THERAPY SERVICESTRAINING SCHOOL
LOCATIONS
TOOTINGCLAPHAMMARYLEBONE
CALL 020 8673 4545BOOK AN APPOINTMENT
Product has been added to your basket.
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
    • THE AWARENESS CENTRE
      • About The Awareness Centre
      • The Team
      • Centre News
      • Media
      • Collaborative Partners & External Agencies
    • OUR PRACTICES
      • TAC Clapham
      • TAC Tooting
      • TAC Marylebone
      • How to Find Us
    • THE DIRECTOR
      • Michaela McCarthy
  • THERAPY SERVICES
    • NHS THERAPY SERVICES
      • NHS Lambeth
      • NHS Wandsworth
      • NHS Sutton
      • Our NHS Therapists
      • NHS Multilingual Counselling
    • PRIVATE THERAPY SERVICES
      • Online Counselling & Telephone Therapy
      • Low Cost Counselling, Psychotherapy & Counselling Psychology
      • Counselling
      • Psychotherapy
      • Psychology
      • Our Low Cost Therapists
      • Our Private Therapists
      • Private Healthcare Providers
    • SPECIALIST THERAPY SERVICES
      • Addiction Counselling
      • Anger Management Therapy
      • Bereavement Counselling
      • Child & Adolescent Counselling
      • Couples Counselling
      • Eating Disorders Therapy
      • Family Therapy
      • LGBTQ+ Counselling
      • Multilingual Counselling
      • Sex & Relationship Therapy
      • Trauma Counselling & Psychotherapy
    • FURTHER INFORMATION
      • Types of Issues
        • Abuse
        • Addiction
        • ADHD
        • Anger
        • Anxiety Disorders
        • Asperger’s Syndrome
        • Attachment Disorder
        • Bereavement and Loss
        • Body Dysmorphic Disorder
        • Bullying
        • Cancer
        • Carer Support
        • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
        • Communication
        • Dementia
        • Depression
        • Disability
        • Dissociation
        • Eating Disorders
        • Family and Relationships
        • Gender & Identity
        • Guilt and Shame
        • Hearing Voices
        • HIV/AIDS
        • Illness
        • Infertility
        • Isolation & Loneliness
        • Learning Difficulties
        • Life Transitions
        • Low Self-Esteem
        • Mental Health
        • Paranoia
        • Passive Aggressive Behaviour
        • Personality Disorders
        • Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
        • Pregnancy & Childbirth
        • Psychosis
        • Rape
        • Redundancy
        • Schizophrenia
        • Self-Harm
        • Sex and Relationships
        • Sexuality
        • Spirituality
        • Stress
        • Suicidal Thoughts
        • Tourette’s Syndrome
        • Trauma (Child & Adult)
        • Trichotillomania
        • Workplace Issues
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Resources
      • Approaches to Therapy
      • Client Testimonials
      • Book an Appointment
  • FEES
  • TAC TRAINING SCHOOL
    • Meet the Faculty
    • Foundation Certificate in Counselling
    • Diploma in Integrative Counselling
    • Diploma in Clinical Supervision
    • Diploma in Working with Couples
    • Diploma in Executive Coaching
    • Corporate Mental Health Workshops
    • Testimonials for the Foundation Certificate
    • Testimonials for the Diplomas
  • PRIVATE PRACTICE
    • Private Practice
    • Hire A Room
    • Wimpole Street Practice
    • Join TAC Directory
    • Therapist Testimonials
  • BLOG
  • WORK AT TAC
  • COUNSELLING PLACEMENT
    • Counselling Placement
    • Counselling Placement Testimonials
    • Placement Training Testimonials
  • CONTACT
    • Appointment Request
    • Contact Us

What is Somatic Anxiety & How Can I Recognise It?

Somatic anxiety, otherwise known as somatic symptom disorder or somatization disorder, is one of the psychiatric disorders that fall under the general grouping of anxiety.

The word ‘somatic’ is rooted in the Greek ‘sōmatikos’, meaning ‘of the body.’ Therefore, people dealing with somatic anxiety disorders experience the symptoms of anxiety primarily as somatic symptoms; their anxiety manifests itself in a physical way, such as a stomachache, headache or sweating, for example.

This differs from cognitive anxiety, where the challenges and symptoms of anxiety present themselves chiefly in a psychological sense; that is, within the brain, as thoughts, feelings, urges and emotions. However, people who are facing somatization disorder may experience both cognitive and somatic symptoms.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look in more detail at the health concerns and key differences between somatic and cognitive anxiety, and consider related mental health disorders. We’ll then move on to some signs to look out for if you’re concerned you or a loved one is dealing with somatic anxiety, suggesting a few ways you can help to manage the issue, and recommending pathways to treatment if you’re considering seeking clinical support.

Somatic Symptom Disorder vs Cognitive Anxiety

Both somatic symptom disorder and cognitive somatic anxiety are classed as mental health issues, where chemical reactions inside the brain alter or impair ‘normal’ functioning, with challenging or unwelcome consequences.

The key difference is in the manifestation of the symptoms; where somatic anxiety tends to find an outlet in the body, with symptoms expressed physically, cognitive anxiety symptoms more typically occur within the brain.

