‘n Geneeskundige maatskaplikewerkperspektief op die psigososiale aspekte van Mialgiese Enkefalomiëlitis

Abstract

Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), also called the chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is a controversial illness which has received increasing media attention in recent years. The condition has debilitating effects on both the mind and body, with extreme fatigue as the most common symptom. While a lot of the present focus is directed at the clinical origin and presentation of the disease, research carried out on the psychosocial implications of ME is still inadequate. This study aimed to present some of the social and psychological implications of ME on the different spheres of life. The contribution of medical social work with regard to ME was investigated in order to give practical guidelines for social work intervention with the ME sufferer. In order to facilitate a better understanding of ME, an extensive review of the literature aimed to give a clear picture of the nature of the disease, its history, epidemiology, symptoms, course, etiology, diagnosis, prognosis and management as well as personality traits characteristic of the ME sufferer. Literature concerning chronic illness and medical social work were also included in the study. This was incorporated in an empirical investigation into the personal experience of the ME sufferer and the nature of the adaptive tasks the person was confronted with in relation to the illness. In addition, the sufferer's specific needs and view of the contribution of social work in relation to ME were assessed. This was accomplished by means of a survey where questionnaires were posted to ME sufferers, of which sixty completed questionnaires were received back. The findings of the empirical investigation indicated that the implications of ME demanded that the sufferer make far-reaching adjustments in the physical, psychological, social, marital, family, occupational, financial and spiritual spheres of his life. As part of the interprofessional team, the medical social worker could prove to be valuable by giving emotional support and therapeutic intervention to the sufferer, and also by educating the patient and his family, the medical fraternity and the community with regard to the disease and its implications.