Recognition of the body-mind dilemma goes back to antiquity. Growth in medical knowledge has produced an ever increasing emphasis on physiological deviations and somatic pathology – which too often is not accompanied by sufficient attention to the total patient. Psychosomatics is now the term often used by those who believe that illness in man is not usually caused by a single etiological agent. The American Psychosomatic Society succeeded in correlating biological processes with psychodynamics. The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine had its roots in the belief that psychosomatic medicine belonged to all of medicine. Its goals were to close the gap between medicine and psychiatry. The Japanese Psychosomatic Society chose the best of both in setting its goals. Dunbar’s personality profiles and Alexander’s concept of specific conflicts are reviewed. Depression is seen to be a common core. Further correlations between depression and psychosomatic illness are evidenced by the work of Greene, Schmale and Engel. The contributions of Nemiah and Sifneos are reviewed. Many psychosomatic patients are noted to be incapable of expressing adequate feelings, which may account for the frequent failure of classical psychoanalytic techniques. The history of research is also reviewed. The role of biochemistry, neurophysiology and psychopharmacology in the understanding and management of psychosomatic problems is examined.

This content is only available via PDF.
© 1979 S. Karger AG, Basel
1979
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.