[Illness perceptions of patients suffering from acute leukaemia one week after diagnosis].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate illness perceptions, treatment expectations, and treatment experiences of patients suffering from acute leukaemia in the initial stage of their disease.


METHODS
In the first week of treatment we interviewed twelve patients with acute leukaemia using a detailed semi-structured interview guide. To investigate the transcribed interviews we applied methods of qualitative research. Case analyses were assigned to interindividual comparison tables representing the following subject areas: complaints, diagnostics, causes, controllability, treatment experiences, and prognosis. This allowed us to describe similarities and contrasts.


RESULTS
Dramatic narrations of overwhelming threat in younger patients are in contrast to downplaying, rationalizing, and factual descriptions especially in elderly patients. Feelings of helplessness and efforts of normalization become apparent. Experiences of visible and sensible physical injury are perceived as threatening. Prognosis is estimated as too positive. Mortal fears are only indirectly indicated.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results have practical consequences for both patient education and psycho-oncological training.
Köhler
Katharina
K
Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Magdeburg, Leipziger Strasse 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany. katharina.koehler@medizin.uni-magdeburg.de
Regner
Andreas
A
Koenigsmann
Michael
M
Franke
Astrid
A
Frommer
Jörg
J
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003674:Defense Mechanisms; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D015470:Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010552:Personality Assessment; D054198:Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012803:Sick Role