constitutional. endocrinal and metabolic dastutbances also contribute to the development of these candhions

responsible agents but genetic. constitutional. endocrinal and metabolic dastutbances also contribute to the development of these candhions. In an individual case, one or more of these factors may be of greater importancethen the others. It is the complex interactions of all these varied etiological factors which result in a psychosomatic condition. This view has a very important bearing in the treatment procedures of these diseases. Treatment Careful attention has to be given to the emotional and the psychological factors contributing to these illnesses or better therapeutic results, short term as well as long term In this respectT an internist with good orientation Inthe principles of psychological medicine will prove a better physician tothese sutteters. A psychiatrist would have to be included In the medical team managing these patients Paychiatric treatment of the underlying emotional and personality factors may necessitate the use of psychotropic drugs, psychotherapy, behaviour therapy, biofeadback. etc. Treatment of the organic dysfunction by appropriate mathods should be undertaken concurrently. 5 PERSONALITY DISORDERS Definition: The term personality refers to the unique characteristics of an indvidual which predispose to his typical or recurring patterns of behaviour. The presence of certain personality traits make some individuals more vulnerable to develop behavioural abnormalities when faced with stressful events With this degree of vulnerability, abnormal behaviour occurs only in response to environmental stress. In certain other personalities, unusual behaviour occurs even in the absence of stressful events. The latter group is referred to as personality disorders Central to this concept of personality disorders is the duration of abnormal or unusual behaviou