Ms. Zeeck, let's assume I'm suffering from severe back pain, for which my doctors have no adequate explanation. Am I right about psychosomatics with you? Yes, because it could be that a previous herniated disc, for example, explains part of your pain - but not to the same extent. Psychological factors then play an important role in the processing of pain. Such somatoform disorders can affect all parts of the body: feeling of pressure over the chest, palpitations, stomach problems or shortness of breath.

Access to all STERN PLUS content and articles from the print magazine

ad-free

Already registered?