Psychosomatic Research Articles

Mitochondrial Functioning: Front and Center in Defining Psychosomatic Mechanisms of Allostasis in Health and Disease.

There is increased awareness among basic and clinical scientists that psychological and social stress can have detrimental effects on physical, cognitive, and mental health. Data have been published indicating that social, economic, psychological, and physical environmental stress can influence behavior that has biological and physiological consequences-yet there are major gaps in understanding the physiological and cellular processes that drive increased morbidity and mortality. The potential role of mitochondria has been highlighted in psychosomatic medicine, as their functionality in various biological and physiological processes has earned recognition. This review outlines the essential role of mitochondria by considering the numerous intracellular, extracellular, and physiological functions it regulates that position the organelle as a central mediator in responses to psychological stress. We then connect these functions to mitochondrial allostasis and allostatic load for further examination of the limitations of mitochondria to an adaptive psychological stress response where mitochondrial allostatic load may eventually lead to systemic pathophysiology. This review emphasizes how chronic social, economic, and psychological stress can contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and predispose individuals to poorer health outcomes and death. Mitochondrial capacity, function, and activity may therefore serve as biomarkers for identifying individuals at high risk for developing comorbid conditions related to their psychosocial environment.

Personality and Psychoneuroimmunology: A Systems Biology Perspective.

Research in psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) underscores the intricate connections within the "whole mind-body system." Personality plays a pivotal role, with specific traits linked to stress influencing neural behavior and psychophysiological disorders. Gene expression networks associated with personality affect neuronal plasticity, epigenetic processes, and adaptive behaviors, highlighting the importance of systems biology mechanisms. Systemic inflammation correlates with key personality traits. Understanding the roles of inflammatory and oxidative biomarkers in personality traits and disorders can help identify diagnostic and therapeutic targets for various diseases. Neurobiological features contribute to our understanding of personality disorders and related conditions. Personality traits are linked to distributed neuroendocrine networks, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, rather than localized brain areas. Correlations have also been identified between personality traits and thyroid hormones. Disrupted hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis functions may be associated with disease severity, depression, and distress, highlighting the need for comprehensive endocrinological and psychopathological evaluations. The gut-brain axis influences personality traits, emotions, stress, and social behaviors. Altered gut microbiota is common in psychiatric conditions, suggesting potential treatments targeting the microbiota. Chronic stress impacts cognitive functions and correlates with personality and mental health, emphasizing the need for comprehensive, multi-dimensional patient profiles for effective prevention and therapy. A biopsychosocial model integrating personality traits will advance personalized and systems medicine.

TEMPERAMENT: HISTORICAL AND MODERN CONCEPTS IN PSYCHOSOMATIC RELATIONSHIPS

This article presents historical and modern ideas about the role of temperament in psychosomatic relationships. The evolution and origins of the study of temperament and the origins of the formation of psychosomatic medicine are described in detail. The issues of the pathogenetic influence of mental factors on the somatic state of a person are revealed. This article emphasizes how the autonomic nervous system makes an important contribution to the development of disorders of psychosomatic relationships. The final part of the article focuses on the importance of temperament in the development of the individual personality of children and adolescents. It is noted that temperament, like all properties of the body, is subject to age-related changes. In childhood, changes in temperament are due to maturation. Possession of certain properties of temperament does not directly determine how the child's personality will develop. However, the indirect influence of temperament on the formation of personality is undoubtedly.

LeAf Trauma- an intersectoral prospective multicenter study assessing quality of life and return to work after majortrauma-study protocol.

With increasing survival rates, the functional outcome and quality of life of trauma patients are gaining more importance. Survivors suffer from chronic pain, psychosomatic disorders, and unemployment as well as increased post-traumatic morbidity, which can lead to an impaired quality of life. So far, the TraumaRegister DGU® records patient data during in-hospital treatment. In this study severely injured patients after major trauma are assessed when discharged from hospital, as well as 6, 12 and 18 months after trauma. The aim is to document cross-sector patient pathways and to identify and quantify the factors influencing the health-related quality of life (hrQoL) and the return to work (RTW), using patient-reported experience measures (PREM) and patient reported outcome measures (PROM). Patients are recruited in certified trauma centers of the German Society for Trauma Surgery (DGU). This study protocol describes the methodology of the prospective multicentre study of LeAf Trauma. Translation of the results will be implemented by using the network structures of the German Society for Trauma Surgery (DGU) for the treatment of patients with major trauma.

