[Psychosocial aspects of multiple sclerosis--course and coping with a chronic disease]

The analysis was elaborated in an epidemiological area. 92 patients with multiple sclerosis were researched and interviewed under biographical and psychosocial aspects. The most limiting factor in the organic view was the motoric deficit-provoking negative social coping of the disease. The family members usually supported their patient in coming out with the different handicaps; but psychosocial disturbances often were to be seen. Only one third of the patients held their job or were managing the household. One half of the sample suffered on pathological coping with the disease, showed signs of isolation and resignation. A quarter of them lived in psychosocial extrem conditions. A sufficient income had nearly half of the patients. The medical care was optimal in all cases. For women a help in the household often failed. The study enlighted the necessity of a therapeutic program involving a normalisation of the disease.