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Somatization of anxiety among primary care patients

Marta Walid

Somatization of anxiety is a common phenomenon among primary care patients, leading to physical symptoms that mimic illness. This can result in unnecessary medical investigations, treatments, and hospital admissions, causing distress to patients. Anxiety activates the sympathetic nervous system, leading to increased physiological arousal, and can also be a coping mechanism. The prevalence of somatization of anxiety among primary care patients is high, estimated at up to 50% of visits. Treatment options include cognitive-behavioral therapy and pharmacological approaches such as antidepressants and anxiolytics. Primary care physicians should consider patients' psychological and social context and take a thorough history to identify somatization of anxiety.