Psychophysiologic Gastrointestinal Reactions: Therapeutic Observations

Abstract

The two principal factors in precipitation of functional disturbance are quality of individual and quantity of trauma.

An erroneous diagnosis of physical illness followed by medical or surgical treatment tends to fix the neurotic state, but the greatest harm occurs when a patient with a conversion reaction dies with an untreated malignant disease.

Successful management of functional gastrointestinal disturbance encompasses dietetic therapy, pharmacologic aids, creation of insight, correction of rigid states, reeducation, and adjunctive measures.

The comparative effectiveness of various tranquilizers and antidepressants is reviewed, and experience with the nonbarbiturate sedative thalidomide is presented.