title: [Psychoanalytical-psychophysiological studies on patients with a functional cervical syndrome].
abstract: In two patients with painful muscle tension in the cervical area, the surface electromyogram of the neck was registered continuously during psychoanalytically orientated talks as an indirect measure of the changing tensions. The talks were videorecorded and afterwards analysed with the patient in conjunction with the curve of the action potentials, Phases of raised muscle action potentials correspond with a conflicting affective attitude and feelings consistent with an anxious flight disposition (conflict dominance). Phases of reduced action potentials are associated with a positive self-reliance and feeling of security (ego dominance). The different phases were recognised in approximately two thirds of the cases by the patient himself when looking at the videotape. One group of observers was even able to infer the changing intensity of the action potentials merely by looking at the videotape (r=0.74). A comparison of electromyogram recordings from one of the patients at the beginning and at the end of psychoanalysis revealed a high degree of lowering of the action potentials and a change in the structure of a psychosomatic symptom (muscle tensions as the equivalent of frustrated flight and anxiety reactions) to a conversional neurotic symptom manifestation (occasional appearance of release movements of the neck and head).
mesh_terms: D000200:Action Potentials; D000339:Affect; D001007:Anxiety; D020968:Brachial Plexus Neuritis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004532:Ego; D004576:Electromyography; D006801:Humans; D009132:Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011572:Psychoanalysis; D011603:Psychophysiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological
vernacular_title: Psychoanalytisch-psychophysiologische Untersuchungen bei Patienten mit funktionellem Cervikalsyndrom.