Medical problems in migrants are not only an abstract political problem but also a problem that concerns physicians in their daily practice. Beside somatic disorders that are more common in developing countries we often are confronted to problems due to psychosocial stress. Language difficulties, problems of cultural missunderstanding and a lack of successful concepts impair the physician-patient-relationship and hinder a satisfying solution. Missing economic ressources influence the availability of efficient support. Despite all difficulties there are strategies that can help practitioners to deal with the subject without waiting for a social revolution. © Verlag Hans Huber, 2003.

Somatoform disorder Migration Culture-related illness concept

doctor patient relation Physician-Patient Relations psychological aspect Communication interpersonal communication human comparative study language Humans male female Socioeconomic Factors Review socioeconomics cultural factor adult migration somatoform disorder Cultural Characteristics Transients and Migrants Delivery of Health Care Somatoform Disorders attitude to health Switzerland health care delivery Child