Walking around in circles--the life situation of patients with asthma-like symptoms but negative asthma tests.

In-depth interviews were conducted with fourteen women with asthma-like symptoms but negative asthma tests. In collecting and analysing data the method of grounded theory was used. A core category emerged, Walking around in circles, and three main categories, Subjective Hyperreactivity, Social Limitations and Non Confirmation which elucidated the life situation and psychosocial processes involved in having the breathing disorder. The findings were characterised by numerous self-reinforcing vicious circles. The symptoms were especially associated with subjective hyperreactivity with strong sensitivity to odours, impaired ability to perform physical activities and mental stress, which in turn impose social limitations. These restrictions arouse feelings of social isolation and distress, which implies mental stress and thereby increased attention and sensitivity to adverse stimuli. The fact that the medical experts cannot offer diagnosis and treatment engenders feelings of confusion, non-confirmation and thereby anxiety which further aggravate the vicious circles described. Most informants considered that they had few coping strategies. Some stated that they had changed their strategies from being passive, taking no responsibility, to become more active, not caring about the reactions of others and taking the risk of being ill, favouring social contacts and thus minimising the impact of the disorder.