Ways of Seeing: Doctors and Patients Talking about the Diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease

Abstract

The way doctors and patients think about chronic illness is often hidden behind .i mass of statistics. By using direct verbal reports, this paper explores the responses to GP and patient to the diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease (I'D). Findings relating to their respective ideas about the drug treatment are discussed as well as PD as an age-related condition. It is suggested that sensitive communication requires doctors to address more fundamental questions of human suffering, and that counselling skills should be included is an integral part of the medical curriculum.