Not a medical problem? An intensive study of the attitudes and illness behaviour of low attenders with psychosocial difficulties.

An intensive study of female low attenders with significant psychosocial difficulties is described. Among the reasons for low reliance upon the help of their general practitioners are unsatisfactory past experiences of seeking help; a belief that health conditions with a pronounced psychosocial component are not amenable to medical intervention; and the availability of professional medical or social advisors in the immediate social network. The implications for the provision of primary care are discussed.