Authors: Dr Anna Cristal-Lilov, Ofer Erez, Anat Ben-Salmon.
Despite the acknowledged effect of our emotional health on our physical health and the impact of physical illness on our emotional well-being, the cooperation between the mental health care workers and physicians treating physical conditions is minimal. Physical disorders in Obs-Gynecology and emotional well-being are more closely interrelated and entwined than in most other fields of medicine. An experienced Obstetrician-Gynecologist conducted five years of collaborative, interdisciplinary research with two experienced psychotherapists, exploring the domain where their fields overlap- psycho-gynecology.
The possible emotional etiology of a large number of gynecological and obstetric disorders, the emotional consequences of others and prevalent disorders which involve interdisciplinary features, were investigated. The necessity for empathic and efficient communication between Gynecologist and patient was also a focus of this research. Workshops were produced for the transfer of practical skills to other practitioners. Further research in psycho-gynecology is necessary in order to develop practically applicable skills for physicians treating disorders with interdisciplinary features, improve patient care and develop frameworks for interdisciplinary reflective practice, professional supervision and emotional support for physicians.
View/Download pdf