Chronic sorrow in persons with Parkinson's and their spouses

Chronic sorrow is the grief experienced from continual loss during the trajectory of an illness or disability. The presence and nature of chronic sorrow were determined in a sample of six persons with Parkinson's disease and four of their spouse caregivers using the Burke NCRCS Questionnaire. Four of the afflicted individuals and two of the spouse caregivers reported symptoms of chronic sorrow that for half of them were more intense than at the time of diagnosis. Respondents used extensive problem-solving and emotive coping strategies to handle their sorrow. Most of the respondents described themselves within the context of the illness and the care required. Losses triggering their sorrow included loss of future plans, restricted social life, and inability to travel and participate in hobbies. Support from others was restricted mainly to physicians at the time of diagnosis and close family. Supportive nursing interventions for their grief are indicated.