;
• perception of the surrounding world, events, phenomena, basic values;
• contacts with the outside world, namely with adults and children - whether conflicts arise or communication goes smoothly and emotionally even.

Analyzing these incarnations, he should reveal from his heir, in the course of a confidential conversation, what upsets him and puts him into a state of depression. Try to figure out what he likes and what annoys him. If such a task for the family becomes unbearable, and yet an unstable psycho emotional condition then you need to contact a specialist. A psychologist or psychotherapist will be able not only to analyze and establish the emotional status, but also to identify the fears and dissatisfaction of a small person.

What is the way of treatment

If signs of illness become apparent, it means only one thing. Quite a long period of time has already passed from the moment of incorrect psychological attitudes, to their embodiment in physiological problems.

Such diseases do not occur with a short time period of discomfort. This means that the body has been in a state of internal stress for a long time, even if the parents did not notice it. And this long, incorrect psycho-emotional state led to the appearance of a disorder of physiology. The way of thinking becomes wrong, so it is quite difficult to eliminate the negative.

The family will need to do a lot of work to find the reasons that caused such deviations. And success here will depend precisely on the correctness of finding the main cause of the disease.

As a rule, the family finds that trap in education, which was built by them themselves and led to the appearance of problems in the baby.

If the relatives managed to correctly determine this mistake in education, then the underlying causes will change and the condition will gradually improve. The symptomatology will begin to change and gradually disappear, returning the normal physiological and psycho-emotional state to the little person.

Development of the disease

The thought itself never causes disease. The process starts through the brain. If a child has negative thoughts, and they are constant, then the brain will send a signal to the body to do some action. But an unbalanced emotional state will lead to the fact that the brain will immediately give a command not to perform this action, but to do something completely different. Which will lead to inaction and collapse. The result is that the child does not perform one or the other action, but freezes in an intermediate state. Worse, there is muscle spasm, further exacerbating the situation.

The state of muscular overstrain as a result will fail in the weakest organ. And it will stop functioning properly.

The child accumulates emotions, does not know how to dump them - as a result, emotional overstrain leads to muscle spasms. It accumulates, and then breaks through in the form of a disease. Since any energy will still find a way out.

Diseases of infants

Sometimes the question arises - why do babies get sick? After all, they still do not experience any stressful situation or negative emotions.

The reason lies in the mother of the baby.

If a woman, bearing a fetus, is in an unbalanced emotional state, and even worse, in stressful situations, then this causes psychosomatic disorders not only in her, but also in the baby. The development of the child's brain is going in the wrong direction. At this stage, a setting for the disease is created. Most parents do not understand the importance of this period. which is the result of psychosomatic disorders in the newborn.

If the cause in this case is not found, then most likely it will not be possible to get rid of the problems completely.

Some types of diseases

Adenoids

In this case, children feel unwanted and unnecessary for their parents. This may not actually be the case, but this is exactly what the little person feels.

Such an installation as - I love my child, he is desired and we really need him will help to fix the problem.

Autism

It is a protection that includes a little man who does not want to see more scandals, bullying, or insults from his family.

Setting that sets the healing - I love you, you are safe, no one will ever offend you.

Dermatitis

Appear when the baby does not want to accept the touch of an adult. This can be caused by negative sensations during tactile contact. For example, it is taken with cold or wet hands. An unpleasant odor emanates from a person.

Actions that eliminate tactile discomfort are aimed at healing.

Bronchial asthma

Occurs in those children who forbid expressing their emotions and physical needs. For example, jump, run, monkey, scream. The result is an internal tension that does not allow emotions to break out. They then begin to choke from the inside, causing physical asthma attacks.

The setting for healing is aimed at eliminating the excesses in pedagogy among parents.

Bronchitis

It occurs when quarrels and misunderstandings arise between adults. The little man begins to cough so that the parents would be silent and listen to him. So he tries to reconcile them.

It is necessary to use the following healing settings - my dear little man hears only good things around him, he is surrounded by harmony, we hear him, and he rejoices in our communication.

Myopia

Reaction to what the baby does not want to see. If such a problem arises at the age of 3, it means that even now the baby does not want to see something inside his family. The setting for healing should be aimed at the fact that the father and mother themselves eliminate the negative. The environment should make you want to look at it and enjoy it. You can also say - a small person sees his future in detail, and it is beautiful and happy.

Diarrhea

It is protracted and is a physiological manifestation of internal fears. Moreover, it can be both the fear of fictional characters, and the fear of the dark or sleeping alone.

First of all, the father and mother must eliminate the problem that causes this fear. Saying the setting will also help the situation - my baby is not afraid of anything. He is brave, strong and he can do anything. The surrounding area does not threaten him.

Chronic constipation

They talk about greed. This is an emotional problem of unwillingness to part with the old. And it can be old toys, old friends, old school or kindergarten.

