psychogenen

Psychogenic is a medical term used to describe symptoms or disorders that originate primarily from psychological factors rather than identifiable structural or biochemical abnormalities. It is used across neurology, psychiatry, and general medicine to indicate that psychological processes—such as stress, trauma, mood disturbance, or coping strategies—play a central role in the onset, maintenance, or perception of the illness. The term is often contrasted with organic etiologies, though comorbidity with physical disease is possible.

Common examples include psychogenic pain (pain without a detectable organic source), psychogenic movement disorders, and psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. In functional neurological symptom disorder (formerly conversion disorder), neurological symptoms such as weakness or abnormal movement are not explained by disease but are real to the patient. Diagnostic workups emphasize exclusion of medical illness and careful clinical assessment; criteria vary by diagnostic manual (for example DSM-5 or ICD-11).

Management is typically multidisciplinary and patient-centered. It often combines education, psychotherapy (including cognitive-behavioral therapy and trauma-focused approaches), stress-reduction strategies, and physical therapy or rehabilitation. Reassurance that symptoms are real and treatable is considered important, as is addressing psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, or past trauma. Prognosis ranges from resolution to persistence, depending on underlying factors and access to appropriate care.

Usage and interpretation: The label psychogenic has evolved to emphasize functional presentation rather than implying willful fabrication. It has historically been associated with stigma, leading some clinicians to favor terms like functional neurological symptom disorder. Ongoing research in neuroimaging and neuropsychology seeks to clarify mechanisms by which psychological states influence bodily symptoms.