Validity and reliability testing of the Shatri Sinulingga psychosomatic test (SSPT) questionnaire as a screening instrument for psychosomatic disorders in Indonesia

The incidence of psychosomatic disorders is increasing in Indonesia, and therefore screening instruments that are culturally appropriate for the Indonesian population are needed. The aim of this study was to assess the validity and reliability of the Shatri Sinulingga psychosomatic test (SSPT) questionnaire as a screening instrument for psychosomatic disorders in Indonesia. An analytic descriptive cross-sectional study divided into two stages (questionnaire formulation and distribution through the Psikosom.id application) was conducted in 2023. The validity test was carried out using the product moment technique, and Cronbach's alpha assessment was carried out to evaluate the reliability of the questionnaire. A total of 372 participants were included, with a mean age of 39.24 years old. The SSPT questionnaire scores had strong correlations with the scores of hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) (r=0.668; p<0.001) and the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) (r=0.674; p<0.001); and moderately correlated with the score of fatigue severity scale (FSS) (r=0.505; p<0.001) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (r=0.492; p<0.001). The correlation coefficient (r) value of each SSPT question ranged from 0.389–0.726, and all r higher than r table with an overall Cronbach’s alpha of 0.744. The SSPT questionnaire's strong predictive performance: had a sensitivity of 75.6% and specificity of 71.4% with an area under the curve (AUC) of 81% (95%CI: 76.6–85.4%; p<0.001) to HADS; sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 58.6% with an AUC of 75.1% (95%CI: 70–80.2%; p<0.001) to FSS; sensitivity of 64% and specificity of 67.5% with an AUC of 71.2% (95%CI: 65.4–77%; p<0.001) to PSQI; and had sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 67.4% with an AUC of 80.9% (95%CI: 76.6–85.3%; p<0.001) to SCL-90. The study highlights that the SSPT questionnaire is valid and reliable to be used as a screening instrument for psychosomatic disorders in Indonesia.

Work Satisfaction and Its Relationship with Burnout and Its Consequences, Using a Structural Model, in Air Cabin Crew Members

Burnout is an emerging socio-labor phenomenon, where this problem is particularly relevant in airline cabin crew members, who face important psychosocial demands and difficult working conditions. This study aimed to analyze job satisfaction and its relationship with burnout and its consequences (family–work conflict (FWC), work–family conflict (WFC), and psychosomatic disorders), through structural models. The sample consisted of 732 workers in the aeronautical sector (204 men/28% and 528 women/72%), aged between 19 and 53 years (M = 33.56, dt = 6.62). The hypotheses were tested using a path model. The selected hypothesized model [where work satisfaction is associated according to the relationships established burnout model showed an adequate fit of the data, including a mediating role of feelings of guilt in the relationship between burnout and FWC (where FWC was associated with WFC and psychosomatic disorders). The findings of this study provide further insight into the problematic experience and development of burnout in airline cabin crews, in turn providing new evidence on the bidirectional and reciprocal relationships of FWC.

Article Summaries for November-December 2024 Psychosomatic Medicine, Volume 86, Issue 9

Article Summaries for November-December 2024 Psychosomatic Medicine, Volume 86, Issue 9

Exploring the Relationship Between Dietary Habits and Perceptions of Mental and Physical Disorders, or a Sense of Accomplishment in Japan.

Japanese dietary patterns have traditionally focused on vegetables, legumes, and fish; however, in the last few quarters of the century, the consumption of meat, processed food, and ultra-processed food has become popular. It is anticipated that these changes in the Japanese dietary environment will increase the risk of developing psychosomatic disorders. In this study, we examined the relationship between dietary habits, psychosomatic disorders, and a sense of achievement. For men and women aged 20-80 years (n = 851) living in and around Ebetsu City, Hokkaido, Japan, a questionnaire on dietary habits over the past year, including mental and physical stress and a sense of achievement, was administered. The associations between dietary habits and psychosomatic disorders or a sense of achievement were analyzed using logistic regression (n = 654). The associations between dietary habits and psychosomatic disorders differ depending on sex and age. We found that subjects who consumed more processed meat and ultra-processed food reported more psychosomatic disorders. On the other hand, those who perceived a sense of achievement consumed higher amounts of vegetables, albeit with a lower fish intake. In this study, we demonstrated that dietary habits and food ingredients are associated with mental and physical stress and a sense of achievement. Fish, which is considered to be good for the body, was mostly consumed by subjects who experienced mental and physical stress. These data indicate that highly stressful conditions may encourage fish consumption, as the body needs to mitigate psychosomatic disorders.

