Emotional aspects of endometriosis: a physician's perspective

In conclusion, different models of physician-patient interactions will be effective at certain times in any long-term relationship between a physician and a patient with chronic disease. Even the most involved patient under certain conditions may say, "I just don't know what to do, Doctor. Do what you think is right." In the emergency situation, the most understanding physician must be comfortable taking full responsibility for the decisions. However, the majority of the time, the patient can be helped to feel less powerless and more positive with a therapeutic relationship that encourages education about endometriosis and provides a "road map" of diagnostic procedures, therapies, and referral sources on which the patient can do the "driving."