Psychokardiologie ­ aus praktischer und klinischer Sicht.

In order to treat and research the development, progression, therapy and prevention of cardiological and psychosomatic disorders and their interactions, the field of psychocardiology has been established in recent years and now offers several treatment options.The well-known somatic risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as smoking, diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and acquired or congenital lipid metabolism disorders, lack of exercise, malnutrition and sleep-related disorders are often related to psychosocial risk factors. Conversely, mental illnesses such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder can also be viewed as independent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.Somatic illnesses can, in turn, result in significant psychological reactions that have a severely negative impact on the course of the disease, participation and quality of life.In addition to the scientific research into these connections, psychocardiology offers a clinical specialty that questions, diagnoses and provides treatment for psychosocial connections in cardiovascular patients.The aim of this article is primarily to convey clinical and practical aspects of psychocardiology and the most important psychological comorbidities in connection with heart disease. In addition, it should be shown which therapeutic offers are available in the medical care structures and how therapy can be carried out. Psychotherapy and exercise therapy are preferred for the treatment of these comorbid disorders. The possibility of psychopharmacological therapy for cardiovascular patients is also presented, especially because of possible problematic medication interactions.

[Psychocorporal approach to functional somatic disorders]. / Prise en charge psychocorporelle des troubles somatiques fonctionnels.

Functional somatic disorders (FSD) are common conditions that result in a significant deterioration of the quality of life. Their origin is multifactorial and poorly understood, and their management is often inadequately defined. Medications typically show limited effectiveness, while mind-body approaches play a central role, guided by three key principles: establishing an empathetic, respectful, and sincere doctor-patient relationship; promoting regular and gradual physical activity; and implementing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Special attention must be devoted to establishing a trustworthy relationship between the physician and the patient. Recognizing the reality and severity of symptoms and providing a positive diagnosis as well as an explanatory model to account for them rationally are fundamental aspects of patient management. Cognitive and behavioral maintenance factors should be investigated and constitute therapeutic targets. Cognitive factors include focused attention on body functioning and catastrophizing. Patients frequently display avoidance behaviors, particularly in relation to physical exertion, and it is crucial to motivate them to reintroduce gradual physical activity customized to their abilities. This approach has demonstrated efficacy in improving fatigue, pain, and the physical and mental quality of life for patients with FSD. Among psychotherapeutic approaches, the benefit of CBT is well-established. The combination of gradual physical activity and CBT appears to be complementary. Other mind-body approaches such as mindfulness meditation might help although their level of evidence is weaker. Given the prevalence of FSD in the general population, it seems necessary for all physicians to be trained in managing this condition.

[Psychosomatic aspects in otorhinolaryngology-historical milestones]. / Psychosomatische Aspekte in der HNO-Heilkunde ­ historische Meilensteine.

BACKGROUND: This investigation examined the development of psychosomatics in the field of otolaryngology in Germany using the examples of psychogenic deafness and chronic tinnitus by means of literature research. The focus of the study was on the period 1948-2022. METHODS: A literature search was carried out in the PubMed database from 1948 and antiquarian ENT textbooks were evaluated. The search terms used were "ENT and psychosomatics," "tinnitus," "retraining therapy," "analytical psychology," "behavioral therapy," and "sensory systems." RESULTS: Psychosomatic phenomena were mentioned in the treatment of nasal diseases and ear ailments in writings of Byzantine and medieval medicine. Even older are references to tinnitus in ancient Egyptian and Indian scripts. From the nineteenth to the mid-twentieth century, psychological abnormalities in ENT symptoms were assigned to the term hysteria. From the middle of the twentieth century, a paradigm shift in the assessment of psychosomatic disorders in otolaryngology became apparent. In the 1950s, a broad psychosomatic discussion was opened in individual lectures and book contributions on mental abnormalities in ENT diseases. With the implementation of the Psychosomatics Working Group of the German Society of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, psychosomatics in the field of ENT received the framework for scientific and clinical activity at the turn of the millennium. Psychosomatics is scientifically represented and part of the continuing education regulations for otolaryngology in Germany and at European level. It shows high standards in research, qualification of otolaryngologists, and patient care. CONCLUSION: As of 2022, psychosomatics in otolaryngology has been steadily developing for over 70 years. The standards achieved are to be further expanded and research on cognition, affectivity, and sensory analogies intensified.

