Abstract
【Purpose】This study aimed to obtain medical suggestions by clarifying the patients' holistic distress in the struggle
against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 【Method】Using the search function of Rakuten Books, we entered the
keywords "amyotrophic lateral sclerosis" or "ALS." Then, we used these to search manually for titles from the past three years. Ultimately, three publications were extracted. Next, we organized the contents related to holistic distress in three ALS cases and analyzed these for their common characteristics. 【Results】Six categories of physical, seven categories of mental, two categories of social, and three categories of spiritual pain were extracted as comprising holistic distress. 【Conclusion】This study's results suggest several strategies should be used to reduce ALS patients' overall level of distress. First, the accumulated knowledge drawn from the medical staff's careful involvement in preventing and alleviating physical pain and relieving mental discomfort should be applied using comprehensive medical intervention via multidisciplinary collaboration. Moreover, creating an environment where patients can maintain social relationships to the greatest extent possible is essential.
