Advances In Psychosomatic Obstetrics And Gynecology

Gynecologists cannot fulfill the commitments of their profession without being psychosomatically oriented. Nevertheless, this field needs methodology and scientific thinking just as does any other subspeciality in clinical medicine. Although practiced by all gyne cologists, creative work is needed in order to develop the various aspects properly and to establish postgraduate training on a firm and sound basis. For this purpuse the European Symposia have been planned by several European Researchers on Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology in order to stimulate and integrate clinical scientific data and therapeutic skills in the bio-psycho-social field of obstetrics and gynecology. The first European Symposium in Leuven 1985 concentrated on the psychosomatic aspects of infertility and high risk pregnancies. This second European Symposium in Bad Sackingen centered around disturbed body perception, disturbances of the menstrual cycle, climacteric syndrome, and senium. These topics were elaborated in main lectures and workshops held by outstanding researchers in this rapidly expanding field. The second European Symposium on Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology was organized by the German Society of Psycho somatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, supported by the University Hospital Freiburg/Br., the University Hospital Basel, and the Women's District Hospital in Bad Sackingen.

The Sixth International Congress of Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynecology, which took place from 2 to 6 September 1980 in the congressional chambers of the former Reichstag building in Berlin, had as its theme "Women in a Changing Society." Partic ular emphasis was placed on the fact that in illness, as well as in good health, women must be considered in a comprehensive psychosocial context. Observations from medi cal, psychological, sociological, and anthropological perspectives on the healthy and sick woman through the various stages of her life presented a wide spectrum of scien tific research. Sessions covering such fundamental topics as the problems of the young mother, women in the postgenerative phase, and the early mother-child relationship were enriched by many recent scientific contributions. Further subjects, ranging from the dialogue in the gynecologist's consulting room through the emotional situation of the gynecologist, body language in female sexuality, and sexual disorders experienced by gynecological patients to psychosomatics and cancer, were pursued in small workshops. Of particular psychoendocrinological interest were the contributions on obesity and the premenstrual syndrome. The results of this workshop and another on unwanted pregnancy have ap peared recently in separate monographs.

The 1990's are an important decade, because the gynaecologist in the 1990's has to develop a new profile. A gynaecology without psychosomatics cannot offer an adequate answer to the modern needs of women. The Fifth European Symposium on Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology - in the framework of a young, dynamic tradition - was planned by European researchers on Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology (Leuven, Belgium; September, 1997). The colloquium considered in detail: The women with cancer Death at the beginning of life Sexuality and intimacy The (peri)menopausal and elderly woman The woman and obstetrical care: Modern needs and demands Therapeutical strategies

The interplay between mind and body is a rapidly developing area of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, growing in prominence as many areas of medicine recognise the importance of understanding the physical, mental, and social aspects of numerous health conditions. Clinical Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology: A Patient-Centred Biopsychosocial Practice is a fundamental work that enhances the understanding of the management of womenâs disease conditions resulting from psychosomatic or mind-body interactions that are routinely encountered by clinicians. Authored by a world-renowned group of contributors who have led a transformativeapproach to the way health services for women are approached, Clinical Psychosomatic Obstetrics and Gynaecology comprehensively addresses the biological, psychological, social and cultural factors leading to disease manifestations. Including methods for prevention, detection and treatment, the text is supported by thirty clinical vignettes taken from real-life situations to support learning, and guide clinical practice. Detailed chapters expound the scientific basis of the clinical psychosomatic concept, prevention of morbidity and mortality from cancer or obesity, pregnancy and childbirth, maternal dysphoria and child neurodevelopment, pain perception, infertility, premenstrual disorders, psycho-oncology, malignancy and sexual health, illnesses in migrants and refugees, alongside, pertinent cultural issues. This title is a highly topical and much-needed guide to addressing clinical conditions that compromise women's health, including that of teenagers, as well as their mental and social well-being.

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