THE IMPACT OF PSYCHOSOMATIC ILLNESSES ON THE MENTAL HEALTH OF SOCIETY AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Introduction: Psychosomatic illnesses are conditions in which psychological factors significantly influence the development and progression of physical illnesses. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with its context of social isolation and uncertainty, has brought to light an increase in psychosomatic illnesses, highlighting the complex interconnection between mental and physical health. Objective: The general objective of this study is to identify the relationship between mental disorders and post-pandemic social isolation. Methodology: This is a systematic literature review. The following criteria were used for inclusion: articles published between 2019 and 2024, articles written in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Results: The results indicate that social isolation imposed by the pandemic, associated with economic uncertainty and fear of contagion, led to a significant increase in psychosomatic disorders, such as panic attacks, anxiety, and depression. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to develop prevention and treatment strategies for psychosomatic illnesses, emphasizing the importance of humanized and multidisciplinary approaches.

Objective and subjective physical activity assessment in obese patients with eating disorders

Abstract Background Discrepancies between objective and subjective measures of physical activity have been reported in healthy populations but remain unexplored in adults with obesity and psychosomatic disorders. Exercise is key for reducing these disorders, yet physiological and psychosomatic factors may complicate valid activity assessments in this population. Here, we compare self-reporting with actigraph data in a clinical setting. Methods Over two years, 27 obese patients (21 female, 6 male; 43±14 yrs; 41.3±5.7 kg·m−2) with eating disorders (EDE-Q) were recruited from an Austrian Psychosomatic Center. Total physical activity was assessed using the metabolic equivalent (MET min/w) and sitting time (min/d). Objective data were collected using the SenseWear® wristband (SWA) during weeks 3-4 of patients’ clinical stay. SWA was worn for ≥18 h/d on ≥ 4 days, including one weekend day. Patients self-administered the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF) in alignment with the ∼7 days of SWA wear. Concurrent validity - SWA as a criterion - was assessed using regression analyses, and proportional bias was examined with regression and equality line similarity analyses. Results Comparison showed an overestimation of total activity (+45%; p<.001) and underestimation of sitting time (-28%; p<.001) with IPAQ-SF vs SWA. Within-patient correlations were poor for MET (r=.92, p<.001) and impractical for sitting time (r=.27, p=.018), with a proportional bias for both outcomes (p≤.001). Converting objective to subjective measures yielded typical errors of 232 (total activity) and 90 min (sitting time). Conclusions The observed disparities emphasize the need to integrate sensor-based assessment of physical activity into clinical practice or tailored public health initiatives for adult obesity and psychosomatic disorders. However, further research is needed to evaluate the long-term impact of incorporating accurate SWA data on intervention efficacy in this vulnerable group. Key messages • There was strong evidence for meaningful differences in objective vs subjective physical activity assessments in obese patients with eating disorders. • Integrating objective measures into treatment seems crucial to improve exercise-guided interventions and address the global obesity and psychosomatic disorders pandemic.

MIGRATION RISK OF DEVELOPING PSYCHOSOMATIC DISORDERS IN SOCIALLY PROSPEROUS YOUNG PEOPLE WITH INCREASED NEUROPSYCHIC AND INTELLECTUAL LOAD

