Somatic symptom disorder is extremely challenging to deal with for the patient, her family, and her medical providers. While we believe these are driven in no small part by psychological factors, the physical feelings experienced by the individual are real and can be quite disabling.
What is therapy and what makes the process of psychotherapy work? Why does it heal, and how is it different from talking to a friend?
"The depression came on gradually, slowly sapping me of my energy and typical enthusiasm. I can’t concentrate at work; all I want to do is sleep all day, and nothing in life is enjoyable any more. . ."
Medication is frequently is the only treatment prescribed for mild depression, though study after study has provided evidence that drug treatment alone is not as effective as a combination of medication and psychotherapy.
"How do I find out if depression is causing me to put my life on hold? And should I do something about it?"
Dr. Sinha on the most five commonly prescribed medications that can cause problems for bones, and helpful steps to take if they’re prescribed for you.