IBS patients' willingness to take risks with medications.

Objectives: We explored irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) patients' impulsivity and risk-taking behavior and their willingness to take medication risks.

Methods: A validated questionnaire assessed the illness experience of IBS patients. A standard gamble evaluated respondents' willingness to take medication risks.

Functional dyspepsia: Validation and results of a novel survey instrument to evaluate patient knowledge and perceptions.

Background: Patients' knowledge and perceptions of functional dyspepsia (FD) may affect illness behavior and healthcare utilization.

Aims: To develop, validate, and administer a survey instrument to assess symptoms, knowledge, and fears in FD patients.

Methods: A 66-item questionnaire was generated.

A 56-year-old man with sudden onset of portosystemic encephalopathy years after severe electrocution trauma.

A 56-year-old white male painter, with a history of major electrocution and deep thermal injury, developed mental status changes initially ascribed to an acute neurological event. Unexpectedly, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head showed areas of high signal intensity in the basal ganglia, which can be observed in advanced liver disease. An electroencephalogram (EEG) suggested metabolic encephalopathy and coexistent elevation of ammonia, indicative of significant liver disease.

Patient knowledge and perspective on irritable bowel syndrome: development of a survey instrument.

Purpose: A questionnaire measuring patient knowledge of, and concerns about, irritable bowel syndrome could improve patient care. The aims of this study were to operationalize the constructs used by patients to understand their symptoms and to develop a reliable, validated questionnaire.

Results: A total of 153 patients with irritable bowel syndrome completed the questionnaire.