Abnormal Illness Behaviour Book

Abnormal Illness Behaviour describes not only the problems of patients with bodily symptoms for which no adequate organic cause can be found, but also those who deny the presence of disease which is obvious to others. The former, regarded as manifesting `somatisation but often labelled pejoratively as hypochondriacs, hysterics and even malingerers, have a different perception of their health problems to that of the doctor and this often leads to misunderstanding and unhelpful emotional reactions in medical professionals interacting with these patients. There is growing interest in the phenomenon of `somatisation and its causes, which now forms an important research field within the disciplines of psychosomatic medicine, consultation—liaison (`general hospital) psychiatry, community psychiatry and general practice (primary care medicine). This book describes the nature of various forms of abnormal illness behaviour from a clinical perspective. It provides an historical and theoretical background and a general introduction to the early recognition and management of abnormal illness behaviour. It describes for those in the medical, nursing and health care professions the skills needed to identify abnormal illness behaviour in its various manifestations, how to offer appropriate care and when to refer patients for specialised psychiatric care. Written by an author well known for his introduction of the term `abnormal illness behaviour and his research in the fields of hypochondriasis, psychiatric aspects of pain and the development and application of the `illness behaviour questionnaire, this book will be of immense value to general practitioners, physicians, surgeons, neurologists, psychiatrists and clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and anaesthetists associated with pain clinics.Read More