Psychological impact of the hurricane Mitch in Nicaragua in a one-year perspective.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Whereas natural disasters more commonly occur in low-income countries, almost all studies on psychological consequences have been conducted in the Western world. In countries where resources are poor it is of importance to know which groups should be targeted for early intervention after a disaster. The study aims at assessing the prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD and of post-traumatic symptoms among people afflicted by hurricane Mitch in Nicaragua and at identifying risk factors for PTSD symptoms 6 months following a disaster.

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Frequent attenders in general practice: a retrospective 20-year follow-up study.

Abstract

We describe a 20-year retrospective study of 58 patients with a cross-matched control group in one practice, who initially attended more than 12 times in 1975. The study establishes that frequent attendance is not consistent; the majority of high-attending patients in general practice revert over a short period of time to a normal consulting pattern. Diseases, rather than patients, appear to dictate high consulting rates. Consistent high attendance is largely owing to multiple pathology.

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Life events, difficulties and onset of depressive episodes in later life.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The importance of stressful life events and long-term difficulties in the onset of episodes of unipolar depression is well established for young and middle-aged persons, but less so for older people.

METHOD:

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Resource utilization of patients with hypochondriacal health anxiety and somatization.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To examine the resource utilization of patients with high levels of somatization and health-related anxiety.

DESIGN:

Consecutive patients on randomly chosen days completed a self-report questionnaire assessing somatization and health-related, hypochondriacal anxiety. Their medical care utilization in the year preceding and following completion of the questionnaire was obtained from an automated patient record. The utilization of patients above and below a predetermined threshold on the questionnaire was then compared.

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Randomised controlled trial of disclosure of emotionally important events in somatisation in primary care.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To test whether a disclosure intervention improves subjective health and reduces medical consumption and sick leave in somatising patients in general practice.

DESIGN:

Non-blind randomised controlled trial.

SETTING:

10 general practices in the Netherlands.

PARTICIPANTS:

161 patients who frequently attended general practice with somatising symptoms.

INTERVENTION:

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Delayed posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and predictors of first onset of PTSD in patients with anxiety disorders.

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Health-related quality of life in Persian Gulf War Veterans.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this investigation is to describe the health-related quality of life of Persian Gulf War (GW) veterans and to examine the effects of current chronic medical conditions and psychiatric status on physical functioning.

METHODS:

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Assessment of deaths attributable to air pollution: should we use risk estimates based on time series or on cohort studies?

Abstract

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Health effects of dioxin exposure: a 20-year mortality study.

Abstract

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The distinction between mental and physical illness.

Comment in

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