Setting for healing - my own baby is not afraid of anything and he is not afraid to leave anything behind him. He likes everything new and he is ready to accept it and let it into his life.

Stuttering

It occurs if there is no feeling of safety and comfortable surrounding space for a long period of time. Also, it is categorically not worth parents to forbid babies to cry and show their emotions violently. If such a problem arose, then you can give the following installation - my little man will be able to show his world all his endless possibilities and talents. He expresses his feelings freely and easily.

Otitis

It will be frequent companions if the baby often hears unpleasant words addressed to him from the outside, both his peers and adults, especially parents. He does not want to listen and listen. He suffers emotionally and physically from abuse and humiliation.

Installations for healing are in the following phrases - my own child is obedient. He hears everything and he likes to hear it. Around him one positive and nice words.

Fever and fever

If the fever persists for a sufficiently long period of time for no apparent reason, emotions should be examined for the presence of anger. As a rule, there is a lot of it, and it has already accumulated in such an amount that it is impossible to throw it out with emotions, but is expressed by an increase in temperature.

The main task of the family is to tune in to positive and positive emotions. It is necessary to devote a lot of time to each other, communicate, go somewhere together. And be sure to discuss conflict situations, avoiding the accumulation of internal negative emotions.

Enuresis

This is a manifestation of fear and horror. Moreover, most often, these emotions are associated with the father, and not with the mother. The father needs to control his methods of education and communication with his child.

Healing attitudes - the father is near and loves you. He will do everything possible for your happy future.

And, indeed, the situation should change in the direction of greater positive and the exclusion of any negative emotions and physical manifestations.

conclusions

Any manifestation of instability in the health of a baby or teenager is associated with his emotions. Moreover, in the vast majority, these emotions are formed by the parents. Therefore, it is so important to work together to eliminate psycho-emotional discomfort, which will lead to a decrease in deviations in the physical condition.

Psychosomatics refers to the relationship between the somatic and mental functions of the human body. According to various sources, today from 60 to 80% of diseases are psychosomatic in nature. That is, unresolved, "crushed inside" psychological problems make themselves felt through bodily manifestations.

Adults willingly admit that "all diseases are from the nerves", but for some reason only when it concerns themselves. When it comes to psychosomatic disorders in children, most often parents refuse to accept it. And in vain. Many childhood illnesses have a psychological basis. Children, perhaps even more than adults, are prone to psychosomatic illnesses, as they are more sensitive and emotional. It is more difficult for them to cope with their feelings and stress due to the fact that they simply do not know how to do it and cannot always describe and articulate their feelings.

There is an opinion that psychosomatic diseases can develop already in newborn children and even be laid in the prenatal period of development. This can be influenced by factors such as the emotional state of the mother, her lifestyle, attitude towards pregnancy (desired / unwanted), preference for a child of a certain gender, relationship with the father of the child.

When the baby is still very young, body language is the only way communication between him and his mother, he “talks” about what worries him, through skin rashes, fever, frequent regurgitation, vomiting, etc. An older child who already knows how to speak cannot always understand his feelings, interpret and express them correctly. Something worries him, but he does not understand this, the experiences are on a subconscious level. A teenager often suppresses his emotions and is embarrassed to share them with adults. Therefore, bodily manifestations play the role of a kind of "communication channel" between children and parents. Frequent, poorly amenable to drug treatment diseases can act as a so-called psychosomatic symptom. In this case, illness is a way to inform adults about some problem or need.

What diseases and problems are considered psychosomatic in children?

For diseases that have psychosomatic causes, include:

• sharp respiratory diseases, colds, herpes;
• Problems gastrointestinal tract(pain in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,);
• allergies, skin diseases (neurodermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis);
• diseases of the nasopharynx (tonsillitis, tonsillitis, adenoiditis, chronic rhinitis);
• chronic cough, bronchitis, bronchial asthma;
• anemia;
• thyroid dysfunction;
• headache;
• sleep disorders;
• conjunctivitis.

How are psychosomatic illnesses formed?

Human experiences, anxieties, negative emotions must be splashed out or worked out, they cannot be kept in oneself, otherwise they do not disappear anywhere and remain "stored" in the body. If the traumatic situation that brings mental discomfort is repeated again and again, emotions accumulate inside and eventually find a way out in the form of certain physiological symptoms.

What situations can provoke psychosomatic illnesses in children?

