title: Coping with a chronic disease: the role of the mind and spirit.
abstract: This article presents personal experience of surgeons with the rehabilitation of disabled people. Attention is paid to the role of mind and spirit in the rehabilitation with particular attention to people with leprosy. The consequences for patient education, emotional support and attitudes of professionals are described. The influence of hope and faith in the case for disabled people is stressed.
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D012069:Religion and Psychology