Collaborative team approach to asthma: A clinical study

The aim of this study was to explore the possibility of clinically applying the results of empirical research studies, conducted by members of the Centro Auxologico Italiano di Piancavallo, to psychosomatic pathologies. These studies revealed the following typical aspects of relationships existing in families with an asthmatic child: a high degree of trust in the attending physician; the presence of dysfunctional interrelational dynamics within the family, particularly the denial of conflicts and the confusion of generational levels; and the need to develop family resources for preventive purposes. These results led to our decision to establish a therapeutic team (consisting of an allergist, a psychiatrist, and psychologists) that would be responsible for considering the symptom in both its organic and relational aspects. This team has completed the study of four cases of asthma and one of atopic eczema. Our interventions are based on a division of responsibilities between psychotherapists and allergists, and on constant efforts to redefine dysfunctional dynamics and to support family resources. We include a case study that reflects this specific type of intervention, and consider the possibility of extending its use.