Abstract
BackgroundIndividuals with somatic preoccupation constitute a substantial number of primary care patients. Somatically preoccupied patients are challenging to primary care physicians for several reasons including patient complaints consuming a great deal of physician time, expense to diagnose and treat and strain on the physician-patient relationship. This paper examines and discusses how disruptions in early attachment relationships such as often occurs when a female is a victim of child sexual abuse may result in somatic preoccupation in adulthood.Treatment utilizing attachment theoryAttachment theory provides a useful framework for primary care physicians to conceptualize somatic preoccupation. Utilization and containment techniques grounded in an understanding of attachment dynamics aid the physician in developing a sound physician-patient relationship. Successfully engaging the patient in treatment prevents misunderstandings that frequently derail medical care for somatically preoccupied patients.
Highlights
Individuals with somatic preoccupation constitute a substantial number of primary care patients
Platt and Gordon [55] refer to this contemplative process in medicine when discussing the frontispiece of Harvey Cushing's autobiography of William Osler
The frontispiece includes four views of Osler: palpating, auscultating, percussing, and contemplating the patient. It is in the act of contemplation that the physician steps away, literally and figuratively, to study the patient's condition as well as the physician's relationship to the patient
Summary
Osteopathic physicians know that with the appropriate conditions the body has an amazing capacity to heal itself. The frontispiece includes four views of Osler: palpating, auscultating, percussing, and contemplating the patient. It is in the act of contemplation that the physician steps away, literally and figuratively, to study the patient's condition as well as the physician's relationship to the patient. The success or failure of primary care with somatically preoccupied patients resides in the quality of the physicianpatient relationship. It is useful for the physician from time to time to step away and assess the quality of the relationship. "Am I satisfied with the human aspect of our interaction? Are things all right between us and if not, why not?" Contemplative questions invite the somatically preoccupied patient into a partnership with the physician and model for the patient new and healthier attachments
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
