Association of Somatosensory Disturbances With Stress-Associated Disorders: A Review of Neurobiological and Clinical-Diagnostic Evidence | Ukrainian Medical Journal

Lazarieva A.S.

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Association of Somatosensory Disturbances With Stress-Associated Disorders: A Review of Neurobiological and Clinical-Diagnostic Evidence

Association of Somatosensory Disturbances With Stress-Associated Disorders: A Review of Neurobiological and Clinical-Diagnostic Evidence

April 30, 2025

158

Neurology and Psychiatry

Lazarieva A.S.

УДК: 616.89-008.441.1-07:612.821.3:616-07

DOI: 10.32471/umj.1680-3051.265242

Keywords :

post-traumatic stress disorder,

somatosensory disturbances,

stress,

stress-associated disorders

Specialities :

Neurology and Psychiatry

Resume

The aim of this study is to review current literature to analyze the neurobiological and clinical-psychopathological aspects of somatosensory disturbances in patients with stress-associated mental disorders.

Materials and methods. A narrative literature review with elements of systematization was conducted. Sources were searched in the databases PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and others, covering the period from 2006 to 2024.

Results. A synthesis of data from neuroimaging, electrophysiological, biochemical, and psychosomatic studies indicates that somatosensory disturbances in post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder, and other stress-associated mental conditions have a complex pathophysiological nature. These are determined by structural and functional changes in the somatosensory cortex, hippocampus, insula, and amygdala, as well as by disturbances in neurotransmitter regulation. Diagnostic approaches include the SSAS, QST, CST scales, and neuroimaging methods. However, their wide clinical use is limited due to resource-related constraints.

Conclusions. Somatosensory disturbances represent a clinically significant component of stress-associated mental disorders. They are caused by neurobiological changes in brain structures responsible for sensory, affective, and cognitive integration, and by dysregulation of stress-response systems. Considering somatosensory factors in the diagnostic and therapeutic process enhances the understanding of these conditions and contributes to more effective medical care.

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