Osteopathic Medicine and Primary Care
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 ReviewThe somatically preoccupied patient in primary care: use of attachment theory to strengthen physician-patient relationshipsRobert C Miller  Assistant Professor, Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine 2265 Kraft Drive Blacksburg, Virginia, 24060, USA  author email corresponding author email
Osteopathic Medicine and Primary Care 2008,
2:6doi:10.1186/1750-4732-2-6 Abstract
Background
Individuals with somatic preoccupation constitute a substantial number of primary care patients. Somatically preoccupied patients are challenging to primary care physicians for several reasons including patient complaints consuming a great deal of physician time, expense to diagnose and treat and strain on the physician-patient relationship. This paper examines and discusses how disruptions in early attachment relationships such as often occurs when a female is a victim of child sexual abuse may result in somatic preoccupation in adulthood.
Treatment utilizing attachment theory
Attachment theory provides a useful framework for primary care physicians to conceptualize somatic preoccupation. Utilization and containment techniques grounded in an understanding of attachment dynamics aid the physician in developing a sound physician-patient relationship. Successfully engaging the patient in treatment prevents misunderstandings that frequently derail medical care for somatically preoccupied patients. | 
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