Unlike somatic symptom disorder, cognitive anxiety symptoms might include:

  • Depersonalisation
  • Negative thoughts
  • Fear and unease
  • Concentration difficulties
  • Panic attacks

According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 5 (DSM-5) and American Psychiatric Association, a person who is dealing with anxiety can simultaneously experience both physical and psychological symptoms, although one or the other will tend to be more prevalent.

It’s important to note that neither cognitive nor somatic anxiety can be diagnosed in the case of medically unexplained symptoms. Both disorders are recognised as distinct mental health disorders and types of anxiety in themselves, not as ‘catchall’ or ‘fallback’ diagnoses, and there are a number of clinically-backed ways you can help support someone with anxiety.

Many clinicians draw a link between cognitive and somatic anxiety and other psychiatric disorders. For instance, illness anxiety disorder (or health anxiety) is identifiable as a person being excessively worried that they are sick, or about to become seriously ill; you may have heard of this condition under the name hypochondriasis. Equally, the APA recognises somatic anxiety as medically related to conversion disorder (or functional neurological symptom disorder, where symptoms affect a person’s movement, perception and senses), and factitious disorder (where patients essentially fabricate, ‘fake’ or overplay the severity of an illness).

Diagnosing the Physical Symptoms of Somatic Anxiety

Though a person may experience both cognitive and somatic symptoms of anxiety, both issues present a clearly-defined cluster of typical symptoms (see above for some of the regularly-observed symptoms of cognitive anxiety). As defined by the American Psychiatric Association, the physical symptoms that may be brought about by somatic anxiety include:

  • Intense, often sudden nausea
  • A stomachache
  • Uncontrollable shaking in the body
  • Profuse sweating
  • A racing heart
  • Hyperventilation or intense breathing
  • Tight muscles and tension in one or more muscle groups
  • Aching in one or more groups of muscle
  • A dizzying or painful headache

Following the proposal that anxiety could be split into physical or psychological symptoms, the Cognitive-Somatic Anxiety Questionnaire (CSAQ) was drawn up. This is a medical survey which aims to quantify and categorise symptoms, as a way of helping determine which type of treatment a person should receive. With that said, there are many critics of the CSAQ, who argue that it is inconsistent and ineffective in its diagnosis. 

Furthermore, while some clients who followed a treatment plan recommended by the CSAQ showed a marked improvement and recovery, the results seen in other clients have called into question the validity or thoroughness of the CSAQ.

5 Ways to Help Yourself Face Somatic Anxiety

Somatization can be an unwelcome and challenging experience for a person to face. It may be triggered seemingly at random and take hold quickly, with profound physical outcomes that can severely impact your life. Sometimes, it’s difficult to explain what’s going on, and friends and loved ones can struggle to truly understand the issue. This can lead to feelings such as shame, doubt, embarrassment and fear, which may contribute to and feed into prolonged anxiety. 

However, here at TAC, our team of psychologically-trained clinical experts in anxiety disorders has put together a useful guide of 5 self-help coping strategies you can use to help quell the symptoms of somatic anxiety when they occur, and assist you in regaining a calm and balanced state. 

1. Take deep breaths

Mindful breathing is a well-known and often-recommended coping technique for a wide variety of conditions, and with good reason. Somatic anxiety can drastically affect your normal breathing pattern, which only exacerbates other symptoms. Aim to regulate your own breathing, by drawing air from your nose deep into your belly, and breathe out through your mouth – 5 seconds in, 7 seconds out. Calming your breathing will help you to soothe and take back control of your body.

2. Practise sense mindfulness

One of the most challenging aspects of somatic anxiety is that it seems to hijack your senses, seizing control of them away from you. If you feel this starting to happen, it can be a useful strategy to engage all 5 senses in a calmer way. Get into the habit of using the ‘54321’ technique of mindfulness:

  • 5 – find 5 things to look at in your immediate environment
  • 4 – open your ears to 4 things you can hear around you
  • 3 – identify 3 things you can feel on your body
  • 2 – try to pick out 2 things you can smell
  • 1 – focus on discovering 1 thing you can taste at that moment

3. Relax stressed muscles

If you feel one or several muscles starting to tighten, it’s important to try and relax them, as this will help you stay grounded and calm. If you can identify where your body is becoming tight, focus on relaxing that area. If you’re struggling to identify which specific muscles are under stress, aim for a full-body relaxation. Starting with your toes, then feet, then legs and so on, alternately engage and loosen the muscles, creating a holistic muscular relaxation.

4. Give yourself ‘a butterfly hug’

Cross your arms over your chest so that both sets of fingers touch your collarbone, just like you’re giving yourself a hug. Then, with eyes open or closed, slowly ‘flap’ your hands like the wings of a butterfly. Keep that calming rhythm, and focus on deep and mindful breathing, and you should soon start to feel your symptoms subside.

5. Step out into the great outdoors

Nature is well-known to have a significantly beneficial impact on our mental health, and surrounding yourself with green or blue spaces can also help to soothe the challenging symptoms of anxiety. Even something as simple as going for a walk can have a dramatic effect; not only is light exercise and fresh air good for you physically, the meditative act of placing one foot in front of the other gives you the peace of mind to regain a calm, balanced state.