RELEVANCE: The relevance of the study is due to the lack of systematic data on the cause-and-effect relationships between the territorial remoteness of the initial and final settlements when changing place of residence with the risk of developing psychosomatic disorders in a person with increased neuropsychic and intellectual stress. AIM: To develop an integrative indicator of the risk of developing psychosomatic disorders in young people when changing their place of residence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved students of the Volgograd State Medical University, 97 men and 99 women aged 18-22 years. Nonresident respondents accounted for 44% (45 people) of the sample population of men and 60% (61 people) of the sample population of women. The cross-sectional study was carried out in June 2023, during the spring session, 9 months after the start of university studies, and, accordingly, from the moment nonresident students changed their place of residence. The level of systemic maladjustment of respondents was assessed using the I.N. Gurvich test. The indicators of the Giessen Somatic Complaints Questionnaire and indicators of anxiety-depressive disorders (HADS scale) were taken into account, and the presence of suicidal ideation was determined - according to the suicidal ideation module of the Columbia Suicidal Severity Scale (C-SSRS). The distances (km) between the initial and final settlements of the respondents’ place of residence were calculated. RESULTS: A systemic direct statistically significant relationship was identified between the severity of psychosomatic disorders and the distance of migration movement of young people from the place of previous residence to the final point of residence. Four degrees of migration risk have been identified with zero (up to 20 km) and subsequent three (up to 400, up to 800 and over 800 km) territorial ranges of somatization risk. The control critical values of the migration risk indicator for the development of psychosomatic disorders for men and women were calculated, determining that the migration risk of somatization in young people occurs when the territorial distance of the place of residence from the place of previous residence is 400 km or more. CONCLUSION: The connections between the territorial remoteness of the initial and final settlements when changing place of residence, with the risk of developing psychosomatic disorders in a person under conditions of an intense educational process, are characterized.

PETAL – LIKE OTOPLASTY IN THE TREATMENT OF PROTRUDING EARS

Introduction. Approximately 5% of humanity suffers from inborn protruding ears, and usually this condition causes marked psychosomatic disorders. Despite years of experience gained in aesthetic surgery, optimal technique of otoplasty is yet to be elaborated. The Aim of the Research. To develop a method of surgical correction of congenital bulging ears in order to optimize the immediate and long-term results of otoplasty. Material and methods. We have analysed the outcomes of 120 patients operated for congenital protruding ears at Lviv City Cosmetologic Hospital between 2020 and 2023. Distance between mastoid process and the concha exceeding 20 mm, and auriculo-cephalic angle over 30° were used as objective criteria of protruding ears. Surgical improvement of tall concha and increased auriculo-cephalic angle were identified as key vectors in elaboration of the original otoplasty technique. Results of the Research. With local anaesthesia, an S-shaped incision is made to the depth of perichondrium of posterior surface of the cartilage of the ear. Once subcutaneous dissection is completed, preoperative markup is transferred with injection needles from anterior surface to posterior surface of the conchal cartilage. A full depth arch-shaped incision of conchal cartilage is made. Perichondrium and skin of anterior surface of the concha are mobilized with a raspatory, from the chondral «petal» to the margin of external meatus. Basis of the chondral «petal» is dissected by 2/3 of its depth along the vertical axis between the pedicle of the helix, and the antitragus. In order to reliably fix the auricula, the cartilage is stitched to the mastoid process with three mattress sutures on the ventral surface of the «petal». Finally, excessive skin is carefully resected, and the wound is closed with continuous suture, with dead space elimination for hematoma prevention. Our technique has the following significant advantages: Unique conchal cartilage is kept entirely, therefore it can be used as auto-transplant in the future. The technique does not significantly affect the rheology of auricula. With this technique correction and modification of antihelical curve and radius is possible; if necessary, width of auricula can be corrected, and auricular height to width ratio can be modified. The proposed «petal» technique significantly reduces the rate of postoperative complications, such as recurrent protruding ears. Postoperatively, the size of external meatus is not reduced, hence no hearing deterioration. The outcomes of the technique we have developed were assessed 6 months after otoplasty as good, satisfactory and unsatisfactory. Good outcome: preservation of symmetry and anatomical «standard» of both auriculas, no recurrence throughout follow-up, and no impairment of sensation in the external ear. Satisfactory outcome: anatomical «standard» of the organ is preserved, with permissible error of up to 3 mm in the symmetrical points on the right and left auriculas, not requiring additional correction. Conclusions. 98 (81,3%) patients operated by the proposed «petal» technique assessed their otoplasty outcome as good, 17 (14,3%) of patients assessed the outcome of surgery as satisfactory. 5 (4,3%) patients were not satisfied with the outcome of surgery. These patients were operated during the early period of development of the technique.

