Abstract

FLORENCIO, Nuno; TRINDADE, Catarina  and  SANTIAGO, Tatiana. The doctor-patient relationship and medical reasoning and when consulting with a companion: a case report. Rev Port Med Geral Fam [online]. 2019, vol.35, n.6, pp.501-507. ISSN 2182-5173.  https://doi.org/10.32385/rpmgf.v35i6.12237.

Background: The presence of companions during general practice visits is frequent, although its impact is not completely established. The aim of this case report is to think over how the presence of companions may interfere in the doctor-patient relation and clinical reasoning. Results: A foreign 33-year-old patient, presented with worsening migraine and seizure-like episodes, for about two years. He was extensively studied in Neurology without a clear diagnosis. In the general practitioner (GP) visit, due to the language barrier, his girlfriend frequently spoke for him and described the seizure-like episodes. Clarifying the patient’s complaints, he was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and panic disorder. The patient responded completely to our approach and to the prescribed medication. He returned to work. Conclusion: The general practice, biopsychosocial and patient-centered perspective allow GPs to know all patients’ complaints and to interpret them accurately. However, the presence of companions and their impact on clinical reasoning and doctor-patient relation demand further researched.

Keywords : Consultation with a companion; Physician-patient relationship; Medical reasoning.

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