The American Psychiatric Association (APA) has updated its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including with new information specifically addressed to individuals in the European Economic Area. As described in the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, this website utilizes cookies, including for the purpose of offering an optimal online experience and services tailored to your preferences.

Please read the entire Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. By closing this message, browsing this website, continuing the navigation, or otherwise continuing to use the APA's websites, you confirm that you understand and accept the terms of the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, including the utilization of cookies.

×
Published Online:https://doi.org/10.1176/ajp.99.6.781

In 67 patients with diseases involving the muscles the anatomical involvement, bio-chemical findings and personality factors were investigated. Many cases presented problems in diagnosis between structural disease of the nervous or muscular systems and psychoneurotic reactions. Emotional changes often were accompanied by altered performance of the muscles. When the symptomatology was more severe than could be explained satisfactorily by the physical studies, the psychopathological findings were demonstrated to be of importance in the development of the clinical picture. In some instances an original diagnosis of muscle disease was shown to be erroneous by proof that a psychoneurosis existed and the symptoms could be improved by psychotherapy. The type of adjustment in those with muscle disease depended on a complexity of factors, such as the personality prior to the illness, the age of onset and the type and the course of the disability. Suggestion played an important part in the symptomatic change after administration of various medications. Study of both the physical and personality factors was found to be of value in the diagnosis and treatment of muscle disease.

Access content

To read the fulltext, please use one of the options below to sign in or purchase access.