Behavioral Medicine in Hungary: Past, Present, and Future

Abstract

During the socialist period before 1989, training in behavioral medicine and behavioral science was not a priority in Hungary's medical schools despite the nation's long tradition of psychosomatic and behavioral medicine. In this article, the authors review the development of behavioral medicine and behavioral science in Hungarian medical schools and outline some of the problems and future challenges these departments face. The resistance of faculty members has influenced the acceptance of behavioral medicine and behavioral science courses, attitudes toward the acceptance of departments of behavioral science, and evaluations of the staff's scientific research. Although research is emphasized in these departments of behavioral medicine, closer integration of teaching, research, and health policy is necessary. The primary message of this approach is that modern physicians should see beyond molecular substances and perceive humans from a total biopsychosocial perspective.