Prof. Dr. med. Peter Henningsen

Prof. Dr. med. Peter Henningsen is a specialist in psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy, known for his expertise in the complex relationship between psychological processes, brain function, and physical symptoms. He directs the clinic and polyclinic for psychosomatic medicine and psychotherapy at TUM University Hospital Rechts der Isar in Munich, where he assesses and treats patients with persistent physical complaints, psychological disorders, and conditions affecting both physical and mental health. His clinical work focuses on diagnosing and managing functional somatic disorders. These conditions can manifest through genuine and often debilitating physical symptoms, including chronic pain, fatigue, dizziness and gastrointestinal disturbances, even when conventional examinations do not reveal sufficient structural explanations. His specialist approach considers the interaction of biological, psychological and social factors, helping patients understand their symptoms and identify appropriate treatment strategies. The expertise also encompasses chronic pain syndromes, somatoform disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma-related conditions, and psychosomatic complications associated with chronic physical illnesses. He places particular importance on distinguishing functional symptoms from underlying neurological or internal medical diseases, ensuring patients receive appropriate diagnostic evaluation before selecting treatment. Depending on the individual condition, management may involve psychotherapy, medical treatment, and interdisciplinary rehabilitation. Prof. Henningsen has made an important contribution to the understanding of how bodily symptoms develop, persist, and affect everyday functioning. His academic work has helped advance clinical recognition of functional disorders and integrate psychosomatic approaches into mainstream medicine. This perspective is particularly valuable for patients who have undergone repeated medical investigations without obtaining a satisfactory explanation or lasting relief from their symptoms.