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Patients whom neurologists find difficult to help.
A J Carson1, J Stone, C Warlow
1Division of Psychiatry, School of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, UK. alan.carson@lpct.scot.nhs.uk
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry
|November 19, 2004
Summary
Neurologists perceive patients with symptoms less explained by organic disease as more difficult to help. This perception is linked to the degree of unexplained symptoms in neurological practice.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Medical Practice
- Patient Perception
Background:
- The concept of
- difficult to help
- patients is recognized by clinicians but lacks systematic study in neurology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if neurological patients whose symptoms are less attributable to organic disease are perceived as more difficult to manage.
Main Methods:
- A series of 300 new neurology outpatients were assessed by neurologists using Likert scales for perceived difficulty and the extent of organic explanation for symptoms.
- Patient demographics, health status, somatic symptoms, and mental state were also evaluated.
Main Results:
- Nearly half of patients (48%) were rated as not at all difficult, while 6% were "extremely difficult" to help.
- The hypothesis was supported: less organic explanation for symptoms correlated with higher perceived difficulty.
- Physical disability was a minor contributing factor to perceived difficulty.
Conclusions:
- Neurologists experience greater difficulty helping patients whose symptoms lack clear organic explanations.
- Understanding this perception is crucial for improving patient care and managing expectations in neurological settings.