Question

Your neighbor comes to you to talk about her recent experiences with diagnostic studies. She states, "The doctor says there is nothing physically wrong. He says I should stop being so nervous. I don’t know what he means." How could you help this neighbor understand what the doctor means, without exceeding your role as a health care provider?

Answer 1

Your doctor suggesting you should 'stop being so nervous' likely implies that stress or anxiety may be affecting your health, and that psychological factors might be influencing your symptoms. Understanding the physical manifestation of psychological conditions is vital, and a holistic approach including lifestyle changes and therapy can be helpful.

Step-by-step explanation:

When your doctor mentions that you should stop being so nervous, it may imply that your symptoms might be related to anxiety or stress, rather than a specific physical health issue. In medicine, professionals often consider a wide range of potential diagnoses before determining the most likely one. If a doctor concludes there aren't physical findings to explain the symptoms, they may suggest that emotional or psychological factors are contributing. It's important to understand that psychological conditions can manifest with physical-like symptoms, which are real and valid experiences for patients, even if diagnostic tests don't show abnormalities.

Encouraging a holistic approach that includes both physical and mental health may be helpful. Health care providers may also suggest lifestyle changes, counseling, or other interventions aimed at reducing stress and addressing the nervous symptoms. It's essential to take the doctor's advice seriously and consider options like therapy or stress management techniques that could alleviate your symptoms.