A client with an anxiety disorder converts anxiety into physical symptoms. This manifestation is called?

• A. Intellectualization
• B. Somatization
• C. Reaction formation
• D. Sublimation

Answer: (B)

The concept being tested is somatization—the idea that psychological distress, like anxiety, can be expressed as physical symptoms. In somatization, the emotional experience is converted into bodily complaints, which can help the person cope by avoiding direct emotional confrontation. This differs from other defense mechanisms: intellectualization uses cold, factual thinking to avoid feelings; reaction formation involves behaving in a way that is the opposite of one’s true feelings; sublimation redirects impulses into socially acceptable, constructive activities. So when anxiety is expressed as physical symptoms rather than as emotions, somatization is the best fit.