Press Release 13th August 2006

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The 4th R's response to 'Emotional patients get wrong idea'

13th August 2006

Commenting today on the BBC news item ‘Emotional patients get wrong idea’, Victor Spiteri, Communications Director for The 4th R, calls for more to be done for patients to reduce the strain on health care systems.

He added:

“A shift in thinking is needed by GP’S if a reduction in medical expenses and workload is required.  The first is to do with a clash in perspective.  To the GP, the chronic worrier who visits them an average of 32 times per year with symptoms such as headaches or stomach aches, are regarded as a drain on resources.  To the patient, they have symptoms that are causing them concern. 

Another shift in thinking concerns acknowledging “worrying” as a significant health issue unto itself.  Dismissing the worrying patient because there is no specific medical origin that they can find, with cursory and often hurried words of reassurance, only adds to the patient’s fear.

Asking patients to summarise what they are told to double-check they understand the medical explanation correctly, could in fact be seen as derogatory and insulting. 

Our current medical system would benefit from taking a more holistic view of health.  To be healthy is to be whole.  There is no separation between body/mind, which means for the person who worries a great deal and who is too emotional to remember what their doctor tells them, the diagnosis, in part at least, should include dis-ease between body/mind, and an appropriate holistic support prescribed” says Charles Moore, Relaxation for health specialist and proprietor of The 4th R.

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For further information please call The 4th R on 020-8974-8974 or email the press office .

To view a copy of the BBC news article Emotional patients get wrong idea visit the BBC news website .

Notes to editor

1. The 4th R have been the first organization to become established for the study, research and teaching of relaxation for health in the UK.  It aims to advance the education of the public and health professionals in all matters relating to relaxation for health, and to preserve and protect the health of the general public by giving advice, assistance and training on how to be relaxed. The 4th R do this by providing information in its own publications and through media contributions; by conducting a series of community educational programs and events, and by providing educational courses currently ranging from introductory group lessons to private lessons to weekend long training programs.   
On-line facilities include a book store, a comprehensive library of articles, and their bi-monthly learn to relax newsletter: Relaxation  Matters.

2. Stress and anxiety damages health.  Withdrawal, aggression, insomnia and intolerance are just some of the indicators of stress or anxiety.

3. The 4th R produce a free bi-monthly publication called "Relaxation Matters".  It teaches people how to relax.  It is available at www.the4thr.co.uk or call 020-8974-8974.

The 4th R

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