The difficulty in expressing how we feel, the experience of an incongruent emotional response to our situation or a lack of understanding of the non-verbal signals of the people around us are just some of the aspects that would explain what a few years ago we knew as Briquet syndrome…
Today, as the classification manuals state, the Briquet syndrome It is called as «Somatic symptom disorder». This diagnosis is assigned to those patients who, despite not having any identifiable medical illness or condition, express a continuous complaint of physical pain and discomfort, which are nothing more than the manifestations of psychological conflicts that could not be solved.
These are not simulated or induced symptoms to attract attention or cover any other interest. They are real pains and discomforts that the patient suffers under some circumstance that, on a psychological levelproduces this imbalance. In addition to pain as the most frequent symptom, there may be gastrointestinal problems (usually vomiting or diarrhea); sexual symptomssuch as lack of interest or erectile dysfunction; breathing difficulties (shortness of breath) and pseudoneurological phenomena such as amnesia or difficulty swallowing.
Diagnosis of Briquet's Syndrome
The diagnosis of Somatic Symptom Disorder can be made at any age, although some manuals establish that symptoms must appear before the age of 30 as a necessary criterion for the diagnosis. An example of somatization could be found in everything from the stomach ache and vomiting of a child who does not want to go to school, to the adult who feels a marked localized pain when the deadline for an important paperwork approaches. Its correct diagnosis is quite complicated. and many pathologies, both physical and psychological, must be ruled out to reach it.
Treatment: looking for a solution with a psychologist
For effective treatment it is essential, first of all, understanding suffering of the patient. It is necessary allow the role of sick person and give a name (if you have one) to the symptoms that you manifest: irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, etc. Later, we work on the redefinition of the problem and how it is linked to some unresolved psychological conflict. Once the patient has internalized the psychological diagnosis, the patient proceeds to Search for solutions which, at general levels, will be carried out through:
If necessary, it could be useful and interesting. include close relatives to get involved in the recovery and know their possible role in it.
About the author of this article:
Silvia Muñoz Morales is Psychologist and Master in General Health Psychology. Registration number O – 02997. Training in Psychological First Aid, Basic Cognitive Processes, Cognitive Stimulation, Motivation in the Company, Personnel Selection, Psychological Support in Crisis Situations and Non-pharmacological Management of Behavioural Disorders in People with Alzheimer's. Experience in the Treatment of Addictions, Adaptive Anxiety-Depressive Disorders, Minors with Learning Disabilities and Neuropsychological Assessment.