ABSTRACT
Introduction: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is not just a medical condition but it is also an emotional and quite intrusive condition in the life of the patient as it leads to progressive disability. The uncertainty of permanent therapeutic intervention and the high risk of disability and side effects make patient’s psychological adjustment difficult and dramatically affect mental health.
Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the psychological experience of a patient with MS.
Methods: To explore the under-study phenomenon, a qualitative thematic analysis was conducted using a semistructured interview. To enhance the credibility and validity of findings, the strategy of triangulation was adopted. Three different researchers analyzed and compared the evidences.
Results: The results showed that the first thoughts and feelings at the time of diagnosis included fear of the unknown and denial of acceptance, but over time led to compromise and acceptance. The challenges that the MS patient has to face were mainly related to the physical problems, the limitations imposed by the disease and the reactions of others. In this difficult path of the disease, the sources of support for the MS patient were the family and friendly environment, while the source of strength was faith in god and faith in the patient himself.
Conclusions: Effective management of MS could be achieved through patients’ supportive environment. The need to provide psychological and social support to MS patients at all stages of their disease is considered imperative.
Keywords: Case study, challenges, multiple sclerosis, psychological experience
