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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffFor family members of people with muscular dystrophy, coping with the illness involves a major commitment of physical, emotional and financial effort. The disease presents challenges in the classroom, in the home and in all aspects of life.
In dealing with a disease such as muscular dystrophy, support groups can be a valuable part of a wider network of social support that includes health care professionals, family, friends and a place of religious worship.
Support groups bring together people, family and friends who are coping with the same kind of physical or mental health challenge. Support groups provide a setting in which people can share their common problems and provide ongoing support to one another.
Ask your doctor about self-help groups that may exist in your community. Your local health department, public library, telephone book and the Internet also may be good sources to locate a support group in your area.
- Muscular dystrophy: Hope through research. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/md/detail_md.htm. Accessed Oct. 27, 2009.
- Darras BT. Clinical features and diagnosis of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 27, 2009.
- Darras BT. Treatment of Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 27, 2009.
- Harrison T. Muscular dystrophy. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2010. St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby; 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/167174288-4/0/2088/428.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05609-0..00022-8--s3715_8791. Accessed Oct. 27, 2009.
- Selcen D (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 8, 2009.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, et al. Prevalence of Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy among males aged 5-24 years — Four states, 2007. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 2009;58:1119.
- Kohler M, et al. Disability and survival in Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry. 2009;80:320.
