[Psychosomatic disorders considered from an internist viewpoint. I. Nosographic aspects and diagnostic problems]

After a brief introduction regarding the nosography of psychosomatic disorders and the main reasons that have little by little discouraged non-psychiatric physicians to deal with this type of pathology, considering its high incidence among all the areas of general practice, the Authors go on discussing the diagnostic problems and pointing out the most important aspects concerned with these. The Authors conclude by warning not to over-value the effects obtained with an antidepressant especially when it is set up only on the basis of the ex-juvantibus principle. The Authors also invite their colleagues general practitioners to take greater care in the fight for prevention and treatment of these disorders, side by side with the psychiatrist.