Psychodynamic Aspects of Psychopharmacology in Functional Somatic Complaints

Abstract

Psychiatrists as well as general practitioners frequently prescribe psychotropic drugs (tranquilizers such as benzodiazepines and increasingly low-dose long-acting neuroleptics) to treat functional organic complaints. We are interested in finding out the psychodynamics in the doctor-patient relationship that determine whether the doctor puts more emphasis on eliminating symptoms by prescribing psychotropic drugs or on solving the underlying conflicts by psychotherapy. Furthermore we describe some interactions which are of importance for illustrating whether drugs are effective or lead to side effects.