Psychophysiologic Disorders

A Psychosomatic illness is an illness which exists because of a particular reason. "Psycho-" means of the mind and "-somatic" means of the body. The body and mind are together interacting. That is the meaning of the word. more...

An illness produced by or maintained by the interaction is properly called a psychosomatic illness. In some instances a psychosomatic illness might otherwise become cured but for the interaction of mind and body. An example of this situation are the things like stomach ulcers that are more often found in high stress jobs than elsewhere. 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 relationship).

Many autoimmune diseases seem to have psychosomatic origins. In autoimmune diseases, the body becomes allergic to parts of itself, and damages body tissues. Autoimmune diseases may be called collagen vascular diseases if the immune system attacks supportive tissues and blood vessels. Autoimmune disease often follows trauma, exposure to toxic materials and chaotic relationships.

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.

Other Therapies

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

Dianetics deals 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 offers non-physical solutions for disease.

The relatively new fad of Systemic coaching alleges to help people solve systemic (relationship) problems.

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.

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