[Epidemiology and management of psychosomatic patients in Austria]

The problem of epidemiological surveys of psychosomatic patients particularly in view of their requirements and willingness for treatment is discussed. Since there are no data available for Austria data from FRG are presented. These data are compared with the provision of psychotherapeutic and psychosomatic care in Austria. In addition the provision of in-patient treatment for psychosomatic patients is presented. Whereas the outpatient provision of care for psychosomatic patients can be considered acceptable in the big cities, there is a big gap in the rural areas and smaller towns. The provision of in-patient treatment is at present well below of what is considered necessary by the ministry of social affairs. From these data a serious lack of provision of care for psychosomatic patients in Austria can be deduced.