Evidence-Based Treatments for Children with Chronic Illnesses

Abstract

A discussion of the use of evidence-based treatments (EBTs) in children with chronic illnesses presents a problematic but well-known dilemma. Many of the treatments for psychological distress in these children have historically been modified from better-known and validated treatments in children without chronic illness. In other words, what works in children who are not ill has been taken and modified to work with children who are ill. Any discussion of EBTs in children with chronic illness must take into consideration the work that has been done in the non-ill population. We will discuss the general themes, assessments, and interventions that have been discussed in the literature. One of the main overarching themes in pediatric psychology (in which psychological applications are made with children with chronic illnesses) is that psychological difficulties are similar, regardless of setting. When dealing with food refusal, the mental health worker will use similar interventions in children who are healthy and those who have a specific gastrointestinal disorder, such as Crohn‘s disease. Modifications may have to be made, given the unique medical history and care these ill children receive; but overall, the interventions will appear similar. In taking EBTs that have been demonstrated in healthy populations, researchers have had to adapt and modify these interventions. Thus, the literature has only recently begun to report EBTs in children who have chronic illnesses. In order to address the use of EBTs in this population, we will discuss the use of psychological interventions in several broad illness categories, with a view toward the application of these interventions across a range of illnesses.