title: Abnormal illness behaviour (dysnosognosia).
abstract: This paper reviews the concept of abnormal illness behaviour (dysnosognosia). The need for a multidisciplinary approach is emphasized, especially for patients who affirm the presence of somatic illness in an inappropriate way. Taking the multidisciplinary pain clinic as a model of this approach, the range of treatments available is discussed. It is suggested that 'thymologia' and 'somatologia' may be more value-free ways of describing patients' verbal behaviour than alexithymia, and that psychotherapeutic methods can be utilized if a flexible style is adopted.
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D006801:Humans; D009042:Motivation; D059408:Pain Management; D011602:Psychophysiologic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012803:Sick Role; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D014473:Unconscious, Psychology