Longitudinal comparison of depression, coping, and turnover among NHS and private sector staff caring for people with dementia

from the perspective of both the patient and the physician. Also, patients may undergo extensive investigation and medical treatment, which may not only be inappropriate but also hazardous. Iatrogenic factors such as inappropriate information, overinvestigation, and overtreatment are common in the management of these patients. 15 16 Avoidance of these factors forms the mainstay of most advice on management. We have shown that medically unexplained symptoms account for a considerable proportion of presentations in frequent attenders in secondary care and conclude that these patients should be considered a focus for attention.