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Sensitization and subjective health complaints
1Department of Biological and Medical Psychology, University of Bergen, Norway. hege.eriksen@psych.uib.no
Scandinavian Journal of Psychology
|May 15, 2002
Summary
Psychological factors and brain mechanisms may explain why some individuals experience heightened pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. Allostatic load offers a plausible explanation for illness and sensitization.
Area of Science:
- Psychosomatic medicine
- Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Traditional psychosomatic models lacked pathophysiological explanations for the link between psychological issues and somatic diseases.
- Previous models had limited predictive value and therapeutic importance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical and theoretical background of psychosomatic complaints.
- To discuss evidence and theoretical positions regarding illness sensitization.
- To propose a new model for understanding somatic pathology and subjective complaints.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and theoretical literature on psychosomatic models.
- Discussion of evidence supporting the role of sustained arousal (allostatic load).
- Integration of cognitive psychology and neurophysiology concepts.
Main Results:
- Sustained arousal, or allostatic load, provides a more plausible mechanism for somatic pathology and illness sensitization.
- The combination of cognitive psychology and neurophysiology offers a framework for understanding subjective complaints.
Conclusions:
- Allostatic load offers a better explanation for illness and sensitization than traditional psychosomatic models.
- A combined cognitive-neurophysiological approach enhances understanding of somatic pathology and subjective illness experiences.