The narrative approach as an effective single intervention in functional somatic symptoms in a multi-disciplinary referral clinic for primary care frequent attenders.
Mental health problems are underdiagnosed in general practice, primarily because they are often somatized and the patient reports only physical symptoms. These somatized symptoms are responsible for a large percentage of the frequent attenders in general practice. Palpitations are among those somatized symptoms. Here we present the theoretical background and the process of assessment and treatment of patients referred to a special counselling clinic for frequent attenders, through the report of a patient with palpitations. It illustrates the use of the narrative approach and the possible mode of action of this specific intervention.
Matalon
Andre
A
Department of Psychiatry, Soroka Hospital, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel. matalon@netvision.net.il
Nachmani
Tzvia
T
Rabin
Stanley
S
Maoz
Benyamin
B
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001145:Arrhythmias, Cardiac / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D003376:Counseling / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D020886:Somatosensory Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications*