Functional Disease of the Stomach

Abstract

While this year's functional illness may be next year's organic disease, it is reasonable at present to define illness as a reaction to stress, and functional illness as one in which the apparent and main source of stress is emotional or psychic. A careful history is critical in recognition of functional disease and may have great therapeutic value. Supportive measures give good results if the patient is capable of developing insight. In many cases if the physician can keep the patient at useful work and away from unnecessary surgery he is doing a commendable job.