412 PSYCHOSOMATICS

Editor's Page

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER

The goals of the Academy and of Psy­chosomatics have been mentioned and edi­torialized in these pages on previous occa­sions. This current issue is unique in thatits contents speak for themselves-a stateof events that is rare enough in an edi­tor's life.

Psychosomatics, in attempting to ex­plore the role of psychiatry in the dailypractice of medicine, on occasion finds it­self deep in theoretical psychiatry. Atother times it is over in deep right field­in somatic territory, with too few bridge­heads to the psyche. One can usuallyglibly rationalize that it is all the same­that mind and body are inseparable, sub­divided and partitioned so that the manyspecialties can each stake their claim. Butthis current issue requires no such de­fense.

Let us examine the evidence. The leadarticle, which is the first of three install­ments of a manuscript by Dr. Klaus Ber­blinger, deserves your special attention."Psychiatric Perspectives in Medicine" isits modest title; it not only covers the es­sential facts and perspectives to aid thenon-psychiatrist in obtaining a firm foot­hold in a most difficult area, but guidesone to the acquisition of diagnostic andtherapeutic skills. Your Editor is indeedtempted to tell you about the subsequentinstallments-but would rather not de­stroy your pleasure of anticipation. Suf­fice it to say that this material has beensuccessfully utilized by Dr. Berblinger for

many years; there is no question but thatit will be invaluable for anyone whoteaches or wants to be taught. (Since thisincludes practically every reader, it mightbe wise to fill out the appropriate couponon page 487 immediately. The supply ofreprints will depend upon the pre-publi­cation demand.)

But there is more to the current issue.Drs. Brody, Cowen, Fischer and Oplereach present different aspects of psychi­atry in its dynamic inter-relationships.Drug therapy, still in the throes of in­fancy, with all the attendant symptomsof lustiness, ambivalence and exploration,is well represented by Drs. Cahn, Dunlop,Kurland and Welborn. Dr. Dunlop's pa­per, originating in the sober conservatismof New England, is a preliminary report,to be sure-but may prove to be a valuableadditional modality in the management ofemotional depression. Drs. Schlaegel andSteifel point up possible correlations be­tween psyche and soma and at least vin­dicate the title of our Journal.

Psychosomatic frontiers are dynamicand ever-changing; they extend in manydirections. Shall they remain merely astudy of psychophysiological relationshipsor should they include the many diverseareas covered in this current issue?

Psychosomatics will continue to bringreports from many frontiers and hopesthat this meets the needs of its readers.

W.D.