Emergency

Psychosomatics

Some symptoms cannot be explained by physical factors alone. In the Psychosomatic Medicine Department at Zuger Kantonsspital, we view the body and mind as a single entity. Our psychosomatic services are aimed at people whose symptoms have physical, psychological and social causes.

+41 41 399 42 10psychosomatik@zgks.ch

When the body and mind interact

Physical symptoms can be influenced or exacerbated by psychological and social stressors. Conversely, physical illnesses can place a significant strain on mental health and social life. Often, various factors interact and influence one another. A comprehensive assessment of the body, mind and life circumstances therefore forms the basis of our diagnosis and treatment.

Putting the individual at the centre

Every illness and every life situation is unique. During outpatient consultations, we take the time to gain a comprehensive understanding of your symptoms, your medical history and your current life situation. The consultation with your doctor forms the basis of your treatment. 

Together, we develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your symptoms, your personal needs and your treatment options. We take an evidence-based approach, giving equal consideration to physical, psychological and social aspects. Where necessary, we supplement the treatment through close collaboration with your GP’s practice, various specialist disciplines, and psychotherapeutic and therapeutic services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutritional therapy, music therapy, art therapy, creative therapy and body therapy.

Key areas of treatment in psychosomatics

Functional physical symptoms

We treat physical symptoms for which, despite thorough medical investigation, no sufficient organic cause can be identified, or where physical and psychological factors are closely interlinked. These include, for example, functional somatic syndromes and autonomic symptoms.

Coping with serious and chronic illnesses

A serious or chronic illness can have a lasting impact on a person’s life. We support people who are finding it difficult to cope with their illness, the associated limitations or changes in their circumstances.

Chronic pain

Chronic pain can have a significant impact on daily life, physical activity and quality of life. We help those affected to understand the various factors that influence their symptoms and to develop a personalised approach to managing their pain.

Psycho-oncology

Cancer often places a considerable physical and psychological strain on those affected and their families. Psycho-oncology supports people with cancer in coming to terms with their illness, in dealing with anxiety and other psychological stresses, and in coping with changes to their daily lives and living circumstances.

Persistent fatigue and exhaustion

Persistent fatigue can occur during or after a serious illness and can significantly limit physical and mental resilience. Among other conditions, we treat cancer-related fatigue, prolonged periods of fatigue, symptoms following serious illnesses, and fatigue associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.

Psychosomatic symptoms caused by stress

Prolonged work-related or psychosocial stress can affect physical and mental health. We support people experiencing such psychosomatic symptoms and help them develop strategies to stabilise their condition and improve their quality of life.

Symptoms following a stay in the intensive care unit

Following a prolonged stay in an intensive care unit, physical, psychological and cognitive symptoms may persist for some time. Post-ICU syndrome can, for example, lead to exhaustion, sleep disturbances, anxiety or difficulties concentrating. We support those affected in coming to terms with and managing these consequences.

Services / Treatment options

  • Assessment and treatment of functional physical symptoms, autonomic symptoms and functional somatic syndromes
  • Assessment and treatment of physical symptoms associated with stress, anxiety or depression
  • Biopsychosocial assessment of complex clinical presentations
  • Psychosomatic treatment as an adjunct to treatment for serious physical illnesses, in particular to support patients in coping with and coming to terms with their illness
  • Psycho-oncological assessment and support for patients with or who have had cancer, including the assessment and treatment of cancer-related fatigue
  • Diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain, particularly noceplastic pain
  • Assessment and treatment of exhaustion and fatigue syndromes, including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS), burnout and symptoms following a stay in an intensive care unit (Post-Intensive Care Syndrome, PICS)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is psychosomatics?

Psychosomatics deals with the interaction between the body and the mind. In other words, it examines how psychological and social stress can contribute to or exacerbate physical symptoms, and vice versa. At Zuger Kantonsspital, psychosomatics forms part of the Department of Internal Medicine.

Who is the psychosomatic consultation suitable for?

The consultation service is aimed at people whose condition is influenced by a combination of physical, psychological and social factors. This includes, amongst others, people with functional physical symptoms, chronic pain, persistent fatigue or symptoms following a serious illness. People with cancer can also receive support through psycho-oncology.

What happens at the first appointment?

During the initial consultation, we will work together to build up a comprehensive picture of your symptoms, your medical history and your current circumstances. Based on this, we will draw up a personalised treatment plan. The focus is on the consultation with your doctor.

Does psychosomatic medicine also treat physical symptoms for which no medical cause can be found?

Yes. Functional somatic syndromes and autonomic symptoms are among our main areas of treatment. We take physical symptoms seriously whilst also considering possible physical, psychological and social factors that may be influencing them.

What is cancer-related fatigue?

Cancer-related fatigue is a severe and persistent feeling of exhaustion associated with cancer or its treatment, which cannot be adequately alleviated by rest alone. In our psychosomatic consultations, we help those affected to understand their symptoms and develop personalised strategies for managing them.