Pathologies of the Mind/Body Interface

<p>Patients suffering from psychosomatic disorders represent a formidable challenge. Psychosomatic disorders are common and account for substantial personal discomfort unnecessary medical expenditures socioeconomic loss and disability. They are challenging to diagnose treat and are rarely completely cured. Furthermore they often provoke strong negative reactions from family friends and caregivers who are unable to fathom their inconsistencies. Currently little is known as to how they develop or why their symptoms tend to transform over time. In <em>Pathologies of the Mind/Body Interface</em> Richard Kradin a medical internist pulmonologist and psychoanalyst at a large Harvard hospital examines the historical philosophical cultural psychological and neurobiological factors that contribute to the development of psychosomatic disorders. He focuses on the role that developmental stress and attachment disorders appear to play in increasing the risk of developing psychosomatic symptoms and advises medical practitioners and psychologists on how to diagnose and treat them. Dr. Kradin suggests areas of importance for future medical and psychological research into the causes and treatments of these debilitating disorders.</p>