The Mount Sinai journal of medicine, New York
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Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal illness, defined by symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome has been described as a biopsychosocial condition, in which colonic dysfunction is affected by psychological and social factors. As a result of this unusual constellation, irritable bowel syndrome may be subject to cultural variables that differ in different parts of the globe. ⋯ We describe our own research studies that have demonstrated possible adverse effects on disease severity from relationship conflict, attribution of symptoms to physical rather than emotional cause, and the belief that irritable bowel syndrome is enduring and mysterious. Also described is our finding that symptom patterns may differ significantly between different geographic locations. Finally, we discuss the importance of "cultural competence" on the part of healthcare professionals in regard to caring for patients of diverse cultural backgrounds.
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Despite significant research efforts, a therapy to slow or halt the progression of Parkinson's disease ("neuroprotection") remains elusive. The discovery of such a therapy will likely require important observations from a number of perspectives: basic science investigation, clinical research, and careful observation in medical practice. Any possible insights will require confirmation in rigorous clinical trial testing. Combining the useful insights from all perspectives may be the most promising approach to discovering a neuroprotective therapy.