Repression and somatization: a case history of hemodynamic activation

A 52-year-old woman presented to the office about 2 and 1/2 years after the death of her husband from cancer. She had multiple hemodynamic and cardiovascular disorders such as hypertension, angina, tachycardia, dysmenorrhea, cardiac ectopics, and very cold hands and feet. The patient complained of tension and insomnia but refused to take any medications because of allergic responses to them. Hence, a relaxation and psychotherapeutic approach was adopted. Psychometric testing revealed extreme defensiveness (including repression). The patient had never mourned for her husband. Therapy helped her overcome her bereavement, tension, and insomnia. In addition, many of her physical manifestations subsided considerably during therapy.