Psychotherapy for people with multiple sclerosis
Abstract
In this issue Neuropsychiatric Practice and Opinion inaugurates an occasional series of articles exploring the psychological management of patients with brain disease. Neuropsychiatrists differ in theoretical outlook and therapeutic approach, but we all should have in common subtlety and skill in the psychological understanding and treatment of patients with cerebral dysfunction. This first article, by Sarah Minden, M.D., describes the psychotherapy of patients with multiple sclerosis. Her discussion is based on a grasp of the vicissitudes of the illness and their meaning to patients, an understanding of the psychopathological consequences of the cerebral dysfunction, sensitivity to patientsâ human needs, and extensive clinical experience. Dr. Minden is a psychiatrist at the Brigham and Womenâs Hospital, Boston.Psychotherapy Withfor People Sclerosison the relationship between patient and therapist the patient achieve greater understanding of her feelings, wishes, and beliefs, and, as a result, enables her to exercise more control over her life, ideally achieving more satisfactory relationships and less emotional pain.to helpL. Minden, M.D.These activegoals participantachieved treatmentwhen processpatient and when and definitionis an the empabeinsight-Essentially compassion,the hishumanness concern,of the Etherapistiand hisis expressedin histherapist makes a sincere effort to understand thize with the patientâs dilemmas. I have intentionally given such a broad cause!