| Abstrakt: |
Improvements are vital in the early recognition of the onset of the disease by GP's and the way they respond to the sufferer and the family. Psychiatrists should respect the family members as a valuable resource to be supported and not as a location of blame and guilt. Both families and the sufferer need education, information about the diagnosis and its short- and long-term implications. There should be choice in the level of involvement of the family with regular options for review. The family potential of lifelong concern and care for the sufferer should not be wasted by insensitive handling and unhelpful attitudes which can contribute to family breakup and increased stress. Clearly identified case managers with responsible leadership of multidisciplinary teams are vital to ensure co-ordinated provision provided over the timescale of the illness. A range of services, including provision for the most ill, should be provided in every district on a seven-day-a-week and 52-week-a-year basis. Hospitals should be reorganized and retained to meet modern ideas and continuing needs, working in an integrated way with community provision. Respect for the sufferer, positively viewing their potential, combined with therapeutic optimism could offer hope to so many. |
