PSYCHOLOGICAL FEATURES OF PSYCHOSOMATIC DISEASES MANIFESTATION IN ADULTS

Abstract

The article theoretically and empirically investigates the psychological features of psychosomatic diseases in adults. Previous studies in this area are analyzed and the importance of further developments is emphasized. The definition of psychosomatic diseases is given through the property of the human body as a system. The dual nature of psychosomatic diseases is emphasized, which manifests itself at the physical level of a person, but the causes of its occurrence are psycho-emotional in nature. The main psychological characteristics and initial symptoms of psychosomatic diseases are highlighted, in particular, emotional stress, chronic anxiety, prolonged feeling of mental discomfort, emotional lability, low mood, tearfulness, hypersensitivity, irritability, obsessive thoughts, decreased attention, insomnia, etc. To determine the psychological characteristics of psychosomatic diseases in adults, an empirical study was organized and conducted with 22 respondents. Using the methodology “A. Wayne’s Scheme for Identifying Signs of Autonomic Disorders”, 7 adult respondents with symptoms of psychosomatic diseases were identified. The following psychodiagnostic methods were used to identify the psychological characteristics of psychosomatic diseases: “Methodology for self-assessment of emotional states” (A. Wessman-D. Ricks), ‘Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale’ (A. Zigmond, R. Snaith), ‘Quality of Life Scale’ (O. Chaban). The empirical study proved that among the most common psychological characteristics of psychosomatic patients are the following: high levels of anxiety and internal stress, a tendency to depression, difficulties in expressing and regulating emotions, a tendency to alexithymia, increased stress reactivity, low level of stress resistance, perfectionism, difficulties in establishing and maintaining interpersonal relationships, etc.