ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on illnesses classified as "psychophysiological." A psychophysiological disorder is one "in which organ and visceral symptomatology is produced by emotional factors acting through the autonomic nervous system". The chapter explores the general effects of stress, focusing on specific symptoms. The most common types of headaches generally encountered are either vascular in nature or caused by contractions. Both types of headaches are commonly associated with hyperalertness, work pressures, frustration, and an excessive output of energy. Pain is a subjective phenomenon that is difficult to quantify. Asthma is a complex illness that appears to require direct medical intervention although it may also respond to interventions based on modifying coping techniques focused on end-organ responses or on general relaxation. Dysfunctions of the heart musculature can be related to malfunctions of the autonomic nervous system and to other factors, such as serum cholesterol levels, smoking, and alcohol consumption.
