Modelos conceptuales en medicina psicosomática

this paper shows some of the conceptual models underlying an understanding of psychosomatic medicine. psychoanalysis had an important historic influence and has evolved in concepts such as alexithymia. the basic idea consists in the difficulty mentally processing emotional contents, leading to a somatic discharge. cognitive models have offer interesting ideas recently, allowing a joint exploration with brain functional images. other concepts including allostasis, stress, psychoneuroinmunology and the importance of early events en the later response of the organism facing adverse situations are also discussed. finally, the importance of social aspects in the individual’s health status is also underlined.