title: The psychological management of the patient with chronic illness and his family.
abstract: Chronic illness, whether physical or mental, has a profound psychological effect on the affected individuals and their families. It is necessary for the general practitioner to have a good grasp of these aspects of the care of such patients and their families, not only in order to be of assistance in alleviating the emotional stresses which chronic illness places on them, but also so as to ensure maximal compliance with the treatment regimen of the illness itself. Studies have demonstrated that the most important factor determining patient compliance is the quality of the doctor-patient relationship. Special mention is made of the 'illness solution' in families and the ways in which the general practitioner can deal with this situation.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D010821:Physicians, Family