To tell or not to tell the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

167 patients disabled by multiple sclerosis were interviewed to ascertain their views about being told the name of the disease causing their disability. 30 were ignorant of the nature of their disease. 83% favoured knowing the diagnosis, 13% were indifferent, and less than 4% preferred not to know the diagnosis. Almost a quarter of the patients had discovered the diagnosis for themselves. All the respondents thought that the consultant was the person who should convey the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.