Florence, Italy – EMC Alam Sutera Hospital psychiatrist, Dr. Andri, SpKJ, FAPM , once again represented Indonesia in a prestigious international scientific forum in the field of psychosomatics, 13th Annual Scientific Conference of the European Association for Psychosomatic Medicine (EAPM) 2026 , which took place in Florence, Italy, on June 16–19, 2026.
At the meeting attended by psychosomatic experts, psychiatrists, internists, psychologists, and researchers from various countries, Dr. Andri delivered a scientific presentation entitled "Cultural Somatization and Health Anxiety in Indonesia: A Clinical Case Experience of Multisystem Psychosomatic Presentations in an Asian Population." on June 18, 2026.
This presentation highlights real clinical experiences in treating Indonesian patients with anxiety disorders and psychosomatic disorders, particularly how cultural factors influence the way a person understands, feels, and expresses physical complaints that are actually closely related to psychological conditions.
In his presentation, Dr. Andri explained that many patients in Indonesia present with recurring physical complaints involving various body systems, such as palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, stomach pain, burning sensations, and shifting discomfort. It's not uncommon for patients to have undergone various medical examinations with normal results before ultimately seeking psychiatric treatment.
Several examples of beliefs frequently encountered in everyday practice were also discussed in the presentation, including the concepts of "stomach acid rising to the head," "hot weather causes strokes," and "catching a cold," which are perceived as the cause of various physical complaints. According to Dr. Andri, understanding these cultural beliefs is crucial for doctors to build more effective communication and help patients understand the connection between the body and mind without making them feel judged or stigmatized.
Interestingly, the presentation session was interactive, with questions and discussions from the international audience. The topic of how culture influences the manifestation of psychosomatic symptoms attracted significant attention from the participants, as it offered a different perspective than psychosomatic models that have been primarily developed based on Western populations.
Dr. Andri's presence at EAPM 2026 has special significance. This is a third participation at the EAPM scientific meeting, and also an opportunity to reintroduce Indonesian clinical experience to the international psychosomatic community. Previously, Dr. Andri has been an active speaker and presenter at various international scientific forums since 2009, particularly those related to anxiety disorders, psychosomatic disorders, and the relationship between physical and mental health.
As a psychiatrist who has practiced in EMC Alam Sutera Hospital since 2008 , Dr. Andri is known to have a special focus on handling psychosomatic disorders, anxiety disorders, health anxiety, panic disorder, and various physical complaints related to stress and psychological conditions . For over a decade, she has treated patients with a variety of complaints that often involve a complex interaction between biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors.
Psychosomatics is a branch of science that studies the relationship between psychological conditions and physical complaints. Many patients experience real and disturbing symptoms, but they cannot always be fully explained by conventional medical examinations. In these situations, a psychosomatic approach helps patients understand how the nervous system, stress, anxiety, and certain thought patterns can affect bodily functions and cause very real symptoms.
Participation in international forums such as the EAPM is a crucial part of efforts to develop science and healthcare services. In addition to sharing clinical experiences from Indonesia, these activities also provide opportunities for collaboration with experts from various countries to enhance understanding of mental and psychosomatic health, while being sensitive to cultural differences.
Dr. Andri's participation and presentation at EAPM 2026 demonstrates that Indonesian clinical experience has a significant contribution to the development of global psychosomatic science. With a long history of clinical practice and active involvement in various international scientific activities, Dr. Andri remains committed to providing a science-based approach while understanding the cultural context of patients to improve mental health services.
Through forums like EAPM, Indonesia's experience not only serves as a learning experience for the international community, but also strengthens Indonesia's position in the global conversation on mental health, anxiety disorders, and psychosomatics in the modern era.
