Multiple Sclerosis: Its Personal and Social Implications to Five Ambulatory Patients Seen at the Multiple Sclerosis Program, Veterans Administration, New York Regional Office
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a long term illness, progressively crippling, with, as yet, no hope for cure. It has deleterious effects upon the individual with loss of the sense of physical well being. Insecurity and unhappiness follow in the wake of the disease. The patient with multiple sclerosis is confronted with the prospect of becoming increasingly handicapped and eventually has to face the fact that there is no hope of regaining his health. The disease has an unstable pattern which tends to enhance the patient's feelings of anxiety; emotional stresses and strains greatly influence the progression of the disorder. The illness limits the patient's opportunities for a full life. He is often deprived of the right to marry and to establish a family. His ability to work is markedly impaired and his activity as a participating and contributing member in the life of the community is greatly curtailed. Thus, the dreams, hopes and plans of many a young man and woman are rudely shattered by this crippling disease. Many of those suffering from multiple sclerosis require help in making plans that are in keeping with the limitations imposed by the illness. They need assistance with emotional and social problems related to the illness as well as with other situations which may affect their ability to benefit to the fullest from medical treatment.
Subject Area
Health care management|Social work|Aging
Recommended Citation
Brodie, Dorothy Louise, "Multiple Sclerosis: Its Personal and Social Implications to Five Ambulatory Patients Seen at the Multiple Sclerosis Program, Veterans Administration, New York Regional Office" (1952). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI30509530.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI30509530
