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Article
January 1960

Psychogenic Influences in Otolaryngology

Author Affiliations

Washington, D.C.
From the Department of Otolaryngology, Georgetown School of Medicine.

AMA Arch Otolaryngol. 1960;71(1):1-7. doi:10.1001/archotol.1960.03770010005001
Abstract

In the practice of otolaryngology we deal with diseases and dysfunctions of certain organs of special sense which are intimately associated with the patient's earliest psychic and physical well being. Is it any wonder, therefore, that so many of the illnesses which we see exhibit varying degrees of psychogenic influence in their etiology. To be aware of these psychosomatic factors is essential if we are to diagnose, advise, and treat our patients properly. We must recognize the need of psychiatric consultation and treatment for many of them. But the problem of referral is not always easy. Many patients refuse to go to a psychiatrist. They are afraid it stigmatizes them in the eyes of those who know them. Furthermore, there are not enough psychiatrists to care for all patients with minor psychological problems. Many of these patients simply need guidance in the solution of minor problems which arise as a

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