Brain-Mind-Body Interface Disorders

Brain-mind-body interface disorders is a proposed diagnostic category for conditions that feature physical symptoms when psychological processes play a central role. It aims to bridge the gap between traditional approached by acknowledging the intricate, two-way interaction between mental, neurological, and physical health—beyond the outdated mind-body split. These conditions disrupt the brain’s processing of information and bodily sensations, leading to distressing physical symptoms—biased attention, fear avoidance, hypervigilance, catastrophizing, dissociation, or alexithymia—even in the absence of physical damage or disease. Treatment emphasizes a holistic, multidisciplinary approach, requiring active engagement by the patient—integrating physical (physiotherapy) and mental (psychotherapy) health interventions. Framed as brain-mind-body interface disorders, clinicians hope to reduce stigma, validate the reality of patients’ symptoms, and facilitate more integrated, effective care. Conditions that could be more effectively treated:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Severe panic attacks with prominent tremulousness and dissociation.
• Functional neurological disorder (FND): Common neuropsychiatric disorder with symptoms (limb weakness, seizures, movement disorders) not explained by observable brain damage.
• Chronic pain disorders: Persistent pain where psychological factors significantly influence the experience and severity of the pain.
• Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition characterized by widespread pain and fatigue.
• Disorders of brain-gut interaction: Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Post-concussion syndrome: Persistent symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury).
• Somatic symptom disorder: Distressing physical symptoms accompanied by excessive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the symptoms.