Re-evaluation of the concept of psychosomatic disturbance.

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to attempt once more to grasp the totality of our existence. Emphasis is placed on the phenomenological approach which shows the individual's particular mode of existing or relating-in healthy and in sick ways—which encompasses mental, spiritual and corporal aspects. Two cases were presented which showed endocrine and emotional disorders. The first case is of a woman who developed acromegaly; the second, a man who suffered from hypogonadism, a possible pituitary involvement with a picture resembling Frohlich's Fat Boy and diabetes mellitus. In describing these two cases I pointed out the intricate interplay of many interrelated factors such as hereditary-constitutional and familial factors, body build, character structure, developmental occurrences such as recurrent traumas, the current life situation. physical and mental problems, etc. Emphasis is placed on the mode of existing, be it in a mode of hunger, dread or depression and resignation. The detrimental effects of unresolved conflicts and their sequels, as written about by Horney and Kelman, are self-evident in both cases; so is their accessibility to psychoanalytically inclined psychotherapy and the beneficial effect of it.