F Alexander – Henri Ey (1950) Premier congrès international de psychiatrie, Paris 1950 V, Psychothérapie-psychanalyse, médecine psycho-somatique
Rating: ♥♥♥ (Very good)
Very good paperback, original cover. Shelf worn and gildede, and with sticker mark but has all pages and leaves present, no tears in paper or spine. Exlib.
Franz Alexander, one of the founders of psychosomatic medicine, was a central figure in the integration of psychoanalysis, physiology, and clinical psychiatry in the mid‑20th century. This 1950 publication, co‑authored with E. Y., reflects the period when psychosomatic theory was gaining international influence and reshaping the understanding of the mind–body relationship.
Alexander’s work is grounded in the idea that emotional conflict and psychological stress can manifest in physical symptoms. This book presents a systematic exploration of how internal psychological processes interact with autonomic regulation, endocrine function, and organ systems. The authors examine a wide range of clinical conditions — including ulcers, hypertension, asthma, colitis, and dermatological disorders — through the lens of psychodynamic theory and physiological response patterns.
Key themes in the book include:
- the role of unconscious conflict in somatic illness
- the influence of stress and personality on physical health
- early models of autonomic imbalance and organ‑specific vulnerability
- clinical case studies illustrating psychosomatic mechanisms
- the integration of psychoanalytic concepts with medical practice
This work captures a pivotal moment in psychiatric and medical history, when clinicians were beginning to recognize the complex interplay between psychological and physiological processes. Alexander’s theories would go on to influence modern behavioral medicine, stress research, and holistic approaches to health.
Today, this 1950 volume stands as an important historical document for scholars of psychosomatic medicine, psychoanalysis, and mid‑century psychiatry. It offers valuable insight into the early attempts to bridge the gap between mind and body — a theme that remains central in contemporary mental health and medical research.
Collector’s Note
Franz Alexander’s works are highly sought after due to his foundational role in psychosomatic medicine. This 1950 publication is a significant example of early mind–body theory and a strong addition to collections focused on psychoanalysis, medical history, or the evolution of integrative psychiatry. Complete mid‑century editions of Alexander’s writings are increasingly uncommon.
Keywords
- Franz Alexander psychosomatic medicine
- history of mind–body theory
- psychoanalysis and medicine
- mid‑20th‑century psychiatry
- stress and illness
- psychosomatic disorders
- integrative psychiatry history
See also
