[Psychological versus psychogenic--a necessary clarification of terminology]

Confusion exists regarding the usage of the two adjectives psychic and psychogenic. Therefore a differentiation of the two words is necessary. We will try to do this with the help of concrete examples. Regarding the pair of terms psychic versus somatic one has to differentiate strictly between (psychic or somatic) causes on the one hand and the forms of manifestation in the psychic or somatic field of observation on the other hand. The discussion about the linguistic ruling of psychic versus psychogenic has important consequences for the responsibilities and care of the different professions: psychiatrist, psychosomatist/psychotherapist, other specialists, general physician.