Psychiatric symptoms masking pituitary adenoma in Spanish speaking immigrants.

Barriers to clear communication, such as culture, language, and other aspects of self-presentation may have an important impact on the doctor-patient relationship. When not addressed, cultural and linguistic issues can result in unreliable clinical histories, noncompliance with medical treatment, misinterpretation of data, poor continuity of care, less preventive screening, miscommunication, and inadequate analgesia. Lack of access to competent interpreters and failure to take a full history may result in inaccurate assessment of presenting complaints leading to a delay in initiating necessary treatment.