A psychodynamic approach to screening for the metabolic syndrome

This article boldly challenges the dynamic psychiatrist to engage directly and vigorously into a matter that many would prefer to regard somewhat passively. That passivity is no longer acceptable. The metabolic syndrome has become a central medical concern because of the epidemic of obesity. It causes cardiovascular disease, diabetes, some cancers, sleep apnea, sexual dysfunction, and infertility. Obesity leads to depression, anxiety, and osteoarthritis. Some atypical antipsychotic medicines contribute to the metabolic syndrome, but the epidemic is widespread independent of atypicals. Practical steps by psychiatrists to monitor metabolic parameters are not as simple as they appear to be. Yet this is an area of clinical practice that cannot be ignored. Psychodynamic therapists need to awaken to the health of patients because the metabolic syndrome is more life-threatening than self-mutilation and many other self-destructive behaviors. The article discusses countertransference and transference issues stirred up when physicians begin to take responsibility for the total health of their patients. Freud oriented us to focus on both sides of the mind body relationship. Recent research on obesity, hypertension, diabetes, sleep, anxiety,depression, exercise and dyslipidemia is reviewed from the viewpoint of how it impinges on the office practice of a dynamic psychiatrist.