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Why now? - why patients present

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

Psychological and social as well as physical factors influence the decision to consult, including:

  • the perceived threat - eg fear of cancer or heart disease
  • age - parents present a child with symptoms which they would not report in themselves
  • social class - upper and middle class patients are more likely to present for any given symptom or sign
  • ethnicity - Asians present more often than non-Asians; Jews and Italians consult disproportionately often
  • education and medical knowledge - anatomy, significance of symptoms, what constitutes good health or normality
  • onset - an acute rather than gradual onset of symptoms
  • symptoms which interfere with social activity
  • symptoms with greater frequency or persistence
  • bizarre symptoms or symptoms differing from others
  • visible signs
  • failure of selfmedication - ask what's been tried
  • pressure from relatives, friends or work colleagues
  • need for certification
  • being elderly, female, divorced/separated or lonely
  • similar symptoms previously required health care
  • a good doctor-patient relationship (not too friendly!)
  • an unrelated personal crisis or stress

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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