On receiving the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: managing the transition

This article reports on one aspect of a wider study into multiple sclerosis (MS) specialist nurse roles in the UK. Insights gained from in-depth patient interviews are discussed in relation to literature regarding the meaning of health-related events, such as diagnosis. The findings of this project indicated that for many people, intense feelings of abandonment and isolation were generated at the time of diagnosis and stayed with the person for many months or years. Differing expectations between patient and neurologist following confirmation of diagnosis could contribute to these findings. It is suggested that imparting a diagnosis of MS should be seen as the start of a transition that needs to be made explicit to the patient and closely linked to the provision of sources of information, advice and ongoing support as people learn to live with and manage the disease.