A psychosomatic illness now more commonly referred to Psychophysiologic disorders is an illness whose symptoms are caused by mental processes of the sufferer rather than immediate physiological causes. If a medical examination can find no physical or organic cause, if an illness appears to result from emotional conditions such as anger, anxiety, depression and guilt then it might be classified psychosomatic.

Psychosomatic symptoms show that a human body can create physical symptoms that compensate for relationship deficiencies. (For example, hypnosis-induced allergic reactions indicate that a person's immune response can dramatically change during an intense mind-body relationship).

Solutions

Although psychosomatic disease might improve or disappear following suggestion by a recognized authority, both the psycho and somatic aspects of psychosomatic symptoms may vanish if people improve the relationship of mind to body. Anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, for example, are usually considered to be psychosomatic illnesses. Like many eating disorders, they respond well to relationship coaching and various forms of counseling, usually under a physician's supervision.

Alternative Treatments

Chinese Medicine, such as acupuncture and Qigong, is believed by adherents to correct conditions which are not purely physical.

Scientology's Dianetics claims to deal with psychosomatic illnesses. They also claim to cure arthritis, radiation poisoning, cancer, ^* and, according to a 1995 brochure, "70 percent of Man's illnesses".

The Hare Krishnas believe that psychosomatic illnesses are a form of insanity induced by toxins, and that cow urine cures all diseases. ^*

Holistic health claims to offer non-physical solutions for disease.

History

Many identifiable illnesses have previously been labelled as 'hysterical' or 'psychosomatic', for example asthma, allergies, and migraines. Some illnesses are under debate, including multiple chemical sensitivity, Gulf War Syndrome, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Some people suggest that stigmatics suffer a psychosomatic illness based on identifying with the biblical crucified Jesus.

See also

• Hypochondria
• Munchausen syndrome
• Tension myositis syndrome
• Nocebo
• Placebo
• Placebo (origins of technical term)

External links

• Mind-Body Medicine: An Overview, US National Institutes of Health, Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
• Psychosomatic Medicine
• Mindbody Medicine
• American Psychosomatic Society
• University of Michigan
• NIH
• University of Iowa

Mind-body interventions | Psychological conditions

Psychosomatik

Afecciones psicosomáticas | Psychosomatique | מחלה פסיכוסומטית | Psichosomatika | Choroba psychosomatyczna | Psykosomatisk | 心身疾病