Stability of Mental Stress-induced Hemodynamic and Autonomic Reaction despite Successful Treatment for Psychosomatic Disorder

Abstract

Autonomic imbalance and exaggerated stress responses are associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality and have been associated with several psychosomatic disorders. Has in-patient psychotherapy any effect on autonomic regulation and mental stress reactivity? In 77 patients undergoing in-patient psychometric treatment psychometric examination and psychophysiological assessment of hemodynamic and autonomic parameters during rest and 2 mental stress tests was performed at the beginning and at the end of in-patient psychotherapy. Despite marked improvements in symptoms our short-term treatment for psychosomatic disorders did not affect autonomic and hemodynamic activation at rest or during stress testing. It remains to be investigated if increased physical activity and relaxation expected after improvement have beneficial physiological effects over longer time spans.