Psychological consequences of chronic physical illnesses in children and adolescents.

Abstract

Chronic illnesses in children and adolescents have devastating influence on them and their families. The patients have to cope up with illness, medication and it's influence on their development. Consequently a large number of them have emotional disorders which influence the course and outcome of physical disorder. In recent few years, research has shifted its focus from merely figuring out the prevalence of the emotional disorders to understanding the adjustment to chronic illness under defined theoretical constructs. Apart from temperamental variation, family burden and functioning have been identified as factors operating in determining adjustment. Distress experienced by the family and disturbed family functioning directly influences the emotional outcome in physically disordered children. Comprehensive coordinated care services are required for integration of these patients into the community.