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Grinker's critical evaluation of the field of psychosomatic medicine is timely. The prevalence of somatic reactions to anxiety in World War II provided a seductively easy and superficial approach to disseminating psychodynamic concepts to a receptive public and large group of clinicians. The net result was the overselling of an idea which led to unwarranted therapeutic anticipations. In addition, historical events led to clinical studies and investigations according to formalized patterns based on early theoretical and stereotyped concepts. Repetitious incantations of belief in the unity of mind and body (while worshipping graven images of both) have not at all clarified the situation.
Cognizant of these and other unpropitious signs, Grinker examines the history and content of past and present concepts of psychosomatic