A Helping Hand for Anxiety Symptoms and Mental Disorders

If the symptoms of an anxiety disorder, or any other mental health issue, start to become overwhelming, it’s important to find the right sources of guidance and support to see you through. 

The Awareness Centre has a professional team of over 300 knowledgeable and experienced therapists, meaning we can help you find the perfect therapeutic match to assist you in dealing with your issue. All our therapists are clinically-trained and understanding individuals, who can provide a warm and safe space for you to discuss your symptoms and recommend the most effective avenues of treatment. 

To request an appointment with TAC, get in touch now or give us a call on 020 8673 4545. 

 

The Awareness Centre
The Awareness Centre offers counselling support seven days a week. Give us a call on 020 8673 4545 and one of our friendly Front of House team can answer your questions and help find you the right therapist for you.
How to Tell if I Have Self-Defeating Personality Disorder
Am I Lonely? Loneliness & Mental Health At TAC

Related Posts

Top tips for calming your anxiety

A Psychotherapist’s Top Tips For Calming Your Anxiety

Springtime Strategies For Your Anxiety

Springtime Strategies For Your Anxiety

How to support someone with anxiety

How To Support Someone With Anxiety

Do I Have Separation Anxiety?

Do I Have Separation Anxiety?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Fill out this field
Fill out this field
Please enter a valid email address.

Subscribe to our newsletter



    Please add me to the list

    Categories

    • Abortion
    • Abuse
    • Acute Stress Disorder
    • Addiction
    • ADHD
    • Agoraphobia
    • Alcoholism
    • Anger Management
    • Anxiety
    • Ask Michaela
    • Attachment
    • Bereavement & Loss
    • Bipolar
    • Borderline Personality Disorder
    • Bullying
    • Children and Adolescents
    • Co-Dependency
    • Coaching
    • Coronavirus
    • Counselling
    • Counselling Placements
    • Couples
    • Dementia
    • Depression
    • Divorce
    • Domestic Violence
    • Dreams
    • Eating Disorders
    • Echoism
    • Ecopsychology
    • Empty Nest Syndrome
    • Family
    • Guilt
    • Health
    • Imposter Syndrome
    • Infertility
    • Insomnia
    • LGBTQ
    • Life Stories
    • Loneliness
    • Masochism
    • Meditation
    • Menopause
    • Mental Health
    • Mindfulness
    • Narcissism
    • News
    • OCD
    • Panic Attacks
    • Parenting
    • Personal Development
    • Personality Disorders
    • Porn
    • Postnatal Depression
    • Pregnancy
    • Psychology
    • Psychosexual
    • Psychotherapy
    • PTSD
    • Relationships
    • Sadness
    • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
    • Self Esteem
    • Self-Care
    • Self-Harm
    • Sex
    • Sexual Harassment
    • Sleep
    • Social Anxiety Disorder
    • Stress
    • Suicide
    • The Awareness Centre
    • Therapy
    • Training School
    • Trauma
    • Uncategorized
    • Workplace Issues

    TAC Brochure

    DOWNLOAD

    TAC has BACP Membership

    TAC Clapham

    41 Abbeville Road
    London SW4 9JX
    [email protected]
    020 8673 4545

    Available Services

    check_circle
    Low Cost Therapy
    check_circle
    Private Therapy

    Appointments

    Monday – Thursday:
    7.00am – 10.00pm

    Friday:
    7.00am – 9.00pm

    Saturday:
    9.00am – 5.30pm

    Sunday:
    10.00am – 2.00pm

    TAC Tooting

    74-80 Upper Tooting Road
    London SW17 7PB
    [email protected]
    020 8673 4545

    Available Services

    check_circle
    Private Therapy

    Appointments

    Monday – Thursday:
    7.00am – 10.00pm

    Friday:
    7.00am – 5.30pm

    Saturday:
    9.00am – 5.30pm

    TAC Marylebone

    85 Wimpole Street
    London W1G 9RJ
    [email protected]
    020 8079 0708

    Available Services

    check_circle
    Private Therapy

    Appointments

    Tuesday and Thursday:
    8.00am – 12.00pm

    Email
    Facebook
    Twitter
    LinkedIn
    YouTube
    Instagram
    Pinterest

    © 2023 The Awareness Centre Ltd.

    • OUR THERAPISTS
    • TYPES OF ISSUES
    • OUR LANGUAGES
    • FAQS
    • HOW TO FIND US

    The Awareness Centre Limited. A company registered in England and Wales, Number: 06194423. Registered Office: 74-80 Upper Tooting Road, London, England, SW17 7PB.  Trading as The Awareness Centre.

    This site uses cookies and data collection for personalised advertising. Your data may be shared with third parties for this purpose. Learn more about how we collect data and use cookies, and check that you consent. Manage PreferencesI Consent Learn more
    Privacy & Cookies Policy

    Privacy Overview

    This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
    Necessary
    Always Enabled
    Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
    Non-necessary
    Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
    SAVE & ACCEPT