Psychosomatic

Psychosomatic medicine is an interdisciplinary medical field exploring the relationships among social, psychological, and behavioral factors on bodily processes and quality of life in humans and animals.

Definition

The term psychosomatic refers to physical symptoms that occur from mental processes. This is as a result of a mental or emotional state causing physical symptoms. For example, a mental stress causing a physical headache. The term is also used when mental factors cause physical symptoms but where there is no physical disease. For example, chest pain with no physical cause from stress.

History

The concept of psychosomatic illness has long historical roots. The ancient Greeks, for example, believed that feelings influenced health and disease. In the 19th century, the term "psychosomatic" was coined by German psychiatrist Heinroth in 1818.

Psychosomatic Medicine

Psychosomatic medicine is a subspecialty of psychiatry that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of physical symptoms and diseases caused or exacerbated by mental factors. It is related to psychoneuroimmunology, which studies the interactions between the nervous system and the immune system.

Treatment

Treatment for psychosomatic disorders often involves a combination of psychotherapy, stress management techniques, and medication. Psychotherapy, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy, can help patients understand and change thought patterns that lead to symptoms. Stress management techniques, such as relaxation exercises and meditation, can help reduce the impact of stress on the body.

See also

• Psychoneuroimmunology
• Psychotherapy
• Stress management

References

Psychosomatic Resources
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