[Studies on the psychodynamics of Chronic Orofacial Pain Disorder]. / Untersuchungen zur Psychodynamik der chronischen orofazialen Schmerzstörung.

Studies on the psychodynamics of Chronic Orofacial Pain Disorder Objectives: Psychodynamic factors play an important role in its emergence and development of Chronic Orofacial Pain Disorder (COP), which is also known as Chronic Primary Orofacial Pain. This factors form the basis for differentiated psychotherapy. Methods: Seven female and two male patients with COP who had visited the Dental School, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, and the dental surgery of a practising dentist over the year were included in the study. Following a detailed dental examination, a psychodynamic interview was videotaped, reconstructing the connections between the life history and the development of the illness. Psychosomatic data were assessed by 3 psychotherapists based on a consensus model with regard to symptom trigger mechanisms such as conflicts and pressure, the development of symptoms, and the personality structure. Pathogenetically, we differentiated among conversion, somatization and projection. Results: The patients had a mean age of 57 years (range: 44-67) and an average illness duration of three (1-5) years. The average age where the illness had manifested was 54 (43-64). All patients showed clear psychodynamic factors in the development and course of the illness. The symptoms developed mainly during transitional situations during the life history, predominately in midlife. During this phase, dental treatment undertaken for whatever reason could trigger the chronic symptoms, which could then be further exacerbated by further dental interventions. The mode of symptom development by equal number of patients related to a somatoform disorder, such as a somatization of affect, a conversion with conflict symbolism and a projective-hypochondriac disorder. In the remaining patients, COP was an accompanying symptom of depressive disorder or the consequence of a posttraumatic stress disorder with self-mutilating tendencies. Conclusion: The consideration of psychosomatic connections and pathogenetic differentiation is helpful for the understanding and management of COP. This diagnostic differentiation could serve as a basis for prognosis and for specific therapeutic indications. Despite numerous general researches about chronic pain syndromes, there is a lack of intervention studies which take into account the specific conditions of COP on a larger sample.

Impact of an educational workshop on psychiatrists' attitude towards psychosomatic medicine.

BACKGROUND: Although psychosomatic medicine is not recognised as a medical specialisation globally, it has proven useful for treating many disorders in Germany. This paper reports on the impact of an educational workshop as a tool for raising awareness about psychosomatic medicine among international psychiatrists. METHODS: Psychiatrists from eight different countries were educated on psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy during a 90-min workshop using a video, a slide presentation and an innovative teaching format called 'speed coaching'. Learning outcomes were assessed by analysing questionnaires completed by the participants before and after the workshop. RESULTS: Half of the participants who initially rejected the notion that psychosomatic medicine should be a specialisation on its own changed their minds in favour for it to be a separate discipline (p = 0.125). Awareness about which diseases and patients psychosomatic doctors deal with was increased. The intent for treatment of patients with eating disorders by a psychosomatic physician quadrupled among the participants (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: A brief educational intervention can influence psychiatrists' decisions to opt for approaches by doctors specialized in psychosomatics for certain disorders. Further studies may explore why psychiatrists agree or disagree that psychosomatic medicine should be a separate specialisation on its own.

A new somatic-type delusional disorder subtype: delusion inversus.

The interplay between psychiatric and dermatologic conditions has been recognized for decades as evidenced by the widely accepted classification system of psychocutaneous disorders: (1) primary dermatologic disorder with psychiatric sequelae, (2) primary dermatologic disorder exacerbated by stress, (3) primary psychiatric disorder with dermatologic sequelae, and (4) miscellaneous. However, there is minimal literature regarding dermatologic patients who demonstrate a preoccupation with a more severe cutaneous disorder despite evidence confirming a diagnosis of a minor, treatable skin condition. These patients are a hybrid of the first and fourth categories and should be classified under a new entity known as delusion inversus. These patients have a primary dermatologic condition; however, they believe their condition to be more severe and malignant than it is, despite evidence to the contrary. Their beliefs are pathological and analogous to delusion disorder somatic type. Given the scarcity of data concerning delusion inversus, the epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of the disorder as described in this review is extrapolated from reported cases of delusion disorder and delusion disorder somatic-type. Often these patients will present to a non-psychiatric, outpatient clinic for medical care. Thus, it is imperative that dermatologists are able to identify the condition and manage the patient appropriately.

