Psychological aspects of bone marrow transplantation: a retrospective study of 17 long-term survivors.

In a retrospective study 17 patients were interviewed 1-5 years after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) about their emotional experiences and about the information and support given to them. In all patients the illness, the BMT and its consequences created severe emotional strain; their psychological state was closely linked to their physical condition. Yet, most patients showed a surprising emotional elasticity and affective adjustment. Although the patients were overwhelmingly positive about the information and support they had received, an important number of them felt inadequately prepared for the emotional and sexual problems they had to face in the first period after discharge. The results of this study have led to structural changes in the psychiatric and psychosocial approach to the BMT patients.