Life events, Co morbidity of psychiatric disorders and physical illnessess A review of the literature

ABSTRACT

The view that co-morbidity of life events, psychiatric disorders and physical illnesses enjoys considerable support by a number of older and recent publications. This article reviews recent studies on possible etiological and contributing factors, new approaches and research difficulties, which are of particular interest for planning more effective preventive and treatment strategies. Studies were identified by means of computerized and manual searches. High rates of Co-morbidity suggest that life events, psychiatric disorders, and physical illnesses are functionally related to one another. Inclusion of patients with Co-morbid life events, psychiatric and physical disorders in neurobiological research and in clinical trials will be critical for development of effective treatment for this severely symptomatic patient's population