[Psychological problems and treatment possibilities in intensive care medicine exemplified by bone marrow...

Bone Marrow resp. Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation (BMT/PBSCT) represents the only chance of cure for many patients with haematological diseases. Treatment and convalescence place significant stress not only on patients but on partners, siblings (who are frequently donors) and medical staff. Stressors are the high risk of mortality and chronic disabilities, acute treatment side-effects and multiple psychological and social demands. This requires support during longt-term psychosocial sequelae. We present problems and possible interventions in an acute and a rehabilitative medical setting, discussing recent findings in respect of donors' motivations, social support and quality of life. Psychosocial support in BMT should be given in a process perspective systematically combining and assessing in- and outpatient interventions.