In collaboration with Raeen Mental Health Clinic

Date: October 4 , 2024

Lecturer: Dr. Saeed Sadeghi, Psychotherapist and Hypnotherapist

Psychosomatic medicine is a multidisciplinary approach that is sensitive to cultural and societal contexts, drawing upon a broad knowledge base.
Psychosomatic medicine examines the interplay of physical, emotional, and social factors in the onset and progression of illness, as well as in an individual’s coping mechanisms for dealing with illness and distress. For example, in asthma, psychosocial factors may trigger allergic asthma attacks in a child within a family, while the child’s asthma could, in turn, affect other family members. For instance, one sibling might develop anorexia nervosa to gain more attention, or the mother may experience a depressive crisis due to heightened stress.
Thus, physical, emotional, and social factors contribute in varying proportions to the development of any illness. The physician’s role is not only to identify the physical causes of illness but also to recognize the psychosocial processes influencing its onset and progression.
Determining whether psychosocial stress exists can only be achieved by taking a thorough psychosocial history from the patient.
The diagnosis of a psychosomatic disorder is made when a recognized physical illness or condition is present and is preceded by psychologically significant events that contribute to its onset or exacerbation. When psychological factors influence physical illness, individuals often deny being ill, refuse to take medication, and may ignore risk factors that could worsen their physical condition.

Psychosomatic illnesses and disorders can affect various bodily systems, including the respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and integumentary systems, among others. For instance, in coronary artery disease, in addition to factors such as aging, male gender, smoking, hypertension, low physical activity, and hereditary influences, a psychological factor known as Type A personality is also implicated in its development.
Individuals with Type A personality, who are predisposed to coronary disease, are characterized by three traits:
1) An excessive sense of urgency about time, always worrying about deadlines.
2) Competitiveness and ambition.
3) Aggression and hostility, especially when they feel situations are beyond their control.
The goal of psychosomatic medicine is to identify and manage all contributing factors involved in the development and management of illnesses.

References:

• Rosenhan, D., & Seligman, M. (2000). Abnormal psychology (Y. Seyed Mohammadi, Trans.). Tehran: Savalan. (Original work published in Persian, First Edition).
• Atkinson, R., Atkinson, R. C., Smith, E. E., Bem, D. J., & Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (1999). Introduction to psychology (M. N. Baraheni & others, Trans.). Tehran: Roshd. (Original work published in Persian).