THE RǑLE OF THE PSYCHE IN ALLERGIC DISEASE

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Abstract
Weiss and English have stated that "the allergic and the neurotic populations are so large that they must overlap." In addition, it was shown that there is a relationship between neurotic character structure and allergic disorder. To go a step further, it was also shown that symptoms similar to those of allergic disorders can occur due to psychic disturbances alone. This paper was presented in an attempt to bear out the accuracy of the above statements. The physician must first evaluate the physical and psychologic factors in each individual case. Where physical factors predominate, the allergist can do the greatest good for his patient by applying sound principles of allergic investigation and therapy, in addition to establishing a doctor-patient relationship which will encourage the patient to speak of his emotional problems. Where psychologic factors either predominate or are the sole cause of the patient''s illness, the physician must determine whether he is willing and sufficiently competent to treat the patient, or whether he should refer him to a psychiatrist. Careful deliberation before making such a decision is necessary. Harm can be done by a faulty psychosomatic approach, and very often patients will resent a purely psychosomatic emotional problem. Above all, the alert allergist should be able to distinguish the true allergic patient from the so-called para-allergic. By so doing, no patient need by subjected to unnecessary psychotherapy or to prolonged and unnecessary allergic therapy. Proper management depends on a careful evaluation of every patient who presents himself with symptoms of allergic disease. The conscientious physician will properly evaluate the physical and psychologic factors in such a patient and then treat him as he individually needs to be treated. Such an approach will result in much greater relief of symptoms for a great many people with allergic disorders.