Patient support groups

Refer patients to a local PD support group where they can obtain educational materials as well as empathy and social support from fellow PD patients. Support groups that include patients with advanced disease may upset patients with early disease therefore, the advantages and disadvantages of attending should be explained to the patient. 

Orphan diseases are those that affect such a small number of patients that the market caimot sustain the cost of research to find treatments. For some time, the agency, the industry and patient support groups had recognised the problem indeed, the FDA worked with various drug firms to find homes for potentially valuable orphan products. Nevertheless, the economics worked against those with rare diseases. 

Patient support group. If a patient support group exists, it may facilitate the development of the drug by notifying its members about participation in clinical trials. The group could also have its members write letters on behalf of the product to increase awareness in the medical community. 

Educate patients about their disease state. Refer the patient to available support groups or IBD organizational resources if they are having difficulty in coping with their disease. 

Refer the patient to the National MS Society for information, newsletters, and local support groups (www.nmss.org). 

How can good pharmacotherapists be found First, check with experienced and respected colleagues, take note of which pharmacotherapists are referring patients to you, attend local educational meetings with psychiatrists, or, if there is a medical school nearby, attend the psychiatry department s grand rounds. Local patient advocacy and support groups, such as the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA), the National Alliance for the Mentally HI (NAMI), the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), and the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), are valuable sources of information from the patient s perspective. 

Within any of these treatment settings, any of several specific psychiatric treatments can be applied. A comprehensive treatment plan that incorporates both medications, if indicated, and psychosocial treatments is generally believed to be most effective. The treatment plan should be customized to meet the patient s particular needs. Treatment planning should take into account not only the primary substance that is being abused but also family dynamics, the physical and social impact of the substance use disorder, and the presence of any complicating medical or psychiatric illnesses. Psychosocial treatments encompass several formats such as individual psychotherapy, support groups, and behavioral modification. 

Outpatient programs can be connected to a hospital or a public or private treatment facility. These programs are often short term and require the patient to complete a series of daily or weekly visits for a period of several months. Like inpatient treatment, outpatient programs include individual and/or group therapy, trained substance abuse counselors, education on the disease of alcoholism, and a recommendation to attend a support group. 

This film is the personal account of Susan Abod, an MCS/CFS patient, over a period of 18 months. Susan invites the viewer into her home and her life. In the movie, Susan discusses her life, the adjustments she has had to make, and her limitations. We re also taken along to her therapist and to a support group of which she is a member. The film can be ordered from Susan Abod herself. 

Keep in mind that if you or I as therapists cannot seem to help some of our patients, the alternative answer is not drugs. The alternative could be another therapist or no therapy at all. No treatment at all is better than being subjected to toxic chemicals that cross the blood-brain barrier and interfere with higher human functions. With a clear brain and mind, people can take advantage of all the healing opportunities afforded by life, from support groups and workshops to community activities and religious worship. 

The reported side-effects of interferon alfa include cardiovascular problems such as arrhythmia, tachycardia and hypotension in the absence of history of such conditions, severe myelosuppression, depression and suicidal behaviour, opthalmic disorders, anorexia and flu-like symptoms and hypersensitivity reactions. Mr JJ should be advised of these and of the actions to be taken. The patient should be informed that under no circumstances should he switch treatments as different formulations may contain different dosages. Furthermore, he should be made aware of the proper disposal of used pens/syringes and to take extra care if blood enters the dispensers, as described in the product literature. Hepatitis B support groups are available. Dietary advice may be offered as cytokine-based treatments often cause reduced appetite. 

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