Patients suffering from psychosomatic disorders represent a formidable challenge. These disorders are common and account for substantial personal discomfort, unnecessary medical expenditures, socioeconomic loss, and disability. They are challenging to diagnose and treat, and are rarely completely cured. Furthermore, they often provoke strong negative reactions from family, friends, and caregivers, who are unable to fathom their inconsistencies.
Key Features
- Examination of historical, philosophical, cultural, psychological, and neurobiological factors.
- Focus on developmental stress and attachment disorders as risk factors.
- Guidance for medical practitioners and psychologists on diagnosis and treatment.
- Suggestions for future research into causes and treatments of psychosomatic disorders.
Additional Information
Currently, little is known as to how psychosomatic disorders develop or why their symptoms tend to transform over time.
Specifications
Author: Richard Kradin
Profession: Medical internist, pulmonologist, and psychoanalyst at a large Harvard hospital.
