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[Functional somatization: a conceptual review].
Cristina Fabião1, Manuela Fleming, António Barbosa
1Departamento de Ciências do Comportamento, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
Acta Medica Portuguesa
|April 25, 2012
Summary
This study traces the historical concept of hysteria, from organic disease and demonic possession to psychological mechanisms like dissociation and conversion. It examines evolving diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to somatization disorders.
Area of Science:
- Medical History
- Psychiatry
- Neurology
Context:
- Hysteria's concept evolved from organic (womb-related) and supernatural (demonic possession) origins to include multidimensional and psychological aspects.
- Scientific advancements in biology and physiology influenced early organic treatment theories, such as Spinal Irritation and Reflex Theories.
- The introduction of hypnosis highlighted non-organic elements, paving the way for psychological explanations of hysteria.
Purpose:
- To analyze the historical evolution of the concept of hysteria and its associated diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
- To discuss the distinction between somatic and psychic origins of somatization and its implications for classification systems.
- To review empirical studies on somatization disorders and their association with depressive and anxiety disorders.
Summary:
- Historical analysis reveals hysteria's conceptual shifts from organic disease to psychological phenomena (dissociation, conversion) with figures like Charcot, Janet, and Freud.
- The study examines the challenges in differentiating functional somatization from psychogenic somatization and the evolution of somatoform disorder classifications.
- Empirical evidence linking somatization to depression and anxiety is reviewed, alongside critiques of current diagnostic criteria for somatoform disorders.
Impact:
- Highlights the complexities and consequences of evolving diagnostic systems for somatization and somatoform disorders.
- Informs understanding of the historical trajectory of psychiatric nosology and the integration of psychological factors in somatic symptom disorders.
- Provides a foundation for future research into the classification and treatment of somatization and related mental health conditions.
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