Abstract
InnovAiT is produced on a 3-year cycle. However, many articles do not significantly go out of date in that time. This section of InnovAiT summarises articles from the previous cycle of InnovAiT that GPs and GPs in training might still find useful today.
Medically unexplained symptoms
Dr Alix Rolfe
InnovAiT 2011 4(5): 250–256
Medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) are the presenting features in up to a quarter of primary care consultations. They are common throughout the world in all ages and can cause disability as severe as those that originate from organic pathology. The diversity of the presenting symptoms and associated diagnostic uncertainty make them difficult to manage. This article aims to help with understanding MUS and suggests some strategies for their management.
Assessment of depression: a challenging consultation
Dr Hollie Hearfield
InnovAiT 2011 4(5): 257–264
The incidence of depression in primary care is high and often a day-to-day encounter for the GP or GP trainee. This article aims to outline the identification and assessment of depression in primary care and the requirements of the GP curriculum.
Non-pharmacological treatments for depression in primary care: an overview
Dr Chantal Simon and Dr Alys Cole-King
InnovAiT 2011 4(5): 265–271
This article discusses the range of non-pharmacological treatments available to patients with depression and their use.
Depression associated with chronic illness
Dr Emma M McLachlan
InnovAiT 2011 4(5): 272–277
As the population ages, increasing numbers of patients regularly attend their GP with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This article reviews the aetiology of depression in chronic illness, the challenges involved in diagnosis and recommended management strategies.
Therapeutic assessment of patients following self-harm
Dr Alys Cole-King, Dr Gill Green, Sofia Wadman, Gavin Peake-Jones and Linda Gask
InnovAiT 2011 4(5): 278–287
An estimated 170 000 people present to hospital with a history of self-harm each year. This article explains terminology associated with self-harm, provides explanations for the different motives and suggest ways in which primary care can assess and respond to patients engaging in self-harm and mitigate risk.
Suicide mitigation
Dr Alys Cole-King, Dr Gill Green, Gavin Peake-Jones and Linda Gask
InnovAiT 2011 4(5): 288–295
Every contact a suicidal individual has with a health care professional represents an opportunity to intervene and prevent that individual from going on to die by suicide. This article introduces a comprehensive way of assessing and responding to patients experiencing suicidal thoughts in primary care.
Bipolar affective disorder
Dr Alexandra Rolfe and Dr Jason Mannix
InnovAiT 2011 4(5): 296–304
Bipolar affective disorder is a serious psychiatric condition characterized by episodes of elevated and depressed mood. Early detection and good multidisciplinary management can reduce the impact of the disease. This article aims to help GPs to recognise the disorder, refer appropriately and provide good community care.