[Psychosomatic research in 2018: Lost illusions, renewed hopes]. / La recherche psychosomatique en 2018 : illusions perdues, espoirs renouvelés.

A critical analysis of the basic hypotheses of psychosomatic research and the sometimes hasty assertions drawn from the previous works makes it possible to better discern the data confirmed by the most recent works or the most rigorous meta-analyses and to highlight the emerging tracks. If the hypothesis of behavioral patterns specifically related to the risk of certain pathologies seems abandoned, the predictive value of depression in the cardiovascular field, more than in that of oncology, becomes clearer. Negative affect and impaired emotional awareness emerge as two complementary factors of somatic vulnerability. Several vulnerability factors seem all the more effective as they affect individuals of lower socio-economic status. Social exclusion feeling and its links with the inflammatory response appear to be a possible common denominator, both for depression and for many somatic conditions. A series of studies on the cerebral regulation of emotions and stress, as well as on bidirectional brain-bowel relations and on the mediating role of the gut microbiota, complements the available epidemiological data. The same is true for certain advances in behavioral neuro-economics, which inform the decision-making processes of patients facing preventive health choices. Lastly, it appears that a significant part of the excess mortality associated with the existence of severe mental disorders is not due to factors inherent to the patients themselves, but to disparities in the quality of the care provided to them.

Stendhal syndrome: a clinical and historical overview / Síndrome de Stendhal: una revisión histórica y clínica

ABSTRACT It could be argued that one of the few unifying qualities all human beings share is the ability to appreciate beauty. While the object of beauty may change from one person to another, the awe and the thrill experienced by an enthralled beholder remains the same. Sometimes, this experience can be so overwhelming it can bring someone to the edge of existence. A very rare condition, known as aesthetic syndrome and, more commonly, Stendhal syndrome, entails a clinical phenomenon in which the presence of a beautiful piece of work or architecture causes dysautonomic symptoms such as tachycardia, diaphoresis, chest pains and loss of consciousness. We present an historical and clinical review of this condition.

RESUMO Podría decirse que una de las pocas cualidades comunes a todos los seres humanos es la capacidad de apreciar la belleza. Si bien, es cierto que el objeto considerado como bello cambia de una persona a otra, la admiración y profunda emoción que experimenta un espectador en trance, es la misma. En ocasiones, esta experiencia puede llevar una persona hasta el borde mismo de la existencia. Una condición muy rara, conocida como síndrome estético, y en algunos casos, síndrome de Stendhal, comprende un cuadro clínico en el que la presencia de una magnífica y bella pieza de arte o arquitectura, produce síntomas disautonómicos como taquicardia, diaforesis, dolor torácico y pérdida de la consciencia. Presentamos aquí una revisión clínica e histórica de esta condición.

Management of Functional Somatic Syndromes and Bodily Distress.

Functional somatic syndromes (FSS), like irritable bowel syndrome or fibromyalgia and other symptoms reflecting bodily distress, are common in practically all areas of medicine worldwide. Diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to these symptoms and syndromes vary substantially across and within medical specialties from biomedicine to psychiatry. Patients may become frustrated with the lack of effective treatment, doctors may experience these disorders as difficult to treat, and this type of health problem forms an important component of the global burden of disease. This review intends to develop a unifying perspective on the understanding and management of FSS and bodily distress. Firstly, we present the clinical problem and review current concepts for classification. Secondly, we propose an integrated etiological model which encompasses a wide range of biopsychosocial vulnerability and triggering factors and considers consecutive aggravating and maintaining factors. Thirdly, we systematically scrutinize the current evidence base in terms of an umbrella review of systematic reviews from 2007 to 2017 and give recommendations for treatment for all levels of care, concentrating on developments over the last 10 years. We conclude that activating, patient-involving, and centrally acting therapies appear to be more effective than passive ones that primarily act on peripheral physiology, and we recommend stepped care approaches that translate a truly biopsychosocial approach into actual management of the patient.

