[Patient education in multiple sclerosis: experiences and wishes of affected patients]

110 patients suffering from multiple sclerosis (MS) were asked about their experiences and their preferences concerning patient information. 85% were informed about diagnosis by physicians. The time from the occurrence of first symptoms until information about the diagnosis was 5.6 years on average. Most of our patients require frankness, but 29% would prefer to be informed only after disabilities have occurred. Contradictory statements of some patients seem to express their ambivalent feelings. It is difficult and needs a lot of sensitivity to find the best moment and the right quantity of information a patient is able to accept.