The Composition of Ian Stevenson’s Twenty Cases Suggestive of Reincarnation

Ian Stevenson was trained as a physician and, later, as a psychiatrist. He made significant contributions to biochemistry, psychosomatic medicine, and other areas before turning to parapsychology in mid-career. From the start of his involvement in parapsychology, Stevenson was interested in claims to remember previous lives. As his research with such claims progressed, he became convinced of reincarnation’s potential to shed light on unresolved problems in medicine. This paper describes the background and traces the development of Stevenson’s classic collection of case reports, Twenty Cases Suggestive of Reincarnation, whose first edition appeared in 1966. Stevenson expected his monograph to be recognized as making the important contribution he believed it did and thought that it would lead to public funding for further research on reincarnation. Sixty years on that has yet to happen, perhaps due to Stevenson’s emphasis on the proof-oriented aspects of the cases he reported, to the neglect of other issues that might have connected more easily with mainstream interests, and more directly countered criticisms of his research methodology.

Inhalation of H2/O2 (66.7 %/33.3 %) mitigates depression-like behaviors in diabetes mellitus complicated with depression mice via suppressing inflammation and preventing hippocampal damage

Diabetes mellitus complicated with depression (DD) is a prevalent psychosomatic disorder. It is characterized by severe cognitive impairment, and associated with high rates of disability and mortality. Although conventional treatment options are available, the efficacy of these regimens in managing DD remains limited. Molecular hydrogen (H2), a selective hydroxyl radical scavenger, has shown therapeutic potential in the treatment of various systemic diseases. This study aims to investigate the therapeutic effects of H2 on DD. A DD mouse model was established through intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 150 mg/kg) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.5 mg/kg). Following the induction of DD, the mice were treated with H2/O2 (66.7 %/33.3 %)inhalation for 7 days. Behavioral assessments were conducted by standard behavioral tests, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood serum and hippocampal tissue were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and immunofluorescence staining of the hippocampus were performed to evaluate hippocampal structural integrity. The results demonstrated that inhalation of H2/O2 (66.7 %/33.3 %) significantly ameliorated depressive behaviors and symptoms in DD mice, reversed hippocampal volume reduction, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels in peripheral blood serum and hippocampal tissue, and inhibited the activation of A1 astrocytes in the hippocampus. Our study suggests that H2/O2 (66.7 %/33.3 %) inhalation therapy may offer a promising treatment strategy for DD and its associated symptoms.

The Impact of Psychosomatic Disorders and Forensic Consequences in Patients with Hip Fractures

We used a cross-sectional study to investigate potential correlations between psychosomatic disorders generated by irrational beliefs and forensic involvement in patients with pelvic fractures. The study focused on 198 participants who completed the White Bear Suppression Inventory (WBSI). These results suggest that there is essentially no significant linear correlation between age and WBSI score in the 198 observation dataset. The findings from this dataset contribute to our understanding of key demographic factors, the distribution of forensic complications, age characteristics, and WBSI scores within the study population. The statistical analyses did not reveal any significant associations or correlations, suggesting a level of independence between the variables. This insight provides a valuable foundation for future medical research and deeper analysis. These results offer a reliable starting point for further exploration and investigation.

A INFLUENCIA PSICOSSOMÁTICA DO FATOR EMOCIONAL NO PROGNÓSTICO DA PSORÍASE

Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune dermatosis, is influenced by emotional factors, especially stress, as highlighted by psychosomatic medicine. The disease, characterized by erythematous and scaly skin plaques, has a multifactorial etiology that includes genetic, immunological, and psychological factors. Stress can worsen psoriasis by intensifying the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and exacerbating skin inflammation, creating a vicious cycle. Moreover, the psychological impact of psoriasis is significant, affecting patients’ self-esteem and quality of life, as they often face social stigmatization. Anxiety and depression are common among these individuals, underscoring the need for an interdisciplinary approach that integrates dermatological treatment and psychological support. Effective psoriasis management should address both physical symptoms and emotional factors, including the use of complementary therapies such as acupuncture and psychotherapy. The interaction between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and skin inflammation reinforces the importance of treating stress as part of psoriasis management. Interventions that promote emotional balance can improve therapeutic outcomes, highlighting the relevance of a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to disease management.

