RECENT EVIDENCE IN THE PSYCHOSOMATIC FIELD: CURRENT TRENDS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The contribution of clinical psychology in the health field constantly gains attention. The state of the art indicates a growing interest in psychological factors affecting the biological functioning of patients, as well as biological conditions producing psychological effects. In this sense, clinical psychology is of fundamental importance in the field of multidimensional clinical care for the patient. In particular, the psychosomatic practice assumes a central role in the theoretical, preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic fields. The literature shows increasingly relevant evidence, so that it is possible to follow the historical evolution of the discipline and appreciate its recent developments. In this sense, the present symposium is aimed at highlighting both contemporary trends and future directions referred to clinical research processes. In particular, it is possible to appreciate contributions that take into account the psychosomatic clinical activity in different contexts. According to the first contribution (Cavallo M. & Cecchetti S.), recent evidence about the main neural and neuropsychological correlates of common psychosomatics disorders will be presented, to underline the relevance of the neurobiological domain to support both the assessment and the treatment stages of current psychological practice. The second contribution takes into account the somatization process in the field of chronic conditions and in particular with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (Tutino R.). The third contribution (Sicari F.) reflects on the theme of quality of life and the expression of maladjustment for patients suffering from dermatological disorders. The last contribution (Merlo E. M.) explores alexithymia and physical concerns in the field of gastrointestinal disorders. All contributions are referred to relevant themes and disorders of psychosomatic order. In this sense, the present symposium represents a dialogue among different clinal realities needing attention and in-depth analysis.