Abstract

Objective. The purpose of this study is to examine the concept of somatization and contrast this analysis with actual clinical and epidemiological data. Method. Bibliographic Review and presentation of data from the authors empiric research. Results. It stands out the importance of a redefinition of somatization classifications, opening questions for further investigations which explores the comorbidity with depressive, anxious and chronical medical diseases, so as the association with child trauma and sexual abuse, both, frequent antecedents in somatic and borderline patients. Conclusions. Somatic patients would have difficulties in their intentional wish system; somatization is an expression through a somatic way of a psychosocial conflict. Because of this, it is necessary to train medical professionals about the understanding and management of the psycho-social conflict at the base. The study and management of these patients is an excellent field for interdisciplinary work-teams for the design of effective interventions and preventive approaches.