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Osteopathic Medicine and Primary Care
Published in: Osteopathic Medicine and Primary Care 1/2008

Open Access 01-12-2008 | Review

The somatically preoccupied patient in primary care: use of attachment theory to strengthen physician-patient relationships

Author: Robert C Miller

Published in: Osteopathic Medicine and Primary Care | Issue 1/2008

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Abstract

Background

Individuals with somatic preoccupation constitute a substantial number of primary care patients. Somatically preoccupied patients are challenging to primary care physicians for several reasons including patient complaints consuming a great deal of physician time, expense to diagnose and treat and strain on the physician-patient relationship. This paper examines and discusses how disruptions in early attachment relationships such as often occurs when a female is a victim of child sexual abuse may result in somatic preoccupation in adulthood.

Treatment utilizing attachment theory

Attachment theory provides a useful framework for primary care physicians to conceptualize somatic preoccupation. Utilization and containment techniques grounded in an understanding of attachment dynamics aid the physician in developing a sound physician-patient relationship. Successfully engaging the patient in treatment prevents misunderstandings that frequently derail medical care for somatically preoccupied patients.
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Metadata
Title
The somatically preoccupied patient in primary care: use of attachment theory to strengthen physician-patient relationships
Author
Robert C Miller
Publication date
01-12-2008
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Osteopathic Medicine and Primary Care / Issue 1/2008
Electronic ISSN: 1750-4732
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1750-4732-2-6

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