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The Recognition and Management of Somatization
Journal article   Open access

The Recognition and Management of Somatization

Richard J. Goldberg, Dennis H. Novack and Linda Gask
Psychosomatics (Washington, D.C.), v 33(1), pp 55-61
Feb 1992
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0033-3182(92)72021-0View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Restricted

Abstract

This article addresses the medical education issues associated with teaching primary care residents about somatization. Specific training designed to recognize and manage somatization involves a hierarchical series of five knowledge domains with associated discrete skills. As a foundation, a biopsychosocial model must be embraced by the medical leadership of the training program. Second, because psychosocial stresses play a critical etiologie role in somatization, the ability to identify relevant psychosocial issues during medical interviewing is a fundamental skill. Third, basic psychiatric diagnostic areas (depression and anxiety) must be mastered as a prerequisite for identifying somatization. Specific interviewing and management techniques are reviewed, along with two current programmatic approaches. Finally, the concept of physician counter transference also must be explicitly addressed as part of the curriculum. Without assuring that these building blocks are in place, residents are likely to become overwhelmed by the management of somatizing patients and continue the pattern of frustration associated with these patients.

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Collaboration types
Domestic collaboration
International collaboration
Web of Science research areas
Psychiatry
Psychology
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