What is Psychosomatics?

Abstract

The definition of Psychosomatics follows a triangular path in which biology, personality and environmental events close the angles; it is nuanced by coping resources in various situations. A possible nosology runs transversally through the whole range of pathology: somatic disorders with a marked psychological impact; the deconstructed somatisation; the high psychological morbidity in medico-surgical patients (30-50% of admitted patients and 25-30% outpatients), with Liaison Psychiatry always present in its approach; Anxiety due to Illness (primary or secondary). Some of the most prominent models are synthesized, from the Corticovisceral to Psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology, including stress processes. The conclusion is that Psychosomatics is integrated into medicine as a whole and enhances the diagnostic, therapeutic, research and collaborative resources of the various professionals involved.