[Validation of the Screening for Complex PTSD (SkPTBS) - Revision]. / Validierung des Screenings zur komplexen Posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (SkPTBS) ­ Revision.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to develop further a screening instrument for complex posttraumatic stress disorder (cPTSD). The screening for cPTSD (SkPTBS) tests a) potential traumatic experiences, b) influential features and risk factors, and c) symptoms of cPTSD. The SkPTBS by Dorr et al. (2016) was revised according to the current ICD-11 criteria set proposal for cPTSD and is explored in its revised edition. METHOD: Impacts of long-lasting interpersonal trauma were tested in inpatients of psychosomatic rehabilitation and in patients consulting a university outpatient center for trauma therapy. Patients filled out the screening at the beginning of their treatment (N=525, among these n=359 rehabilitation patients and n=157 in the outpatient center, mean age 48 years, 68% female). Later diagnosed complex PTSD as well as results of the SCID and the Interview for complex PTSD (IkPTBS) served as primary validation criteria. RESULTS: 88 patients (17%) were diagnosed with complex PTSD. Metric SkPTBS items were selective and the scale had an internal reliability of Cronbachs α=0.91. The one-dimensional factor structure was replicated. SkPTBS correlated moderately with posttraumatic symptoms measured by IES-15, with dissociative symptoms (DES-Taxon), depressive symptoms (in BDI-II, PHQ-9), and global symptom severity (in SCL-90-R). Finally, norms for different groups of age, diagnosis and treatment settings were developed. CONCLUSION: The SkPTBS revision is a feasible and brief instrument to identify patients at risk for complex PTSD. It is provided freely and can be applied for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

[Classical Medical Mistakes - Lack of Appreciation of Psychological Components]. / Klassische ärztliche Fehlleistungen ­ die Verkennung psychologischer Komponenten.

Detailed evidence for psychogenic effects after an accident: evidence from 3 expert reports.

Anxiety and psychosomatic symptoms in palliative care: from neuro-psychobiological response to stress, to symptoms' management with clinical hypnosis and meditative states.

Psychosomatic disorder is a condition in which psychological stresses adversely affect physiological (somatic) functioning to the point of distress. It is a condition of dysfunction or structural damage in physical organs through inappropriate activation of the involuntary nervous system and the biochemical response. In this framework, this review will consider anxiety disorders, from the perspective of the psychobiological mechanisms of vulnerability to extreme stress in severe chronic illnesses. Psychosomatic medicine is a field of behavioral medicine and a part of the practice of consultation-liaison psychiatry. Psychosomatic medicine in palliative care, integrates interdisciplinary evaluation and management involving diverse clinical specialties including psychiatry, psychology, neurology, internal medicine, allergy, dermatology, psychoneuroimmunology, psychosocial oncology and spiritual care. Clinical conditions where psychological processes act as a major factor affecting medical outcomes are areas where psychosomatic medicine has competence. Thus, the psychosomatic symptom develops as a physiological connected of an emotional state. In a state of rage or fear, for example, the stressed person's blood pressure is likely to be elevated and his pulse and respiratory rate to be increased. When the fear passes, the heightened physiologic processes usually subside. If the person has a persistent fear (chronic anxiety), however, which he is unable to express overtly, the emotional state remains unchanged, though unexpressed in the overt behavior, and the physiological symptoms associated with the anxiety state persist. This paper wants highlight how clinical hypnosis and meditative states can be important psychosocial and spiritual care, for the symptom management on neuro-psychobiological response to stress.

The need of dermatologists, psychiatrists and psychologists joint care in psychodermatology

Abstract: The mind-skin connection has been studied since the nineteenth century. The last 40 years have set the development of new research areas which allowed the clarifying of how these two dimensions interact. The diseases that involve skin and mind constitute the field of psychodermatology and require that specialists in dermatology, psychiatry and psychology together and integrated take part in it, since skin, nervous system and mind are simultaneously affected. This paper aims to expose how psychodermatoses are currently conceptualized and the need of integration of these three specialties for conveniently treating the patients.

