Psychobiological perspectives on somatoform disorders
Section snippets
Autonomic physiological arousal
Somatoform symptoms could in theory result from heightened physiological activity. Increased physiological activation increases the likelihood of perception and misattribution of bodily signals. Although it is evident that perception is substantially influenced by psychological factors, physiological activation of variables such as heart rate or others could still play an independent role (Wientjes and Grossman, 1994). Empirical investigation of this basic hypothesis is less frequent than
A signal-filtering model of somatoform symptoms
Somatoform disorders can be understood as disorders in the perception of bodily signals. Therefore, all biological approaches have to be discussed in light of their possible influence on the perception of bodily signals. To facilitate this process, we will present a simplified model consisting of signal development, filtering, and perception.
We assume that most body parts send sensory signals to the brain. Due to neural filtering processes, most of these signals do not come to consciousness in
Replication and extension of existing approaches
It is evident that many of the findings cited above should be replicated before further interpretation. They present exciting options, but are not comprehensive and should therefore be extended.
Examination of covariation of different features, longitudinal studies
We know more and more about components of somatoform symptoms, but little about their interaction, sequences, etc. although all vicious circle models include assumptions about it. In addition to biological features, behavioral components (such as reduction of physical activity, health care use, social
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