In this study, we discuss the recent advances in basic research on psychogenic fever and the contribution of Japanese scientists to this domain. The study specifically focuses on the findings of pharmacological studies that investigated the suppression of stress-induced hyperthermia, the differences in neural mechanisms between stress-induced hyperthermia and infection-induced fever, and the effects of chronic stress on thermoregulation in experimental animals. We observed that in some cases, psychogenic fever may develop after stress interviews even without actual exposure to stressors.

International exchange in the field of eating disorders is essential. Among the author's international academic exchanges from the past to the present, genetic research on eating disorders and the Enhanced Cognitive Behavior therapy for eating disorders will be described, followed by suggestions for disseminating psychosomatic medicine and messages for the next generation.

We believe that psychosomatic medicine promotes well-being for people with and without diseases. Psychosomatic medicine is closely related with palliative and supportive medicine and psycho-oncology. However, psychosomatic medicine in Japan is not well recognized overseas. Therefore, we hope that psychosomatic researchers in Japan soon conduct studies in palliative and supportive medicine and psycho-oncology in collaboration with domestic and overseas researchers.

To date, clinical knowledge on functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), especially heterogenous disorders, is limited. Environmental factors as early factors and/or current psychosocial backgrounds may play a major role in the pathology of brain-gut interaction disorders. It is expected that cross-cultural comparisons between countries may help resolve these problems. To promote international academic exchange, it is important that we thoroughly understand the socio-cultural situations associated with FGID.

Rheumatic diseases are chronic inflammatory diseases caused by abnormalities in immune response, such as autoimmunity and allergy. Fibromyalgia, a functional rheumatic disease, is a model disease of chronic pain and psychosomatic disorders.

Multiple factors such as genetic and environmental factors and mental and physical stressors are related to the onset and course of rheumatic diseases. Psychosomatic viewpoints are required for the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of the pathological state of these diseases.

While these diseases have a common pathophysiology across races and ethnic groups, there are various ways of acceptance and attitudes toward them.

To see the global trend, it is important to promote the international and mutual exchange of information.

I have been involved in the clinical practice of rheumatic diseases, especially fibromyalgia, from a specialized standpoint in rheumatology and psychosomatic medicine. I have gained psychosomatic knowledge through studying in the United States, attending international conferences, and interacting with colleagues from the German College of Psychosomatic Medicine.

In Japan, ad hoc groups from the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, the Japanese Society of Fibromyalgia Investigation, and the patients' association have been established. Each has shown unique development in respecting the importance of psychosomatic viewpoints. However, regrettably, the dissemination of these results abroad is not yet sufficient. In the future, we would like to promote the internationalization of psychosomatic medicine in Japan with the participation of more colleagues.

International transaction of psychosomatic medicine in Japan was addressed. First, some experience of the International College of Psychosomatic Medicine was described. The most prominent event was the 18th World Congress of Psychosomatic Medicine, Kobe, Japan, in 2005. His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress attended the meeting. The memorial address of His Majesty the Emperor was deeply impressed by international audience because the notion was based on the true understanding of importance of psychosomatic medicine. Trend of psychosomatic medicine in European countries especially Germany, United Kingdom, Italy, and Sweden was described. Second, research life in the United States was shown. Importance of peer review and rational discussion among scientists were emphasized. Third, American Psychosomatic Society was explained. It included brief history and founders of American Psychosomatic Society. Fourth, Rome Committee was briefly described. Disorders of gut-brain interaction are shown as typical disorders which well fits with biopsychosocial model. Fifth, future aspects of international transaction of psychosomatic medicine in Japan were shown. Further efforts of international communications and appeals on psychosomatic medicine in Japan are warranted.

Objectives : Social isolation and central sensitization have a significant effect on the physical and mental health of elderly males. Central sensitization could be related to psychological factors. In this study, we examined older adults in urban areas and the effect of subjective quality of life (QOL) on central sensitization, considering the effects of gender and social isolation.

Subjects and Method : We focused on adults over 65 who participated in urban health examinations. The subjects were 275 males and 410 females. We evaluated the subjects using a questionnaire. Central sensitization was evaluated by the Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI), subjective QOL was evaluated by Ikigai-9, and social isolation was evaluated by the Lubben Social Network Scale-6. We assessed the relevance of each factor by multivariate linear regression analysis in each of the male and female groups.

Results : Social isolation and a history of central sensitization syndrome (CSS) were positively associated with CSI in both groups. In the male group, the higher the “positive and optimistic feelings for life,” a component of subjective QOL, the lower the CSI, and the CSI increased with aging.

Conclusion : In elderly people in urban areas, social isolation and a history of CSS were associated with central sensitization, suggesting the need for preventive measures. In addition, central sensitization increases with age in males, but might be improved by increasing subjective QOL. Improving subjective QOL may be a preventative measure for central sensitization in elderly males.

Background : There have been reports of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for panic disorder cases. Generally, stabilization techniques are used before introducing EMDR. We report a case in which improvement in panic disorder and changes in self-control came by using a stabilization technique.

Case : The patient was a woman in her twenties with a panic disorder and depressive state. She underwent “extended containment technique” for mild palpitation in hospitals and anxiety due to panic symptoms when getting on a train. Her Subjective Units of Disturbance score (SUDs) decreased. She also appreciated the effect and decided to practice by herself. She also practiced “safe place exercise” and was able to ride the Shinkansen. As a result, she developed confidence and self-control, and gained awareness of over-adaptation.

Discussion : Stabilization techniques help reduce panic symptoms, improve self-control, and may also affect patterns of over-adapted interpersonal relationships.