A lot of patients nowadays come in with presenting complaints which are functional in nature, or rather psychological. Not that they are mengada-ngada, no.
Dr Stewart in clinic today said that it is mainly due to people's perception nowadays that is, unless we are free of any symptom, there is something wrong with us somewhere . Back in the old days, people don't bother much if they have slight pain or discomfort, now people concern about everything. Well, that is good in a way because that just shows how people are more health-conscious. Downsides to that of course, are the time and financial costs which come with that plus the unnecessary anxiety.
Dr Stewart told me how most of the times, our roles as a doctors are not to treat physical conditions but to treat people's perception. No wonder he talks to the patients so kindly and never complains. And it makes perfect sense. These patients are worried for real (okay fine, some maybe are pretentious but let's not talk about those minority). What you got to do is to investigate if there is indication for that, treat if needed, and if not reassure them sensibly.
I asked him if the free healthcare by NHS nurtures this whole any-problem-see-the-doctor behaviour. He said, yes, that plus the availability of the private healthcare too. When patients are not satisfied with how they are treated under the NHS, those who can afford go see the private services and pay for endless investigation until someone find something or someone said what they want to hear. It's really bad for the patients. They have really thick medical files, spend so much money and can't enjoy their lives as much as they'd like to. Oh dear, a heart with endless worry surely is a big test, innit?
