Psychosomatic Disorders in General Practice

This book presents the basic knowledge of psychosomatics that both specialists and nonspecialists require, and then examines how this knowledge is applied in practice by putting the theoretical concepts underlying psychosomatics into a practical context with descriptions of psychosomatic illnesses. The basis of understanding symptoms remains psychoanalytical theory, but this basis is expanded and improved using modern concepts. The various therapeutic approaches to the patient, ranging from discussions between patient and physician to Balint group work and family therapy, are all discussed. This new edition is suitable for use as a basic introduction, giving practical guidance on basic psychosomatic care of patients both in the practice and in the clinic.

Table of Contents:
1 Psychosomatic Groundwork.- 1.1 Historical Introduction.- 1.2 Psychosomatic Correlates.- 2 Psychosomatic Disorders.- 2.1 Disorders of the Respiratory Organs.- 2.2 Cardiovascular Disorders.- 2.3 Aspects of Eating Behaviour.- 2.4 Gastrointestinal Disorders.- 2.5 Disorders of the Endocrine System.- 2.6 Aspects of Allergy.- 2.7 Skin Diseases.- 2.8 Headache.- 2.9 The Sleepless Patient.- 2.10 Gynecological Disorders.- 2.11 Musculoskeletal Disorders.- 3 Psychoautonomic Syndromes.- 3.1 Basics.- 3.2 Pathogenetic Concepts.- 3.3 Triggering Factors and Personality Profile.- 3.4 Types of Decompensation.- 3.5 Treatment.- 4 Psychosexual Disorders.- 4.1 Basics.- 4.2 Pathogenic and Therapeutic Concepts.- 4.3 Forms of Treatment.- 4.4 Sexuality with Increasing Age.- 4.5 Personal Experience of the Consultation in Psychosexual Medicine.- 5 Psychological and Psychosomatic Aspects of Dentistry.- 5.1 Basics.- 5.2 The Significance of the Oral Region.- 5.3 Going to the Dentist.- 5.4 The Dentist-Patient Relationship.- 5.5 Psychological Aspects During Treatment.- 5.6 The Various Groups of Patients.- 5.7 Psychogenic Influences in the Maxillofacial Region.- 5.8 Loss of Teeth.- 5.9 The Dental Prosthesis.- 5.10 Conclusions.- 6 The Psychosomatic Patient After Onset of Middle Age.- 6.1 Crises in Middle Age.- 6.2 Psychosomatic Disorders.- 6.3 Treatment.- 7 The Cancer Patient with an Unfavourable Prognosis.- 7.1 Basics.- 7.2 Informing the Patient of the Diagnosis.- 7.3 Family Participation.- 7.4 Sociopsychosomatic Implications.- 8 Aspects of Anxiety.- 8.1 Basics.- 8.2 Psychopathology of Anxiety Syndromes.- 8.3 Anxiety Disorders as Defined by International Systems of Classification.- 8.4 The Different Origins of Anxiety.- 8.5 Coping with Anxiety.- 8.6 Treatment of the Anxiety Syndrome.- 9 Masked Depression.- 10 The Psychosomatic Approach to the Patient.- 10.1 Problems of the Psychosomatic Approach.- 10.2 Various Forms of Dialogue with the Patient.- 10.3 Function and Course of the Interview.- 10.4 Dialogue as an Aid to Therapy.- 10.5 Balint Groups.- 11 The Rudiments of Treatment.- 11.1 The Problems of Integrating Psychotherapeutic Principles Into General Medicine.- 11.2 Relationship Therapy.- 11.3 Methods of Treatment.- 12 Psychopharmacotherapy.- 12.1 Antidepressants.- 12.2 Neuroleptics.- 12.3 Tranquilizers.- 12.4 Concomitant Effects.- 12.5 Intoxication with Psychopharmaceuticals.- 12.6 When Psychopharmaceuticals are Indicated in Psychosomatic Illness.- 12.7 Chronic Pain.- 12.8 Suicidal Tendencies.- 12.9 Drug Abuse and the Suicidal Impulse.- 12.10 Psychotherapy and Psychopharmacotherapy.- References.