psychosomatic
sy-koh-soh-MAT-ik
/ˌsaɪkoʊsəˈmætɪk/
(Of a physical illness or other condition) caused or aggravated by a mental factor such as internal conflict or stress.
It does NOT mean the illness is 'fake' or 'all in your head'; it means the physical symptoms are real but their origin is psychological.
The story behind the word. The term was coined in the early 19th century to bridge the gap between doctors who only treated the body and philosophers who only thought about the mind. It literally means 'mind-body'.
Word relationships
- psychogenic: 'Psychogenic' means 'originating in the mind'; 'psychosomatic' emphasizes the mind-body (psyche-soma) link.
- organic: In medicine, referring to an illness with a clear physical or biological cause.
- somatogenic: Originating in the body rather than the mind.
Commonly confused with
- hypochondria: 'Hypochondria' is the fear of having an illness; 'psychosomatic' refers to actual physical symptoms caused by stress.
Word family
- psychosomatically (adverb): In a way that involves both the mind and the body.
Collocations
- psychosomatic illness
- psychosomatic symptoms
- psychosomatic disorder
- psychosomatic medicine
Example sentences
- "His chronic back pain was largely psychosomatic, triggered by the intense stress of his corporate job." Explaining the link between stress and physical pain.
- "The study of psychosomatic medicine explores how emotional states influence physical health." Discussing medical history.
Memory hook
Psycho-Somatic: 'Psycho' (Mind) + 'Soma' (Body). Mind meets body.
When not to use
Avoid using it to dismiss someone's pain as imaginary; it is a clinical term for the mind-body connection.
Fun facts
- Common psychosomatic symptoms include tension headaches, digestive issues, and even skin rashes triggered by anxiety.
Related words
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