COMMUNICATING THE DIAGNOSIS OF MOTOR-NEURON DISEASE

Communication of the diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) is a par ticularly difficult task for doctors in view of the poor prognosis and the lack of significant treatment. This study examined patients' view s of being given the diagnosis and of how it was communicated. Fifty p eople who had been diagnosed with MND more than six months previously were interviewed about their experience of the diagnosis. The majority reported positive aspects of being told, especially having a label fo r their condition. The most frequently mentioned critical aspect of ho w they were told was the directness and clarity with which they were g iven the information. Patients were more critical if the diagnosis was worse than expected (as it was for most patients) and more satisfied if they felt they had been able to ask questions. There was no evidenc e that unsatisfactory communications were associated with later mood d isturbance. A longitudinal study is recommended to overcome limitation s in this cross-sectional design.