Themes of Intra-psychic Conflict inCommunication Disorders having Psychogenic Origin

Abstract

Although 4-5 %of clinical population manifestssymptoms having psychogenicorigins, available research on the subject is scarce. There is no unanimity on its nomenclature, classification, presentation, differentialcharacteristics or clinical manifestations. Such individual are often misunderstood by professionals and theirfamily membersas liars, fakers, tricksters, showmen, cheats, conmen, and those with evil design. The absence of an organic evidence to explain their physical symptoms does not entitle such negative and unhelpful opinions. There is need for change in this outlook. An attempt is made to redefine this erroneous perspective in favor of viewing the illness as a different rather than deviant form of communication through body language symptoms which are unconsciousandsymbolic. It is their profitable medium orcry for help to get over an unspeakable or inexpressible personal tragedy. Case vignettes are dotted inthe text with details on ongoing research and a discussion on implications for therapy.