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A multiple-factor psychosomatic theory of schizophrenia

An attempt at a consistent conceptualization

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Summary

A multiple-factor psychosomatic theory of schizophrenia has been advanced. The writer holds that the clinical picture presently diagnosed as schizophrenia does not pertain to a disease entity and that it is but the final common path from a number of widely-differing etiological factors. These may be primarily organic, such as faulty detoxification, rheumatic endarteritis, enzyme or carbohydrate disturbances; or they may be of primarily psychogenic etiology. Each case must be seen as the result of both somatic and psychogenic features. The common denominator in all cases is a severe decrease of ego strength to a point where the ego is incapable of mediating properly between id, super-ego, and reality; and there is a return, then, to more primitive patterns of behavior.

The writer holds that, if one will—with the aid of physiological and psychological test batteries—cease to consider schizophrenia as an entity and will search for different etiological factors in different cases, the problem of schizophrenia will be brought nearer to a solution, and better therapeutic and prognostic steps may then be taken.

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  1. 1160 Fifth Avenue, 29, New York, N. Y.

    Leopold Bellak M. D.

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  1. Leopold Bellak M. D.
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Bellak, L. A multiple-factor psychosomatic theory of schizophrenia. Psych Quar 23, 738–755 (1949). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01580099

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