[Illness concepts of patients]

The term "Illness concept" compromises all assumptions, interpretations, explanations, and predictions in regard to one's health status. Therapists and patients hold illness concepts which may differ from each other. Illness concepts can be described under formal, phenomenological and psychological-functional aspects. Illness concepts influence perception of illness, cooperation and satisfaction with treatment by the patient. To respect the illness concepts of patients means to respect the patient himself. The patient's perspectives are valuable completions of the therapist's perspectives and should, therefore, be integrated in the planning of therapy.