The relation between the presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO) and the risk of decompression illness (DCI) remains controversial. PFO is a common finding in the general population, with an autopsy prevalence of about 25%. Recent review articles in the diving literature have concluded the presence of a PFO may increase the relative risk for DCI but the absolute risk remains low. In space oper...

PURPOSE OF REVIEW In this article we summarize recent investigations into the influence of illness perceptions on outcomes in patients with medical conditions. RECENT FINDINGS Developments in assessment include the publishing of a new brief scale to assess illness perceptions and the examination of the relationship between patient drawings of their illness and outcomes. Recent studies in prim...

This study was undertaken to estimate the magnitude of medical care expenditures among persons with respiratory conditions in the USA in 1996, and the increment in expenditures attributable to these conditions. The study data were derived from the 1996 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, a national sample of 21,571 persons. Of the 21,571, 1,027 reported one or more respiratory condition. After we...

Patients with severe mental illness have higher than expected prevalence rates of co-morbid general medical conditions, particularly metabolic and cardiovascular disease. They are also at increased risk of contracting HIV. Conversely, these and other medical disorders also increase the risk of developing mental disorders. Mental illness and general medical conditions have mutually adverse effec...