LETTER TO THE EDITOR

By Gail Addis

Dear Editor,

LSS or LSI?

I'm sure you'll immediately recognise the consultation where a distressed patient complains of depression, anxiety or stress. On asking what they think is the reason for this, they tell a story of, not one or two, but a whole series of unfortunate events. That phrase brought Lemony Snicket to mind, and set me thinking.

Is it, do you think, worthy of the title of syndrome, or would it be best as an index?

One or two unfortunate events would be within the normal range. Perhaps 3 or 4 unfortunate events could be a marker for depression, a pessimistic outlook, or sheer bad luck. More than 5 may be an indicator for a personality disorder, deprivation or full-blown ' L.S.S.'

For discussion.

Yours

Gail Addis

Other hoolet online articles by Gail Addis can be found at:
hoolet edition 48 - Letter to the editor

hoolet is the magazine of RCGP Scotland. It is supported intellectually, financially and emotionally by RCGP Scotland.

This issue maintained by Robert Hallam.