Iceberg of illness

Last month, an article in The Scotsman by Martyn Mclaughlin made the point that we should be more concerned about those not seeking medical advice when they should, rather than assuming the “worried well” are going to doctors unnecessarily.

This concern is backed up by a study of community health in Glasgow which found that 23 per cent of people had symptoms which they thought were serious, but did nothing about them, compared to 9 per cent who went to doctors with trivial symptoms which they did not think serious.

This iceberg of illness was particularly so for mental health symptoms which were least likely to be referred for medical help. In addition residents of high rise flats were significantly more likely to have mental health problems. (PROF) DAVID HANNAY

Cuddyfield Carsluith, Wigtownshire