How can psychosomatic physicians contribute to behavioral medicine?

Kazuhiro Yoshiuchi

doi:10.1186/s13030-016-0060-x

Abstract

In Japan, there is a unique clinical department, “Psychosomatic Medicine”, while there is not a department of behavioral science or behavioral medicine in medical schools. Although only eight medical schools have the department, psychosomatic physicians in the department have been involved with behavioral medicine. In the present manuscript, the author would like to introduce the contribution to behavioral medicine made by psychosomatic physicians in three aspects, education, clinical settings, and research, and propose some strategy for psychosomatic physicians to get more involved with behavioral medicine.

Highlights

Psychosomatic medicine in Japan is very closely associated with behavioral medicine
In Japan, there is not a department of behavioral science or behavioral medicine in medical schools
“Psychosomatic diseases” are defined by the Japanese Society of Psychosomatic Medicine as physical diseases that are closely influenced by psychosocial factors in terms of their onset/course and that are not merely physical symptoms caused by psychiatric disorders [2]

Summary

Introduction

Psychosomatic medicine in Japan is very closely associated with behavioral medicine. All of the board members of the clinical section of the Japanese Society of Behavioral Medicine are psychosomatic physicians, and medical doctors in the department (psychosomatic physicians) play an important role in the medical education for behavioral medicine in the eight medical schools. I would like to introduce three aspects in behavioral medicine that are closely associated with psychosomatic physicians in Japan.

Results

Conclusion