Significance of Early Recognition of Somatic Symptoms of Depression in General Practice: A Case Report
Jintong Liu *
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shandong Mental Health Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, PR China.
Haider Muhammad Imran
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shandong Mental Health Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, PR China. and Social Security Hospital, Jauharabad, Punjab, Pakistan.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In primary health care centers somatic symptoms of depression usually dominates over psychological presentation. In Pakistan, before seeking help of a proper qualified medical doctors, people living in rural areas generally get advice from faith healers and local hakims (Unani medicine man in East). We have presented the case of a 37-year-old housewife with medically unexplained symptoms. The case highlights the contribution of GPs in managing the psychiatric disorders under limited resources. Moreover the impact of locally devised methods of treatment on the outcome of mental disorders.
Method of Collecting the Case Information: This information has been based on general practice at outpatient setting of a 25-bed hospital situated at rural Punjab, Pakistan.
Keywords: Hakim, Imam, somatic symptoms, general practitioner.