Concepts of psychosomatic conditions.

Psychosomatic conditions are generally discussed in broad and general terms that are difficult to conceptualize and have neither specific identified etiological factors nor consensus for treatment. This paper was written as a broad overview of psychosomatic conditions in order to provide clarity to the topic. Several databases were searched including Medline and PsychInfo and reference lists from relevant publications. Literature was sought out f or psychosomatic conditions, somatoform disorders, and medical illnesses with psychosomatic components. A general description of psychosomatic conditions and overarching themes were identified which include: lack of a universal definition, poor compatibility between psychological diagnoses and diagnoses outside of psychology, unclear etiology, psychosomatic factors occur in many illnesses, holistic perspective is preferred, poor patient insight regarding symptoms, strong family influence, and pediatric-liaison teams are strongly encouraged in diagnosis and treatment. Treatment is often highly individualized utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy and pediatric-liaison teams with a biopsychosocial focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]