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Biomedical subjects

R F Avant

Publications and source records attributed to R F Avant.

5 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1989

Somatization disorder in family practice.

Although often difficult to recognize, somatization disorder--the presence of multiple physical symptoms but no apparent physical or psychiatric disease--is a common problem in primary care practices. Onset is usually before age 30. The disorder manifests as a myriad of symptoms, including gastrointestinal complaints, various types of pain, cardiopulmonary symptoms, pseudoneurologic complaints, sexual problems and complaints related to the female reproductive system. Vigilance is necessary, because somatization disorder may mimic numerous physical and psychiatric ailments.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1988

Psychiatric consultation and referral.

Over half of patients with psychiatric problems are seen by primary care physicians. Many of these patients will benefit from psychiatric consultation when the diagnosis is unclear or when the patient is not responding to treatment. Good communication between referring physician, consulting physician, and patient are essential to ensure a good result. Specific problems that should lead to consultation include: patient's request, unclear diagnosis, poor results from treatment, and crisis situations such as suicide attempts. Consultation-liaison psychiatry services in the primary care setting are becoming more popular and are an excellent way of improving communication between primary care physicians and psychiatrists. Further development of this role of the psychiatrist in the primary care setting has great potential of improving the quality of care delivered patients with psychiatric problems who seek care from their primary care physician. It appears that the majority of patients continue to seek care for their psychiatric symptoms from their primary care physician. Open communication and ease of consultation with psychiatrists can make the care of these patients even more rewarding to the primary care physician.

Humans↗
PubMed1988

Dysmenorrhea.

Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common gynecologic complaints of young women, affecting approximately half of menstruating females. Although most patients have primary dysmenorrhea, which although creating much discomfort does not lead to significant physical problems, it is very important to rule out secondary dysmenorrhea to prevent problems with health and fertility. Primary dysmenorrhea is seen only in ovulatory cycles, usually developing within 6 to 12 months of menarche and is characterized by lower midabdominal colicky pain that may radiate to the back and upper thighs. The pain of primary dysmenorrhea starts with the onset of menstrual flow or a few hours following onset and may last for a few hours up to 2 days. The pain of secondary dysmenorrhea usually begins several days before the start of menstrual flow and may be present during much of the menstrual cycle. Pain that occurs with the first menses or after the age of 25 or is associated with anovulatory cycles is more likely to be secondary dysmenorrhea. The causes of secondary dysmenorrhea, such as endometriosis, adenomyosis, complications of intrauterine devices, and congenital abnormalities, will often be associated with abnormalities noted on pelvic examination, and whenever dysmenorrheic patients have any abnormalities, further evaluation is necessary.

Dysmenorrhea↗