title: [The process of accepting a chronic disease. What is the role of caregivers in management of these patients?].
abstract: Occurrence of a chronic disease means to the patient the loss of his accustomed state of health. That is what a newly diagnosed diabetic patient experiences, when he is confronted with the necessity for a perpetual treatment in order to keep his blood sugar levels as normal as possible. Furthermore, this disease may induce severe secondary complications because adjustment is difficult. Ability and will-power to care for himself depend on the degree of acceptance of the disease by the patient himself. This implicates a period of sorrow, characteristic phases of which have been identified and described by several authors. The relation between physician and patient plays an important role in this process. The physician should not only recognize the emotional reactions of his patient but also respond adequately.
authors.affiliation: Unité de traitement et d'enseignement pour diabétiques (UTED), Hôpital cantonal universitaire, Genève.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lacroix
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Golay
authors.forename: J P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Assal
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D006117:Grief; D006801:Humans; D011369:Professional-Patient Relations
vernacular_title: Le processus d'acceptation d'une maladie chronique. Quel rôle pour les soignants dans l'accompagnement des patients.