The most common causes of psychosomatic disorders in children are:

• situation, psychological climate in the family (tension between parents, frequent quarrels). In such cases, the child tries to become a "savior" of parental relationships. Subconsciously he decides: if I get sick, mom and dad will stop swearing, we will all be together.” And often it works - during the illness of the child, the parents unite in front of a common misfortune, postpone their quarrels and throw all their strength into the treatment of the child. But after his recovery, the situation in the family becomes the same, the baby suffers again and, as a result, falls ill again. Vicious circle. Children suffering from parental conflicts are often prone to diseases of the nasopharynx (angina, tonsillitis, chronic rhinitis, otitis media);
• severe emotional shock (loss loved one, pet, divorce of parents). The child has a hard time experiencing such events. It is more difficult for him to cope with grief. Often, not understanding why it happened, the baby subconsciously begins to blame himself. If the feeling of guilt does not let go, grows, presses, it is difficult for the child to overcome it, he becomes physically ill. In children, the process of mourning is not the same as in adults. Outwardly, the baby can be calm and cheerful, but at the level of his body and psyche, changes occur that “sharpen” from the inside;
• the birth of another baby. Often a child is not ready for the birth of a brother or sister. Suddenly, for everyone, he becomes “already an adult” and must understand that a little brother or sister of HIS (!) mother needs more than he himself, that he needs to share a room with the baby, toys, love and attention of parents, in general, everything that before that it belonged only to him. He feels abandoned, unnecessary, rejected and, as a rule, does not tell his parents about his experiences. Accumulating, such feelings can lead to adenoiditis, frequent SARS.
• relationship with mother. This includes both the excessive influence of the mother (overprotection), and, conversely, the lack of attention (hypoprotection). In the first case, the mother takes care of the child too much, controls his every step, literally “strangles” him with her care. This often leads to psychosomatic disorders of the respiratory system (chronic cough, bronchitis, bronchial asthma). When the mother is under guardianship, the child is mostly left to himself and has to solve all his problems on his own. But such a burden is too much for him. This may result in problems with digestive system(nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc.);
• Difficulty adjusting to a new team kindergarten, school), difficulties in relationships with other children. Often parents complain that the child goes to the garden for a week, and then gets sick for two weeks, and so on all the time. And not always the reason lies in weak immunity. Perhaps the baby simply does not want to go there, he feels bad, scared, sad there. Suppressing these feelings can lead to frequent colds, cold sores, and even fainting;
• excessive demands, excessive strictness and high expectations of parents. If parents are too strict, set too high a standard of behavior, the child develops a sense of inadequacy, a fear of not meeting the expectations of adults. In addition, parents often suppress the child's emotions by using replicas such as: "good kids don't behave like that", "boys don't cry" etc. When a child does not allow himself to express what he feels, this is a direct path to sore throats, chronic cough and runny nose. Also, such children often suffer from stuttering, which is accompanied by convulsions of the articulatory apparatus arising from excessive excitement. nervous system and chronic muscle tension of the face, larynx and sternum. This is confirmed by the practice of our Center.

These are not all possible examples of the development of psychosomatic diseases in children. There are a great many of them. They develop and progress differently for each child. It depends on his receptivity, sensitivity, ability to overcome difficulties.

How to determine if the disease is psychosomatic?

Of course, not all childhood illnesses are caused by psychosomatics. In order to say with confidence that the disease is psychosomatic in nature, it is necessary to undergo a thorough comprehensive medical examination. If no serious pathologies have been identified, and diseases become regular, poorly amenable to drug treatment, have a clear or not very pattern, connection with certain events in the child's life, parents should analyze whether they are provoked by some psychological problems.

If you suspect that your child's frequent illnesses may be psychosomatic in nature, you need to deal with this as soon as possible. It is important not to waste time, to identify the causes that cause a psychosomatic symptom in order to prevent it from gaining a foothold, becoming a stereotypical reaction to stress and developing into an independent full-fledged disease.

First of all, you should carefully observe the child. See if he is unwell in connection with any events (for example: the child witnessed a quarrel between his parents and the next day came down with a fever; or he often has a stomach ache before a test at school or speaking in public). Or he subconsciously “likes” to be sick, because he can derive hidden benefits from the disease (I’m sick, which means I won’t go to a hated school, I’ll watch cartoons all day, my mother will cook something tasty). You also need to analyze your behavior, understand what the child wants to convey to you (maybe he lacks attention, affection, maybe he is afraid of losing you).

If you managed to identify a traumatic event, you need to talk about it with the child, help him express his repressed emotions, speak out loud his experiences, anxieties, fears. Sometimes it is enough just to have a heart-to-heart talk with a child, to understand what he wants, what makes him uncomfortable and unnerving, try to avoid situations that upset him, and establish a friendly and calm atmosphere in the family.

But more often than not, parents find it difficult to cope with this on their own. If you can’t solve the problem on your own for several months, or the situation worsens dramatically, you should contact a child psychologist. It will help to identify the cause of frequent illnesses, analyze and work out the psychological difficulties of the child.

It is worth remembering that psychosomatic disorders are not a simulation. The child is really sick. Psychological treatment in no case should not interfere with the medication. It is best when the problem is solved in a complex way: doctors, for their part, carry out the necessary treatment of physical ailments, and a psychologist helps to eliminate the psychogenic factors that cause diseases.