| Popis: |
Children who have a chronic or life-threatening illness and their families face myriad challenges. Worry and sadness are natural psychological reactions to the experience of living with constant uncertainty. This chapter discusses when clinicians should be concerned that these responses (whether secondary to the illness or treatment or due to other psychosocial factors) are becoming pathologic in and of themselves. Recognition and treatment of clinically relevant anxiety and depression are important as both may exacerbate preexisting physical conditions and affect symptom management, treatment adherence, and the ability of the child to cope with illness. The chapter addresses the use of developmentally appropriate language and specialized questions to assess mood, anxiety, and pain. Psychotherapeutic and pharmacologic interventions that are individualized, flexible, multidisciplinary, and inclusive of family are presented. Such treatments can reduce distress in both children and families while helping children to integrate the illness experience. |
