Chapter 1 Definitions

That practice of medicine in which the practitioner is mainly concerned with the development of new knowledge.

One of the languages in which patients can be described (Graham, 1967). If one thinks in terms of mind-body dualism, “organic” refers to the body. However, it is increasingly clear that events in the psyche have a biochemical manifestation. Because the term “organic” is hardly ever used correctly, it should be dropped from our vocabulary. Unfortunately, it is well-entrenched in misbegotten expressions such as “organic brain syndrome”.

Caused by the psyche. This term should only be used on those rare occasions in which this mechanism has been clearly demonstrated. It should not be used as a synonym for “imaginary”, “functional”, or any other adjective used to cover the physician’s own ignorance or uncertainty.