Abstract
Since man's illnesses occur in the social setting of his human relationships, the physician must explore the psychosocial as well as the physiologic factors that contribute to his patients' symptoms. Only then will he be able to understand all the forces that conspire to produce or prolong human disease, and to provide a rational and complete program of treatment. These generalizations are illustrated by a case history, the common psychosocial factors influencing disease are reviewed, and general principles of patient management are outlined.