Psychological adaptation to isolator therapy in acute leukaemia

Abstract

Treatment under conditions of gnotobiotic isolation can augment the stress of adaptation to a diagnosis of leukaemia. Identification of the psychological problems experienced in isolator treatment can contribute to the effective maintenance of therapy. Individual patterns of adjustment to treatment relate to the psychological mechanisms of defence employed to contend with the dependent position enforced by isolation. Psychiatric assessment can assist both patients and nursing staff with the management of their separate difficulties in this unfamiliar treatment situation. Psychological features of isolator treatment in ten patients with acute leukaemia are described and suggestions proposed for psychological management of patients under isolator conditions.