[Bodily aspects of mentalization: a therapeutic focus in the treatment of patients with severe medically unexplained symptoms]

(Lichamelijke aspecten van mentalisatie; therapeutische focus bij ernstige onverklaarde lichamelijke klachten.)

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: Our knowledge about medically unexplained symptoms (mus) is increasing, but translating this knowledge into more effective treatment, particularly if symptoms are severe, continues to be problematical. AIM: To clarify the physical aspect of mentalisation (body-mentalisation) and to outline a theoretical perspective of body-mentalisation, starting from theories such as the attachment theory and the mentalisation theory, and to describe the diagnostic and therapeutic value of this approach. METHODS: Clinical experience with body-mentalisation led to a systematic literature search (via PsycInfo and Medline). RESULTS: Body-mentalisation is the ability to detect the signals of our own and of other, to respond to them and perceive the links with underlying mental states. Poor body-mentalisation occurs frequently in patients with severe mus and can be treated successfully by means of intensive residential or day-therapy programmes. CONCLUSION: Body-mentalisation may turn out to be a useful concept in connection with the treatment of persons with severe mus. More research is needed to test the diagnostic validity and therapeutic relevance of this concept.

Author information

Author/s: Spaans, J A (JA); Veselka, L (L); Luyten, P (P); Bühring, M E F (ME);

Affiliation: Kenniscentrum voor Psychosomatiek, Eikenboom, Alttecht te Zeist. J.Spaans(-atsign-)Altrecht.nl

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: English Abstract; Journal Article; Review

Journal: Tijdschrift voor psychiatrie (Tijdschr Psychiatr), published in Netherlands. (Language: dut)

Reference: 2009-; vol 51 (issue 4) : pp 239-48

Dates: Created 2009/05/12; Completed 2009/06/10;

PMID: 19434578, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 6/10/2009, IMS Date: 10 Jun 2009 00:00:00)

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Psychophysiologic Disorders - therapy
Psychotherapeutic Processes
Psychotherapy - methods

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