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About the foundation
How LEBENSNERV came into existence
Questions about psychosomatic aspects of
MS
(Some suggestions for future research)
How LEBENSNERV came into existence
LEBENSNERV was founded in autumn 1991 by two women, Dr. Sigrid Arnade and Susanne Same, who both have MS. In their opinion too little attention is paid to psychosomatic aspects of MS. There is a huge amount of research on somatic aspects of the disease, but little work has been done on psychological questions in relation to MS. The founders prefer to emphasise a holistic view of the disease, or rather, would prefer to assist MS sufferers themselves to assume a holistic view of their condition.
In their opinion all aspects - somatic and psychological - should be taken into account. This is why the LEBENSNERV Foundation regards itself as a coordination centre and a forum for initiatives that regard multiple sclerosis from a holistic point of view.
LEBENSNERV activities
Every two years the Foundation awards a research prize to stimulate research activities in the field of multiple sclerosis. LEBENSNERV organises conferences, the first of which took place in Kassel in 1992. The second symposion was held in late 1997, this time in Berlin (documentation in German). Twice a year FORUM PSYCHOSOMATIK is published, a journal devoted to psychosomatic issues relating to multiple sclerosis, research reports and the Foundation's activities. The journal is available free of cost to all interested persons. A literature list as well as a list of psychosomatic clinics in Germany can also be ordered free of cost.
Questions about psychosomatic aspects of
MS
(some suggestions for future research)
- Do psychological factors play a significant role in the development of MS? If so, how important are these factors in relation to genetic factors, virus infections or nutrition?
- What were the circumstances in the private lives of people with MS before the first symptoms appeared?
- To what extent do psychological factors influence the course of the disease?
- Can the course of the disease be positively influenced by psychotherapy?
- Is it possible to evoke and strengthen a positive attitude on the part of people with MS regarding the way they live with the disease?
- Is it possible to define the "best therapy" for all people with MS? Or does an individual approach have to be found for each person?
- Is it possible to define a "typical psychological make-up" of people with MS?
- How do people with MS deal with stress? Are there any typical reaction patterns to be found here?
- Are there any biographical factors that people with MS share (e.g. similar occurrences during childhood)?
- Are there typical psychological factors that people with MS might have in common with people with other chronic diseases?
- How did MS change the lives of people after the onset of the disease? How did quality of life change?
- How significant is the "secondary gain of disease"? Are there any similarities in this respect between people with MS and people with paraplegia?
- What role does the feeling of "being to blame for one's own illness" have for people with MS who have a psychosomatic view of their condition?
- Is there any explanation for the fact that twice as many females contract MS as males?