Psychiatric disorder and outcome in irritable bowel syndrome.

A link between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and psychiatric illness is well recognized. The authors set out to establish whether a group with a risk of poor outcome IBS could be identified at presentation to a general hospital clinic in a prospective series of 70 subjects. Potential risk factors showed no correlation with IBS outcome at 6-9 months.

Patient's assessment of an information booklet on Crohn's disease written by a patient.

Patients with Crohn's disease want information about the condition. "So you've got Crohn's disease", an information booklet written by a patient was sent to patients for evaluation. Most found it useful, particularly in the practical advice, and suitable for all patients with Crohn's disease.

A study of the menopause, smoking, and contraception in women with Crohn's disease.

One hundred and ninety-six women with Crohn's disease from south-east Wales were asked to provide details of their menstrual cycles, age at menopause, history of surgery, smoking habits and use of oral contraceptives. One hundred and forty-six provided the information (response rate 77 per cent). Eighty-four were still menstruating, three were pregnant, 10 had undergone hysterectomy, one had a pharmacologically-induced menopause and 48 had had a physiological menopause.

Employment after myocardial infarction amongst previously healthy men.

A postal questionnaire was sent to 55 men 18 months after their first myocardial infarction; information obtained was supplemented by interview with two of the authors (PW and GC). Fifty-three men had been in full-time employment prior to their illness, 38 of them in manual work. Their return to work and changes in employment were examined and, in addition, enquiries were made about subsequent health, assistance from trade unions and the local Disabled Resettlement Officer (DRO).