New developments in psychosomatic medicine. An attempt to define its current position

In the light of recent research findings the inappropriateness of many comm only accepted concepts in psychosomatic medicine is discussed. They do not stand up to empirical scrutiny. This applies both to sepcifity models and t o duality of body and mind or of illness and health. The monocausal-psychog enetic view was replaced through a complex interplay of hierarchie somatops ychic circles which are to be integrated into a biosemiotic model. In terms of the self-object-body system a greater significance is attached to affec ts in the communication and acting receives an important interactive functi on. The effects of the altered theroretical positions on new therapy approa ches are discussed.