Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM) - a simple visualisation method for research and practice

Author(s): Sensky, T.

Journal/Book: Verhaltenstherapie. 1998; 8: Allschwilerstrasse 10, CH-4009 Basel, Switzerland. Karger. 112-117.

Abstract: Communication between physician and patient has a deciding influence on the course of treatment in physical and psychological disorders. An understanding of the patient's own subjectively experienced suffering is of great importance, particularly in somatoform disorders, i.e., those in which no organic causes can be found for the patient's somatic complaints. We introduce here the Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self Measure (PRISM), a new visual method for eliciting and easing communication about subjective 'Leidensdruck', the burden of suffering due to illness. Initial empirical results gained by using this method with a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis are presented. Also presented is the theoretical background of the visualisation method. A case report of a patient with somatoform disorder is presented to illustrate the clinical use of PRISM. The possibilities and limitations of this method are discussed.

Note: Article Buchi S, Univ Zurich Hosp, ABT Psychosoziale Med, Psychiat Poliklin, CH-8091 Zurich, SWITZERLAND

Keyword(s): visualisation; 'Leidensdruck'; controllability; physician-patient communication; RHEUMATOID-ARTHRITIS; DEPRESSION; DISEASE; SCALE; PAIN

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