What's 'in the body' is actually 'in the mind'!
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Attitude of Health Personnel↗
Biomedical subjects
Geetha Desai
Publications and source records attributed to Geetha Desai.
Somatoform disorders, somatization and abnormal illness behaviour.
Somatization and abnormal illness behaviour (AIB) often co-exist, and their inter-relationship appears to be complex. Patients with somatization are often observed to demonstrate abnormal illness behaviour. On the other hand, somatization has been explained in terms of abnormal illness behaviour. The exact cause-effect or any other relationship is not fully understood. This review examines the available evidence to understand these two clinically important, common and interrelated phenomena, their measurements and management. Many studies have confirmed that occurrence of multiple somatic symptoms as the chief or presenting complaints are highly suggestive of abnormal illness behaviour. Recognition of AIB in somatoform disorders is important in order to avoid unnecessary tests, inappropriate treatment, and to prevent encouragement and reinforcement of abnormal behaviours.
Humans↗
HIV & psychiatric disorders.
HIV infection and psychiatric disorders have a complex relationship. Being HIV infected could result in psychiatric disorders as a psychological consequence of the infection or because of the effect of the HIV virus on the brain. Disorders may be as varied as depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, AIDS phobias, grief and the whole gamut of cognitive disorders. In addition, several psychiatric conditions may predispose individuals to acquiring HIV infection as a consequence of their influence on behaviour. There is also strong evidence of the relationship of substance use disorders and severe mental illnesses with HIV infection. HIV related psychiatric disorders also offer a challenge to clinicians in issues of differential diagnosis and management. Majority of the work in India has focused on substance use and HIV, and to a lesser extent on the psychiatric effects of HIV infection. Given the magnitude of the problem in the country and the multiple physical and psychological stressors that persons with HIV face in India, more research is needed.
Anti-HIV Agents↗