RT Journal
T1 PSychodynamics and the allergic patient
JF Journal of the American Medical Association
JO Journal of the American Medical Association
YR 1949
FD July 2
VO 140
IS 9
SP 848
OP 848
DO 10.1001/jama.1949.02900440090033
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.1949.02900440090033
AB This small volume comprises a panel discussion on the relationship of psychogenic factors and allergic manifestations, conducted at Atlantic City on June 8, 1947, as part of the program of the annual meeting of the American College of Allergists. In the first chapter, of 12 pages, Dr. Abramson presents photostatic and other excerpts from texts as far back as the seventeenth century or earlier in support of his thesis of the importance of psychogenic and emotional aspects as causes of asthma and hay fever. Many of these old writings are, of course, stray observations without much of the kind of evidence demanded nowadays in support of any concept. Others are veritable superstitions. Most of these records antedate the development of modern chemistry, immunology, bacteriology or even pathology, and our knowledge of specific causes of disease. The second chapter by Dr. Abramson consists of 23 pages discussing his major thesis. In