Somatisation disorder

How your GP can help

YourGP will aim to rule out all the possible conditions that might be causing your symptoms. You may havea thorough physical examination and blood tests .

It's important toconsider whetherany medication you're taking may be causing your symptoms for example,taking painkillers long term can lead to painkiller headaches .

Your GP should also investigate whether you might have an associated problem, such as depression or anxiety .Physical symptoms can cause depression and anxiety, and these can in turn make the physical symptoms worse, creatinga vicious circle.

You should tell your GP:

what your symptoms are like when they started and what makes them better or worse
what you think or fear is the cause of your symptoms and your expectations of how tests and treatments might help
how your symptoms affect what you can do what they stop you doing
how upsetting your symptoms are how they make you feel

There are a number of things you can do yourself that may help.

You and your GP may identify some lifestyle changes and goals that you both think will help relieve your symptoms, such as regular physical activity and better rest (see below).

You may be referred for a talking therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) . The aim of CBT is tohelp you to manage your symptoms by enabling you to understand links between your symptoms, worries, feelings and how you cope.

Medication such as antidepressants can be helpful, even if you're not depressed. However, medication isn't always the answer painkillers or sedatives, for example,may lead to dependence. The possible benefits of medication always need to be weighed against the potential side effects.

If you think you have an underlying condition that's been missed by your doctor, you can ask for a second opinion .