psychogenic

Psychogenic is a term used in various fields of medicine and psychology to describe a condition or symptom that is believed to have a non-organic origin. In other words, it refers to a physical or psychological phenomenon that is thought to arise from psychological or emotional factors rather than from a physical disease or injury.

The concept of psychogenic has its roots in the field of psychiatry, where it was first used to describe a range of symptoms and conditions that were not linked to any known physical disorder. Over time, the term has been incorporated into other medical specialties, including neurology, gastroenterology, and cardiology, among others.

In contemporary usage, the term psychogenic is often used to describe symptoms or conditions that are associated with sources such as stress, anxiety, or trauma. Examples of psychogenic conditions include psychogenic pain, psychogenic nausea, and psychogenic vomiting. In each of these cases, the symptoms are believed to be triggered by psychological factors rather than by any underlying physical disease or lesion.

While the concept of psychogenic has been influential in shaping our understanding of the complex relationship between the body and the mind, recent debates have highlighted some criticisms of the term. Critics argue that psychogenic implies a false dichotomy between psychological and physical causes of illness, and that it can serve to blame or shame patients for their symptoms. Nevertheless, the concept remains a useful framework for understanding a wide range of psychological and medical phenomena.