1. Diseases versus Illness in General Practice Abimfolu Abitoye GPST2

2. Cecil Helman (1981) An anthropologist Suggested that a patient with a problem comes to a doctor seeking answers to six questions

3. What has happened? This involves organising the signs and symptoms into a recognisable pattern and giving it a name or identity

4. Why has it happened ? This is trying to find the aetiology or cause of the condition

5. Why has it happened to me? This is relating the illness to aspects of the patient: - Behaviour - Diet - Body build - Personality - Heredity - ect

6. Why now? Timing of the illness, its mode of onset (sudden or slow)

7. What would happen to me if not treated? The likely course of the illness, outcome, prognosis and dangers

8. What are its likely effect on other people if not treated? Family Friends Employers Workmates This includes loss of income or of employment, or a strain on family relationships

9. One last question ! What should I do about it, to whom should I turn for further help. This should include strategies for treating the condition, including self-medication, consultation with friends or family, or going to see a doctor