Social problems: the key role of the doctor

Abstract

It has long been recognized that the individual in society must be seen in the context of his social enviroment. Thus, the social and psychological components of physical and mental illness are vital and may be in some cases as important as the biological components. Poverty and poor housing, for example, 1 have a demonstrably detrimental effect on physical and mental health while problems in personal relationships or a life crisis such as a bereavement frequently cause psychological distress. In addition to social problems affecting physical or mental health, illnesses or disabilities can directly affect a person’s social circumstances. Someone who becomes physically disabled may lose his job, his wife may leave him, thus making him poor and lonely. Indeed, the problems of living with the chronic diseases are medicosocial and appropriate medical help has to take into account the physical, mental and social effects of these illnesses.