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Somatic symptoms

Psychological factors that influence other medical conditions

When psychological factors (stress, anxiety, avoidance, failure to follow treatment) worsen a physical illness, such as diabetes, hypertension or irritable bowel syndrome.

Common signs

Stress makes the illness worseDifficulty following treatmentAvoiding appointments or tests

Tips

For you

  1. Coordination between the doctor and the psychologist
  2. Stress management techniques
  3. A realistic plan to stick to treatment

For family and friends

  1. Help organise treatment and appointments
  2. Share activities that reduce stress

When to ask for help

  1. If you stop your medical treatment
  2. If stress makes your illness worse

Guidance test

Answer thinking about the last few weeks. There are 8 questions and you get your result straight away. Your answers are not saved or sent.

0 of 8
1. I have a diagnosed physical illness
2. Stress makes my symptoms worse
3. I find it hard to follow my treatment
4. I avoid going to check-ups
5. Anxiety makes me keep checking my symptoms
6. My illness causes me a lot of worry
7. I have given up activities for fear of getting worse
8. I feel my mood affects my health
Also take the full stress test →

Free resources

Downloadable PDF sheetSigns, tips and resources to print or saveFree guidance call with our teamFree resource from Clínica VivaldiAll our free guidesFree resource from Clínica Vivaldi

Related disorders

Somatic symptom disorderSomatic symptomsAnxiety disorder caused by illness (hypochondria)Somatic symptomsDisorder of functional neurological symptoms (conversion)Somatic symptomsFactitious disorderSomatic symptoms

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Reviewed by María Teresa Fernández Vicente, health psychologist and neuropsychologist (registration no. CV17304), in November 2026. Educational information prepared by the Clínica Vivaldi team based on the DSM-5-TR classification. It does not replace a professional assessment and cannot be used to diagnose.