Masked Depressions in Obstetrics and Gynecology

Abstract

The development of psychosomatic symptoms should not be viewed exclusively under the aspect of anxiety or defense against anxiety. In another study, we have shown that affects other than anxienty can lead to functional obstetric disturbances (2). The insight that depressions, above all masked depressions can be the basis of many psychosomatic symptoms in obstetrics and gynecology paves the way for good therapeutic possibilities in many cases that have been resistant to therapy heretofore. Antidepressants often bring prompt relief from symptoms. Psychotherapy is possible in numerous cases following success in prescribing antidepressants.

Alexithymia: Comparison with a Patient’s Concept of the Genesis of His Disease and Its Relationship with Depression

“…If there exists any kind of connection be tween depression and psychosomatic disor ders [O'Neill, 1955;Kuhn, 1973;Lopez-Ibor, 1973;Dorfman, 1974, Fava and Pavan, 1976Molinski, 1979] it can be assumed that such a connection can be in the spectrum of endogenous depression; i.e. the depression where biochemical changes are primary.…”