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Orphanet is an online database of rare diseases and orphan drugs.
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Rare patients and caregivers may find counselors and therapists specializing in chronic illness, stress, or grief to be helpful.
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The psychologist’s practice areas, treatment methods, licensure, and contact information is provided. Use the American Psychological Association tool, your location, and the Refine Search menu to find local options. Talking with them about their services can help you find someone with whom you feel at ease. Your level of comfort with a psychologist is important. The National Alliance on Mental Illness offers guidance on the different types of mental health professionals. Mental health support is available for patients and caregivers who are coping with the stress that can come with having a rare disease. Also provides links to tools to help collect family history. The Patient's Toolkit was designed for patients visiting their healthcare provider to help tell their story clearly.Įxplains the importance of collecting family health history and sharing family health history with doctors. Provides a downloadable set of prompts and questions to help encourage participation and partnership with medical professionals. Also offers tips from CDC for encouraging a child's development and what to do if a parent or guardian is ever concerned about how their child is developing. Tracks a child's milestones from age 2 months to 5 years with Center for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) easy-to-use illustrated checklists. The following tools may help you gather the information you need:
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Doctors will ask for this information, usually at the first visit. To begin building this relationship, be prepared to share your medical history and that of your family members. Finding a doctor you can trust to provide you with the best options and course of treatment is a critical part of your health journey. Your relationship with your doctor is personal.
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