women's health center
Women and Heart Disease

It is NOT All in Your Head
small text
large text

Physicians are trained to diagnose and treat disease. When the answer isn't apparent, or if the complaint is particularly vague ("I feel dizzy"), it can be difficult to make a firm diagnosis.

Some doctors may be inclined to say that your complaints are nothing to worry about or are psychosomatic — i.e., "they're all in your head."

While anxiety and stress can play a role in how healthy you feel, you should always remember that you know your body better than anyone else. Be your own advocate and ask questions like: "How do you know it is in my head? How do you know it is nothing? How do you know it is not a heart attack?"

Insist that your doctor take the time to explain the tests and reasoning behind the diagnosis. If he or she is unwilling to do so, or doesn't explain the diagnosis clearly/or is unclear in his or her explanation, find another doctor.


Pictures: DCI |

SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS

Use our Sitemap to find what you need quickly.

Discovery Channel | TLC | Animal Planet | Discovery Health | Science Channel | Planet Green
Discovery Kids | Military Channel | Investigation Discovery | HD Theater | Turbo | FitTV

HowStuffWorks | TreeHugger | Petfinder | PetVideo | Discovery Education

Visit the Discovery Store: Toys & Games | Telescopes | DVD Sets | Planet Earth DVD | Gift Ideas

By visiting this site, you agree to the terms and conditions
of our Visitor Agreement. Please read. Privacy Policy.
ATTENTION! We recently updated our privacy policy. The changes are effective as of Tuesday, October 30, 2007.
To see the new policy, click here. Questions? See the policy for the contact information.

Copyright © 2008 Discovery Communications, LLC.

The leading global real-world media and entertainment company.

 
Advertisement

Sponsored Links
newsletter