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A Case Study of Overwhelming Illness and Stress

George L. Rainsford, MD; Stanley H. Schuman, MD, DPH

JAMA. 1981;246(1):60-63.

Abstract
During a period of 7 1/2 years, one family encountered life-threatening illness, psychiatric disability, juvenile delinquency, and multiple episodes of trauma, infection, and surgery. Cancer developed in three of the seven children, the mother had five suicide attempts, and the only daughter had a pregnancy out of wedlock with complications during labor and delivery. Chronologically, the stressful events show patterns of interaction and recurring dysfunction between members of the family. Options for the physician caring for such a family are limited. Early recognition of the family dynamics can help the physician set realistic goals and anticipate recurring crises.

(JAMA 1981;246:60-63)

Author Affiliations
From the Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.

Footnotes
Reprint requests to Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29403 (Dr Schuman).

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