The approach to patients with psychogenic nonepileptic seizures in epilepsy surgery centers regarding diagnosis, treatment, and education.

Previous studies, using surveys, provided an understanding about how health-care providers address patients with PNES. To date, there is limited information on the management of patients with PNES by tertiary referral centers for epilepsy. In this study, we surveyed 11 Brazilian epilepsy center directors about diagnosis, treatment, education and research on PNES. Respondents reported that patients with PNES represented 10-20% of all adult patients recorded by video-EEG (VEEG). All respondents recognized VEEG as the method to confirm the diagnosis, and 81.8% used this approach for confirmation. Most centers had a standard protocol for diagnosis. None of the centers had a particular protocol to treat PNES, but 90.9% had a uniform treatment approach including therapy and educational measures. Psychotherapy was not easily obtained in nine centers (81.8%). Seven (63.3%) centers reported ongoing research projects with PNES. Five centers referred to an educational PNES program discussing diagnosis, but only one reported an educational program for treatment. This study showed a commitment to PNES diagnosis; however, some gaps remain regarding treatment and training, namely implementing a psychotherapy approach for patients and providing educational curricula for clinicians.

Catamnesis results of an inpatient neuro-otologic and psychosomatic tinnitus therapy 1-5 years after discharge.

Treating tinnitus with the resources offered in hospitals can become necessary for patients suffering from complex tinnitus if a high symptom severity, usually accompanied by a corresponding psychosomatic comorbidity, is present. For such costly therapies, for example, the neuro-otologic psychosomatic tinnitus therapy (NPT) examined here, the long-term effect is particularly important; however, reliable catamnesis studies for inpatient treatments are not yet available. Data from 169 (from a total of 327 contacted) inpatients suffering from complex tinnitus were analysed here. To assess the tinnitus stress, the Mini-Tinnitus Questionnaire (Mini-TF12-In German language) according to Hiller and Goebel [1], and for the assessment of the anxiety and depression element, the German version of the Hospitality Anxiety and Depression Score (HADS) [2] were analysed at the start of the therapy, at the end of the therapy and at the earliest 1 year (up to 5 years) after discharge from inpatient treatment. The data were correlated with the current hearing status. In addition, the subjectively perceived effect factors of the therapy as well as the therapies continued outside of hospital were queried. On average, the therapy lasted 39.3 days (SD 13.6) = 5.6 weeks, and the mean of the follow-up time was 38.5 months (12-70 months) (SD 18). The therapy focused on daily neuro-otologic counselling, the improvement of the concrete hearing ability, an audio-therapy as well as frequent individual and group psychotherapy based on neuro-otology. 53.8 % of patients experienced relevant hearing loss (according to WHO criteria) which needed to be treated in addition to tinnitus. Both at the end of the therapy and the follow-up consultation, a significant improvement of the tinnitus stress and a continuing significant improvement of the depression and anxiety element could be achieved in the HADS with high effect levels ranging from 1 to 2.5. Patients who did not improve (n = 7) or even deteriorated (n = 2) demonstrated increased hearing impairment, requiring hearing aids. During the therapy, particularly, the neuro-otologic counselling, the psychotherapy, and the audio-therapy were experienced as effective. After discharge from hospital, especially, the progressive muscle relaxation according to Jacobsen was continued, as well as psychotherapy. With the corresponding symptomatic suffering, an inpatient hospitalisation and tinnitus therapy with neuro-otologic and psychosomatic alignment can achieve medium-to-high-grade therapeutic effects. This requires a disorder-specific approach, which also includes the elements of neuro-otologic counselling, psychotherapy as well as audio-therapy, and the possibility of providing hearing aids and an approach which aims at the continuation of the therapies experienced as helpful.

[Models of Mental Health Care for Vulnerable Refugees in the Community]. / Modelle zur regionalen Versorgung psychisch vulnerabler Flüchtlinge.

