[Psychosomatic medicine and transplantation medicine. Cooperation is useful and necessary]

Transplantation represents a breaching of the bodily integrity of the patient, and can lead to anxiety, depression and an identity problem. In the post-transplantation phase also, the patient undergoes further stress associated with check examinations and treatment. Standardized surveys show that the fear of graft rejection remains with the patient for the rest of his/her life. The new situation also has an influence on partnership, family and the overall psychosocial setting. All this adds up to a need for psychosomatic care, support and, where indicated, appropriate treatment in every transplantation patient. The broad spectrum of possible measures available in this connection is discussed.