Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • adjective Originating in the mind or in mental or emotional processes; having a psychological rather than a physiological origin. Used of certain disorders.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • adjective originating from or caused by state of mind; having a psychological rather than a physiological cause

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • adjective mental or emotional rather than physiological in origin
  • adjective of or relating to the psychological cause of a disorder

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

psycho- + -genic?

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Examples

  • So, there's something known as psychogenic intractable sneezing and it is rare for sure.

    CNN Transcript Nov 13, 2009 2009

  • But after viewing the multiple videotapes and discussing them with other dystonia experts there are many features that are not consistent with the diagnosis of true dystonia, but are much more in keeping with what is called a psychogenic movement disorder he said.

    Video of flu shot cheerleader is misleading 2009

  • When I was in veterinary school, many moons ago, we were taught about a condition called psychogenic alopecia, believed to be a behavioral issue in which cats over-groomed as a result of stress, emotional upset, or psychological problems.

    The Martha's Vineyard Times News Headlines 2009

  • (CRF), found that coronary heart disease (CHD) symptoms presented in the context of a stressful life event were identified as psychogenic in origin when presented by women and organic in origin when presented by men.

    Signs of the Times 2008

  • If the girl does have a tic, and perhaps Tourrette's, this is NOT "psychogenic".

    Dairy deliveries with a little nostalgia 2009

  • His sodium level was dangerously low (too much liquid intake - a chronic "psychogenic" issue because he constantly feels thirsty), his legs were swollen, his x-ray results were not in yet ... and he was restrained.

    haloaskew Diary Entry haloaskew 2007

  • But after viewing the multiple videotapes and discussing them with other dystonia experts there are many features that are not consistent with the diagnosis of true dystonia, but are much more in keeping with what is called a psychogenic movement disorder "he said.

    Video of flu shot cheerleader is misleading 2009

  • In recent decades, however, dermatologists have agreed that most cases previously labeled "psychogenic" are probably the result of allergies.

    The Martha's Vineyard Times News Headlines 2009

  • Xinhua has reported some complainants had mosquito bites or other "psychogenic" causes.

    The Guardian World News 2009

  • We have also seen patients referred with other somatoform disorders, such as psychogenic movement disorders, respond to the treatment. "

    Health News from Medical News Today 2009

Comments

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  • "Americans' fear of a terrorism could create a mass outbreak of a psychosomatic illness -- even in the absence of any real attack -- -- creating a fake epidemic that could overwhelm hospitals attempting to treat real victims.

    Adding to the confusion, the symptoms of a mass pyschogenic illness look much like symptoms of an anthrax attack, avian flu outbreak or chemical attack."

    - Ryan Singel, 'Terrorism Fear Could Create Psychosomatic Epidemic, Feds Warn', 15 Sep 2008.

    September 16, 2008