ENFERMEDAD TERMINAL Y PSICOLOGÍA DE LA SALUD

Abstract

Terminal illness and health psychology The terminal phase of human life begins when the physician judges that the patient’s conditions are worsening and nothing can be done to stop or reverse the progress of the illness. At this point the treatment becomes basically palliative and mainly focused on reducing pain. In such a conditions a number of controversial dilemmas appear, which must be faced and that affect both patients and families and the physician. This article offers several considerations related to terminal illness and suggests answers to some of the typical dilemmas.