Sickle-Cell disease and psychic care: What remedy for suffering?

Sickle-cell anemia is the most widespread genetic disease in the world, yet it is still little known. Individual interviews with adolescents with the disease have not produced much information. They are reluctant to speak on their own account. Certain cultural representations are predominant among these patients. Thus, a transcultural approach by way of talking groups seems more appropriate. The group forms a transitional space that is flexible and adaptable. In a group, adolescents can broach the subject of the difficulties generated by this disease, which is taboo and shameful in their original countries. They are able to talk about managing the disease, hospital, and the impact on schooling and their future. They also talk about the difficulty of living with the disease in their relationships, in their families and with their peers. The support and propping provided by the group makes way for the emergence of cognitions and the elaboration of a co-constructed narrative. (C) 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.