The medical field has been working on various techniques and methods to improve the diagnosis and treatment of various illnesses in the world.

Innovation and advancements in technology and medicine have brought about remarkable progress in understanding diseases and curing them.

Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is one of the serious illnesses that have been affecting people for centuries.

It is an inherited pathology associated with an auto-inflammatory process in the body that causes periodic fever attacks, as well as various symptoms, including abdominal pain, chest pain, and arthritis. This pathology affects various ethnic groups, particularly those of Mediterranean origin.

However, even though the medical community has established the diagnosis and treatment process for FMF, the significant challenges that FMF brings with it cause profound difficulties in the societal integration of patients suffering from this condition. FMF is not the only pathology burdened the patients and their families, but it provides an excellent example of the issues associated with living with a chronic illness.

The Burdens of FMF

FMF patients’ social and psychological burden cannot be overemphasized. Patients with FMF are at risk of suffering from depression, anxiety, and other psychological conditions, as it negatively affects the patient’s quality of life.

FMF patients can suffer chronic pain and limit their physical activities, leading to the risk of isolation, stigma, and exclusion from social activities. Unfortunately, the psychological effect and isolation have become a global health issue affecting the patient’s ability to integrate into society.

According to a recent study conducted on FMF patients by Amnesty International’s Turkish Branch, it was discovered that many FMF sufferers are not treated properly, and their human rights are frequently violated.

Furthermore, the patient’s psychological and social needs, especially children and young patients, have not been adequately addressed in the management of this condition. The research indicates that essential human rights, including access to education, proper treatment, and support, are limited for FMF patients and their families.

Interdisciplinary Approach for Treatment

The diagnosis and treatment of FMF have been a challenge, particularly with respect to psychological and social issues that arise from the patient’s inability to integrate with the rest of society.

An interdisciplinary approach is required to manage FMF and other chronic diseases, which goes beyond the traditional biomedical approach. The medical community has not traditionally integrated the social and psychological aspects of medicine into the diagnosis and treatment processes for chronic diseases such as FMF.

However, an interdisciplinary approach to care will build an integrated system that allows for the full consideration of the psychosocial aspects of chronic illness in the diagnosis and treatment process.

This approach will allow for better communication between the doctors, patients, and families, thus improving the patient’s quality of life and reduce the burden of the disease to the society.

Conclusion

The psychosocial burden that FMF patients and their relatives face is significant.

The social and psychological challenges associated with FMF illustrate the need for an interdisciplinary approach to health care, which will improve the diagnosis and treatment of not only FMF but all serious illnesses.

An integrated model of care should aim to create better communication and coordination between care providers, patients, and their families.

It will enable them to identify and address the unique needs of the patients, improve their social interactions, and alleviate the patient’s burden in society.