Psychosomatic aspects of obstetrics and gynecology

Stress and Reproduction: Physiologic and Pathophysiologic Interactions between the Stress and Reproductive Axes

“…Symptoms of this disorder, which is distinguished from depression, include irritability, mood change, compromised daily performance, as well as weight, appetite, and perceptual changes during the immediate pre-menstrual period. Recovery occurs rapidly with the onset of menses (77)(78)(79)(80). We postulate that this disorder is related to increased activation of the HPA axis and/or increased sensitivity to its function (83).…”

The Psychobiology of Emotions

“…Despite CPP patients' reports of cystitislike symptoms, extensive gynecological, neurological, and urological tests reveal no organic pathology. CPP patients usually reject the diagnosis that their pain is psychogenic and refuse psychiatric treatment (Nadelson, Norman, & Ellis, 1983).…”

“…CPP patients frequently have a history of sexual trauma such as incest or rape (Gross, Doerr, & Caldirola, 1980), conflicts over sexuality (Nadelson et al, 1983), and/or severe psychosocial stress (Leon, 1984). Two emotional states, anxiety and depression, are commonly cited as precipitating factors in CPP.…”

“…Similarly, Stanton (1981) reported that 59% of his patients were objectively cured of incontinence after biofeedback and relaxation training. Paradoxically, the success rate of psychological and biofeedback treatment programs with psychogenic patients has been extremely low (Hafner et al, 1977;Nadelson et al, 1983).…”

The Miracle Bearers: Narratives of Birthing Women and Implications for Spiritually Informed Social Work Practice

“…Because childbirth is considered by some to be a "peak emotional experience" (Blum, 1980;Colman & Colman, 1971;Leifer;Tanzer & Block, 1976), it is not surprising that research indicates that women may experience a shift in their self-concept (Benedek), a sense of interpersonal change (Ruble et al, 1990), and a range of emotions including ambivalence (Nadelson, Notman, & Ellis, 1983), loss, and depression (Oakley, 1980;Whiffen, 2004). Moreover, the overlap of psychological and spiritual development is gaining some recognition.…”