Ailments, such as headaches and abdominal pain, tend to cluster in families, especially in mothers and children, according to this analysis of national survey data from more than 30,000 families in the Netherlands. The authors conclude that when primary care doctors understand patients' family context, they can better diagnose and care for them.

All in the Family: Headaches and Abdominal Pain as Indicators for Consultation Patterns in Families

By Mieke Cardol, Ph.D., et al



Annals of Family Medicine is a peer-reviewed, indexed research journal that provides a cross-disciplinary forum for new, evidence-based information affecting the primary care disciplines. Annals is sponsored by six family medical organizations, including the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Board of Family Medicine, the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine, the Association of Departments of Family Medicine, the Association of Family Medicine Residency Directors and the North American Primary Care Research Group. Annals is published six times each year and contains original research from the clinical, biomedical, social and health services areas, as well as contributions on methodology and theory, selected reviews, essays and editorials. Complete editorial content and interactive discussion groups for each published article can be accessed free of charge on the journal's Web site, annfammed/.

Contact: Kristin Robinson
American Academy of Family Physicians