Effect of Trailokya Vijya Vati in Various Disease – A Review

Introduction: One of the strongest traditional medicines is Trailokya Vijaya Vati, which contains vijaya as one of its main constituents. “Trailokya Vijaya Vati” means “victory over the outer three worlds” in literal translation. According to Ayurveda, the medication is considered a “Aashukari” or drug that offers immediate comfort since it directly affects motor neurons, or “Vaat-Vaahini Naadi.” Because of this, it offers prompt relief from conditions involving different kinds of pain. Materials and Methods: Information on trailokya vijya vati in various disease was gathered from the Laghutrayi, the Brihattrayi and its commentaries, and other Ayurvedic and modern texts. Results: The binary preparation known as Trailokya Vijaya Vati, which combines Vijaya sativa with Bambusa arundianaceae, was initially documented in Rasa Vigyana, a modern Ayurvedic Alchemy and Pharmaceutics treatise. Discussion: Apasmara (seizure disorders), Rajahkashtajanya Shoola (dysmenorrhea and related symptoms), Rajayakshma (tuberculosis and similar wasting diseases), Atisara (diarrhea, colitis, IBS, IBDs, etc.), and Shoola (acute and chronic pains emerging from varied pathologies and origins) are just a few of the plethora of health conditions for which this potent formulation is renowned for producing amazing therapeutic effects. Conclusion: Trailokya Vijaya Vati improves general health and well-being by balancing the three doshas (Pitta, Kapha, and Vata) in the body The main constituents in Trailokya Vijaya Vati, a traditional medicine, are Bambusa arundinacea and Vijaya. The Ayurvedic text Rasa Vigyana describes this powerful formulation, which has been shown to have therapeutic effects for a variety of health conditions, such as anxiety, insomnia, seizures, psychological and psychosomatic disorders, dysmenorrhea, diarrhea, tuberculosis, and acute and chronic pain. The medication helps to manage seizures and has a relaxing impact on the brain.[1] Trailokya Vijaya Vati is also effective in relieving neuropathic pain. One kind of persistent pain that results from harm to the nerve system is called neuropathic pain. Trailokya Vijaya Vati’s natural components have the potential to lessen inflammation and ease neuropathic pain. Chemotherapy adverse effects can be effectively mitigated using Trailokya Vijaya Vati. Abdominal pain and renal colic

Article Summaries for October 2024 Psychosomatic Medicine, Volume 86, Issue 8.

Article Summaries for October 2024 Psychosomatic Medicine, Volume 86, Issue 8.

Epigenetic Regulation in Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy.

Epigenetic modifications play a pivotal role in the regulation of gene expression and cell function, offering potential markers of disease states and therapeutic outcomes. Recent advancements in neuroscience have spurred interest in studying the epigenetic underpinnings of psychosomatic medicine. This review presents a new perspective on the role of epigenetic regulation in the realms of psychosomatics and psychotherapy. The authors first highlight epigenetic patterns associated with prevalent psychosomatic disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, and lichen planus. For these conditions, psychotherapy serves as a treatment modality and can be conceptualized as an epigenetic intervention that beneficially affects the epigenome as part of the therapeutic process. Focusing on cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness-based therapies, the authors highlight evidence on psychotherapy-associated epigenetic signatures occurring at genes that are involved in stress response, inflammation, neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, and aging. Educating patients about the potential of psychotherapy to affect the epigenome may enhance patient engagement with and adherence to treatment, and psychotherapy-induced epigenetic changes have the potential to promote transgenerational disease prevention, underscoring the far-reaching implications of this therapeutic approach. Challenges persist in epigenetic studies, and this review aimed to catalyze further research in this burgeoning field, with the goal of enhancing patient care.

Diary method of studying the stress factors in adolescents in the educational process of the school

The article is devoted to the current problem of the growth of psychosomatic disorders in adolescents. The purpose of the article is to determine the socio-psychological stress factors that cause a psychosomatic symptom in adolescents in the educational process of school using the method of diary research. The authors present the results of a three-week experiment conducted with students in grades 9–10, as a result of which records were obtained about specific stressful situations with descriptions of emotions, physical sensations and psychosomatic symptoms. The analysis of the data obtained was carried out, during which the authors established the similarity between the described situations in some participants of the experiment, who were later grouped and displayed in a table. The article uses mathematical calculations to determine the percentage of schoolchildren who are faced with one or another stress factor. The study helped identify a number of problems, including those related to parents' ignorance and lack of knowledge in the field of children's mental health. The authors drew conclusions about the importance of continuing research in this direction in connection with the trend of growth of psychosomatic disorders in adolescents and proposed ideas for an optimal solution to the described problem.