BACKGROUND: Our knowledge about medically unexplained symptoms (mus) is increasing, but translating this knowledge into more effective treatment, particularly if symptoms are severe, continues to be problematical. AIM: To clarify the physical aspect of mentalisation (body-mentalisation) and to outline a theoretical perspective of body-mentalisation, starting from theories such as the attachment theory and the mentalisation theory, and to describe the diagnostic and therapeutic value of this approach. METHODS: Clinical experience with body-mentalisation led to a systematic literature search (via PsycInfo and Medline). RESULTS: Body-mentalisation is the ability to detect the signals of our own and of other, to respond to them and perceive the links with underlying mental states. Poor body-mentalisation occurs frequently in patients with severe mus and can be treated successfully by means of intensive residential or day-therapy programmes. CONCLUSION: Body-mentalisation may turn out to be a useful concept in connection with the treatment of persons with severe mus. More research is needed to test the diagnostic validity and therapeutic relevance of this concept.
BACKGROUND: Our knowledge about medically unexplained symptoms (mus) is increasing, but translating this knowledge into more effective treatment, particularly if symptoms are severe, continues to be problematical. AIM: To clarify the physical aspect of mentalisation (body-mentalisation) and to outline a theoretical perspective of body-mentalisation, starting from theories such as the attachment theory and the mentalisation theory, and to describe the diagnostic and therapeutic value of this approach. METHODS: Clinical experience with body-mentalisation led to a systematic literature search (via PsycInfo and Medline). RESULTS: Body-mentalisation is the ability to detect the signals of our own and of other, to respond to them and perceive the links with underlying mental states. Poor body-mentalisation occurs frequently in patients with severe mus and can be treated successfully by means of intensive residential or day-therapy programmes. CONCLUSION: Body-mentalisation may turn out to be a useful concept in connection with the treatment of persons with severe mus. More research is needed to test the diagnostic validity and therapeutic relevance of this concept.