Somatic Illness and the Patient's Other Story

Integrating internal medicine and psychotherapy, this text takes an holistic approach to those illnesses that present physical symptoms but whose underlying cause may be psychological. It is about what can happen when one takes seriously the connections between the presenting physical symptoms and the patient's story. The book recognizes that a patient's story is a woven tapestry of events, perceptions of events and responses to events, all of which have meaning for an illness. This book is about what can happen when one takes seriously the connections between the presenting physical symptoms and the patient's story. The story is a woven tapestry of events, perceptions of events and responses to events, all of which have meaning for an illness. Despite the highest incidence of psychological distress being made manifest in the form of bodily symptoms, there is very little knowledge and expertise regarding the recognition and management of patients. Extensively illustrated with case studies, Dr. Broom's book is an important and timely contribution to the effort to remedy this gap in our knowledge.