Somatization

Somatization is the process by which psychological stress or emotional distress is expressed through physical symptoms, such as pain, fatigue or gastrointestinal complaints.

Patients with somatization may experience real, distressing symptoms without clear structural or pathological causes. In pain medicine, somatization is important to recognize because it can complicate diagnosis and lead to unnecessary procedures. A compassionate, multidisciplinary approach helps address both the physical symptoms and underlying psychological factors.