ABSTRACT
People who experience psychological or medical crises often consult their physician. A crisis is defi ned as any event perceived as overwhelming by the patient, and may trigger a crisis reaction consisting of psychological and physiological symptoms. Patients visit general practitioners (GPs) when they are disturbed or distressed, when they are in pain, or are worried about the implication of their symptoms. Bereavement, marital discord, domestic violence, inability to cope at work, and fi nancial problems can also lead people to seek help. This chapter briefl y discusses the management of people in such diffi culties.
