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Somatic fixation: the harm of healing
Aya Biderman1, Ayala Yeheskel, Joseph Herman
1Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of the Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba and 1, Assia Community Health Center, Netivot, Israel. sbider@netvision.net.il
Social Science & Medicine (1982)
|February 21, 2003
Summary
Somatic fixation occurs when patients and physicians medicalize problems. Understanding its causes, like healthcare system factors, is key to prevention and better patient care.
Area of Science:
- Medical Sociology
- Psychiatry
- General Practice
Background:
- Introduces the concept of somatic fixation, a model where patient issues are medicalized by both patient and physician.
- Differentiates somatic fixation from psychiatric diagnoses like somatization and somatoform disorders, noting potential overlap.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the phenomenon of somatic fixation and its broader implications within healthcare.
- To explore factors that predispose individuals and the medical system to somatic fixation.
Main Methods:
- Conceptual analysis and discussion of somatic fixation based on a 1983 Dutch research group's description.
- Examination of social, cultural, and medical circumstances contributing to somatic fixation.
- Analysis of healthcare system characteristics, including prepaid care and the 'rule out' model, as predisposing factors.
Main Results:
- Identifies predisposing factors for somatic fixation originating from both patient and physician.
- Highlights specific healthcare system features that may inadvertently encourage somatic fixation.
Conclusions:
- Emphasizes that preventing somatic fixation is a primary goal for physicians.
- Suggests increased physician awareness and exploration of patient history and psychosocial background as crucial for prevention.