L Anthenien | PubMed Health

PubMed1993

[Music during gastroscopy].

As part of a project "Music therapy in internal medicine" we investigated 32 consecutive patients undergoing gastroscopy for various reasons. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups, regardless of sex, age or underlying disease. One group listened to music during gastroscopy, while the other did not. The choice of the type of music within the corresponding group was made with the patient and a trained music therapist in a short discussion prior to gastroscopy. The hormones ACTH and cortisol, as well as the catecholamines adrenalin and noradrenaline, were measured in both groups with three blood samples taken before, directly after and one hour after gastroscopy. Parallel measurements included blood pressure and pulse rate as well as questions about the patients' feelings during gastroscopy. The study showed the rise in the plasma levels of the stress hormones ACTH and cortisol to be significantly lower under the influence of music. The subjective feelings of the patients concerning "fear in general" and "fear about gastroscopy" paralleled these findings. Conversely, the plasma adrenalin and noradrenaline levels before and after gastroscopy were virtually unchanged in both groups, as were pulse rate and blood pressure. This study shows the influence of music on human biochemical parameters when used in the setting of a diagnostic procedure.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗

PubMed1991

[Psychosomatics and depression].

In our opinion psychosomatics are a consideration that ought to be at the basis of all medical reflection and action. Illness declares itself in the various interhuman relations (incl. physician-patient-relation); every category of syndromes (for instance the "psychosomatic-one") can be understood as a certain relation-modus. A multidimensional way of contemplation has to be gone even if the actual situation of the illness and the point of view of the physician put either the somatic-biological, or the psychic or the social aspect in evidence. In this case the visible symptom leads to detect the intra-psychic and interhuman problems and conflicts. If the physician and the patient stay remained on the apparent symptom all diagnostical or therapeutical actions are nothing more than Don Quichotism without success, a disappointing battle against the wind-mill-sails of symptoms.

Adult↗