A non-neglectable portion of people that have fled to Germany have been subjected to expulsion, violence, torture and grave human loss. In some of them, signs of secondary mental problems are obvious. In the light of the efforts at integration, these diseases must not be neglected. Outlined are the federal legal requirements and how the cost coverage, as well as the admission to health care system, is structured. Additionally, 2 exemplary regional models for psychosomatic health care are being introduced: Dresden's "Stepped Care Model for Psychologically Vulnerable Refugees" includes phased offers for prevention and treatment of acute mental crises, as well as somatoform disorders in refugees and their volunteer helpers. The PSZ in Bielefeld unites already existing expertise of social work and trauma therapy to form a shared project and favors, among other things, training courses and the instruction of language mediators. The local circumstances and differences lead to individual, sometimes totally new solutions. Already existing clinical care offers as well as concepts of trauma therapy are focal points for the development of a comprehensive health care provision. Most effective is a combination of medicinal care, psychosocial networking and psychosomatic treatment. For a working health care provision without parallel structures it is indispensible to use expertise in trauma therapy that is already in place. While being very resource-saving psychosomatic centers offer targeted applications in the network of all actors in refugee care especially when combined with well-trained volunteers and language mediators, informed on the issue of trauma.

Current Psychosomatic Practice.

Psychosomatic research has advanced over the past decades in dealing with complex biopsychosocial phenomena and may provide new effective modalities of patient care. Among psychosocial variables affecting individual vulnerability, course, and outcome of any medical disease, the role of chronic stress (allostatic load/overload) has emerged as a crucial factor. Assessment strategies include the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research. They are presented here in an updated version based on insights derived from studies carried out so far and encompass allostatic overload, type A behavior, alexithymia, the spectrum of maladaptive illness behavior, demoralization, irritable mood, and somatic symptoms secondary to a psychiatric disorder. Macroanalysis is a helpful tool for identifying the relationships between biological and psychosocial variables and the individual targets for medical intervention. The personalized and holistic approach to the patient includes integration of medical and psychological therapies in all phases of illness. In this respect, the development of a new psychotherapeutic modality, Well-Being Therapy, seems to be promising. The growth of subspecialties, such as psychooncology and psychodermatology, drives towards the multidisciplinary organization of health care to overcome artificial boundaries. There have been major transformations in health care needs in the past decades. From psychosomatic medicine, a land of innovative hypotheses and trends, many indications for changes in the current practice of medicine are now at hand. The aim of this critical review is to outline current and potential clinical applications of psychosomatic methods.

O corpo / The body

O autor oferece reflexões sobre a importante mudança que tem realizado o pensamento atual no que diz respeito à consideração da relação do corpo com o psiquismo desde a clássica dissociação cartesiana entre res cogitans e res extensa como entidades diferentes até a compreensão atual de dois aspectos funcionais de um mesmo organismo. Enfatiza a importância da obra freudiana nesta evolução, assim como nas contribuições da filosofia fenomenológica do século XX e das considerações atuais da neurociência. Da mesma maneira, reflete sobre as origens da citada dissociação ainda prevalente em certos modos de pensamento. Descreve, brevemente, as formas com que aparecem na clínica as alterações da organização psicossomática(AU)

The author reflects upon the important shift that has taken place within current thinking regarding the relationship between the body and the psyche, from the traditional Cartesian dissociation between res cogitans and res extensa as different entities, to the current understanding of two functional aspects of the same organism. He stresses the importance of Freud's work in this evolution, as well as in the contributions of phenomenological philosophy in the 20th century and of current neuroscience. Likewise, the author reflects upon the origins of the mentioned dissociation, which is still prevalent in certain ways of thinking. He also briefly describes the alterations in the presentation of psychosomatic organization that appear in the clinical practice(AU)

El autor ofrece algunas reflexiones sobre el importante cambio que ha efectuado el pensamiento actual respecto a la consideración de las relaciones del cuerpo con el psiquismo desde la clásica disociación cartesiana entre res cogitans y res extensa como entidades distintas hasta la comprensión actual de dos aspectos funcionales de un mismo organismo. Hace hincapié en la importancia de la obra freudiana en esta evolución, así como en las aportaciones de la filosofía fenomenológica del siglo XX y de las consideraciones actuales de las neurociencias. Asimismo reflete sobre los orígenes de la citada disociación aún prevalente en ciertos modos de pensamiento. Describe someramente las formas(AU)