Psychosomatic is a branch of medicine and psychology that studies the relationship between a person’s mental and emotional states and the development of physical diseases.

The term “psychosomatics” comes from two Greek words: “psycho” (soul) and “soma” (body). Psychosomatics emphasizes the inextricable connection between the body and the psyche, believing that many physical diseases have their roots in psychological factors.

This meaning is especially important in the modern world, where stressful situations, anxiety and psychological conflicts become an integral part of everyday life.

Historical context
Psychosomatic representations in antiquity and the Middle Ages

The idea of ​​the relationship between the body and the psyche is not new and has its roots in antiquity. The famous Greek doctor Hippocrates believed that a person’s mental state can affect his physical health. He believed that emotional upheavals can cause physical ailments, and that the treatment of the body must take into account the state of the soul.

In the Middle Ages, similar ideas also took place, although medicine during this period developed more slowly due to the dominance of religious ideas. Psychological disorders were often explained as manifestations of divine or diabolical power. However, during this period, the foundations for understanding the role of the psyche in physical ailments were also formed.

Psychosomatics in the context of the development of psychoanalysis

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, when psychoanalysis developed, psychosomatics received a new impetus. Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis, was one of the first to scientifically investigate the relationship between mental and physical states. He developed a theory according to which certain physical symptoms can be a manifestation of unconscious psychological conflicts.

Freud believed that neurotic disorders can cause various physical symptoms, such as pain, paralysis, or other disorders of the body’s functions. He introduced the concept of “conversion” to describe the process by which a mental conflict is transformed into a physical symptom.

The contribution of Freud and other outstanding scientists to the development of psychosomatics

After Freud, other scientists also made a significant contribution to the development of psychosomatics. For example, Franz Alexander, one of the leading representatives of the Chicago school of psychoanalysis, developed the concept of “specific conflict situation”, according to which certain conflicts lead to certain psychosomatic diseases. Alexander argued that each organ or system of organs is associated with certain emotional states, and it is these emotional states that can be a trigger for the development of physical diseases.

Basic concepts and terms
Definition of psychosomatic diseases

Psychosomatic diseases are those in which mental factors play an important role in the occurrence, development and manifestation of physical symptoms. These can be either serious illnesses (such as asthma or peptic ulcer disease) or less serious but very common conditions such as headaches, skin rashes or sleep disturbances.

The role of emotions and stress in the development of physical diseases

One of the central aspects of psychosomatics is the recognition of the role of stress and negative emotions in the development of physical diseases. Stress can be both acute and chronic, and in both cases it can have a negative effect on the body. For example, chronic stress can lead to an increase in blood pressure, which, in turn, can cause cardiovascular diseases.

The interaction of body and psyche: a biopsychosocial model

Modern psychosomatics often views disease from the perspective of a biopsychosocial model that includes biological, psychological, and social factors. This model emphasizes that all three aspects must be taken into account for a complete understanding of any disease, as they interact and affect the state of human health.

Information on the causes and treatment of psychosomatic diseases can be found in the following articles.