Patients' perceptions of medical explanations for somatisation disorders: qualitative analysis

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To describe, from the perspective of patients, distinguishing features of doctors' attempts to explain the symptoms of somatisation disorders.

DESIGN:

Qualitative analysis of verbatim records of interviews in which patients recounted doctors' explanations of their symptoms.

SETTING:

Patients with persistent somatising symptoms referred from general practices in Liverpool and St Helens and Knowsley were interviewed before entry into a treatment programme.

SUBJECTS:

Temporal relationships between physical symptoms and psychiatric disorder. Results from a national birth cohort

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Physical symptoms and psychiatric disorder are associated. We aimed to investigate which comes first.

METHODS:

Understanding the needs of children following large-scale disasters and the role of government

Abstract

No one who experiences a disaster is untouched by it. Children and their families are often among the most affected. This article explains how mental health and medical professionals can assist families and communities in dealing with common disaster-related stress reactions in children. An overview of disaster research and examples of special concerns about children are given. In addition, an overview of the role of local, state, and federal governments, as well as other organizations, is provided.

A public mental health approach to the postdisaster treatment of children and adolescents

Abstract

This article describes the implementation of mental health intervention programs for children, adolescents,and their families exposed to natural disaster and violence. Recommendations are made regarding needed levels of organization, methods of screening and triage, training and supervision of mental health staff, design and implementation of treatment approaches, and longitudinal monitoring of course of recovery and intervention outcome.

The impact of trauma and disaster on young children

Abstract

In the past few decades, the study of the impact of trauma and disaster on children has grown; however, information about the effects on very young children is still scarce in the literature. In some regards, the characteristics of stress in young children are similar to those of older children and adults; in other ways, their reactions are unique. These characteristics, as well as mediating factors and interventions with young children, are discussed. Suggestions for future research are offered.

Signs, symptoms, and ill-defined conditions in Persian Gulf War veterans: findings from the Comprehensive Clinical Evaluation Program

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to analyze the type and frequency of signs, symptoms, and ill-defined conditions (SSID; International Classification of Diseases-9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) codes 780-799) identified by physicians evaluating Persian Gulf War veterans; to determine the influence of the extent of evaluation on the type and frequency of SSID diagnoses; and to search for evidence for a new illness, or illness related to wartime exposures, in veterans with ill-defined conditions.

METHOD:

Pages