Effects of psychological distress on perceptions of physical health and use of medical and psychiatric facilities.
Psychological distress not only contributes to bodily symptoms but also affects the way people perceive their physical health status and their use of medical care. Reporting on a program of research, this paper reviews evidence that psychological distress is an important component of illness behavior and response and must be taken into account in the appropriate organization of medical services.
D001294:Attitude to Health; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006296:Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D012107:Research Design / Q000592:standards; D012803:Sick Role; D012938:Social Perception; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000523:psychology*