psychosomatic

[ sahy-koh-suh-mat-ik, -soh- ]

adjective

1. of or relating to a physical disorder that is caused by or notably influenced by emotional factors.
2. pertaining to or involving both the mind and the body.

psychosomatic

/ ˌsaɪkəʊsəˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to disorders, such as stomach ulcers, thought to be caused or aggravated by psychological factors such as stress

psychosomatic

1. A descriptive term for the relationship between the mind and body.

Notes

“Psychosomatic” disorders have definite physical symptoms but are thought to be caused by emotional or psychological factors. Anorexia nervosa is an example of a psychosomatic illness.

Other Words From

• psycho·so·mati·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of psychosomatic¹

First recorded in 1860–65; psycho- + somatic

Example Sentences

Researchers have long noted that stress plays a significant role in exacerbating IBD symptoms, and some have even described ulcerative colitis as psychosomatic.

From Science Daily

All said they had been turned away by physicians, told their symptoms were psychosomatic, or labeled anti-vaccine by family and friends — despite the fact that they supported vaccines.

From New York Times

"A lot of psychosomatic effects could actually be linked to brain circuits telling your body something," Dr. Jin noted.

From Science Daily

Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, “some doctors continue to believe that Long Covid is psychosomatic,” says Dominique Salmon, an infectious disease physician at the Fournier Institute who studies and treats the syndrome.

From Science Magazine

The more likely explanation is an anxiety reaction or a similar psychosomatic response, like the “nocebo effect.”

From Salon