ABSTRACT
Physicians are encouraged to believe that disease is more important than illness, and that all they need is knowledge about biology, not knowledge about the psychosocial and cultural aspects of illness. In the patient's eyes, providing guidance about the impact of the illness on their physical and emotional well-being and their roles is a critical part of their physician's job. All physicians are faced with the necessity of translating between the enormously complex concepts and findings of medical science and their patient's practical need to know about risk and vulnerability, disorder and treatment. In the face of an emotionally charged situation, there is a natural inclination both for patients and for doctors to look away or quickly change the subject to spare the person from embarrassment or discomfort. During periods of disability that take people away from their usual activities, time spent alone at home can increase isolation, worry, and anxiety.
