Thursday, June 12, 2008

Why do some people not get better?

This week's feature article at the CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help website is
"Why Do Some People Not Get Better?" It is written by well-known CFS/FM
physician Dr. Charles Lapp. Dr. Lapp is Director of the Hunter-Hopkins Center in
Charlotte, a medical clinic that specializes in treating people with CFS and FM.

Our website contains more than 150 articles on topics such as coping strategies,
pacing and support. In addition, there are many patient success stories and
information for family and friends. Founded in 1998 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization, we have conducted more than 200 self-help courses. Our classes are
offered over the internet.

Bruce Campbell, Ph.D., Executive Director
CFIDS & Fibromyalgia Self-Help Program
www.cfidsselfhelp.org  

* * *

Some people don't get better because their doctors are very good at ignoring the evidence they don't want to hear that the patient has something other than what the doctor wants to diagnose.  Dr. Groopman addresses "diagnosis by stereotype" in his book How Doctors Think, and confirms that doctors do that all the time. 

Treating something the patient doesn't even have while leaving the real problem untreated is guaranteed to make the patient's health worse.

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