Psychosomatic Aspects of The Development of Comorbid Pathology: A Review

Abstract

Background: The article reviews the literature data on various somatic and mental pathologies, which are comorbid processes with similar pathophysiological, genetic and neurochemical mechanisms. The psychosomatic manifestations of cardiovascular diseases and coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are considered. Particular attention is paid to post-traumatic stress disorder of participants in local wars. Comorbid pathology, in combination with depression and anxiety, aggravates the course of the disease, leading to disability in the adult population and premature death. Methods: The literature was searched in PubMed, Mendeley, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases to identify relevant studies published from 2012 to 2022. Results: Our literature search revealed a bidirectional association between comorbid psychiatric and somatic disorders. The prevalence of somatic diseases increases in people with a predominance of mental disorders. Conclusion: There is growing evidence that the combination of anxiety-depressive disorders and physical illness worsens the severity of the disease, complicating the diagnosis of the presence of one and/or several physical symptoms. However, more clinical trials are still needed to determine their full mechanisms of action.

The Psychosomatic Interface of Stress and Skin Disorders: Patient Experiences and Perceptions

“…Further, the development of comorbid pathologies as discussed by Abarghuei and Karimi (2022) aligns with our findings, illustrating how psychological stress can precipitate or exacerbate skin disorders. This dual burden of psychological and dermatological distress calls for a holistic treatment approach that addresses both aspects simultaneously (Abarghuei & Karimi, 2022).…”

“…Further, the development of comorbid pathologies as discussed by Abarghuei and Karimi (2022) aligns with our findings, illustrating how psychological stress can precipitate or exacerbate skin disorders. This dual burden of psychological and dermatological distress calls for a holistic treatment approach that addresses both aspects simultaneously (Abarghuei & Karimi, 2022). The significance of psychological interventions, as evidenced by Capec et al (2022), supports our suggestion for incorporating psychological support and interventions in the treatment of chronic skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis and psoriasis (Capec et al, 2022).…”

“…In examining the psychosomatic aspects of comorbid pathologies, Abarghuei and Karimi (2022) illuminate the complex mechanisms through which psychological stress can precipitate or aggravate physical ailments, including skin disorders. This body of work supports the hypothesis that stress-related pathways, mediated through the central nervous system, can significantly impact dermatological health (Abarghuei & Karimi, 2022).…”

“…In examining the psychosomatic aspects of comorbid pathologies, Abarghuei and Karimi (2022) illuminate the complex mechanisms through which psychological stress can precipitate or aggravate physical ailments, including skin disorders. This body of work supports the hypothesis that stress-related pathways, mediated through the central nervous system, can significantly impact dermatological health (Abarghuei & Karimi, 2022). Similarly, the work of Ayran, Özdemir, and Yaman (2023) on the perceived stress during the COVID-19 pandemic further contextualizes the impact of external stressors on individual psychosomatic health, providing a contemporary lens through which to view the stress-skin nexus (Ayran et al, 2023).…”

Models of pathogenesis of psychosomatic disorders and the concept of psychosomatic scenario

“…Американскими учёными были выделены наиболее часто встречаемые психосоматические заболевания, так называемая «святая семёрка» или «болезни стресса»: эссенциальная гипертония, бронхиальная астма, язвенная болезнь двенадцатиперстной кишки и желудка, неспецифический язвенный колит, атопический дерматит, ревматоидный артрит, гипертиреоз [27,28]. В настоящее время установлено, что заболеваниями с психосоматической этиологией являются также псориаз, красный плоский лишай, ишемическая болезнь сердца, сахарный диабет, бесплодие, мигрень и многие другие [29]. Как правило, эти заболевания имеют хроническое рецидивирующее течение с эпизодами обострения на фоне стресса.…”