Psychological Considerations in Pediatric Chronic Illness: Case Examples

Abstract

Despite significant gains in survival rates for pediatric patients and adolescents/young adults (AYA) with chronic illness, patients in this vulnerable age group are also at an increased risk for developing one or more adverse effects related to their disease, treatment, or maladaptive health behaviors. Maladaptive health behaviors ultimately increase the risk for developing adverse effects, including: increased rates of morbidity and mortality, impaired physical functioning, increased fatigue, obesity, increased psychological distress, and poor quality of life. With close attention including participation in preventive and therapeutic health promotion interventions, problematic health behaviors can be mitigated and ultimately prevented over time. It is well known that improved psychological functioning and adaptive coping can result in improved health status. The present paper provides four case examples illustrating various psychological interventions in pediatric chronic illness. As evidenced in the four case examples, pediatric psychologists provide comprehensive interventions for patients with acute and chronic medical conditions through the use of health promotion interventions, adherence and self-management promotion, cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral therapy, medical coping, parent training, and motivational interviewing. Our case series demonstrates that for the most impactful behavior change to occur, a combination of interventions is often the most effective.

Child in institutional quarantine – A unique challenge

“…Separation from home and familiar environment can cause dramatic changes in children's behavior. [ 3 5 ] As the kid grew more restless, he started exhibiting a more aggressive behavior. In such a scenario, it is important that caregivers take all measures to support their children.…”

“…[ 1 ] Children and adolescents are at an increased risk of engaging in maladaptive coping behavior. [ 2 3 ] This case report presents the process of institutional quarantine of a 5-year-old boy along with his mother and explores the impact of it on their mental health.…”

Condiçâo Crônica De Saúde: Percepções De Crianças E Adolescentes

“…Nos depoimentos, as crianças/adolescentes relataram que não gostam dos procedimentos realizados, e isso traz sentimentos como o medo, cansaço e nervosismo. Já na figura 3 observa-se a representação de uma criança em um leito de hospital recebendo medicamento explicitando uma face que pode ser interpretada como de tristeza ou dor, tal resultado corrobora com pesquisa com pacientes pediátricos com doenças crônicas, no qual os procedimentos médicos invasivos podem ser traumatizantes para eles, especialmente se forem vistos como assustadores ou dolorosos 16 .…”

Self-Care in Pediatric Patients with Chronic Conditions: A Systematic Review of Theoretical Models

“…Scholars suggest that, to improve health outcomes in children with chronic conditions, it is crucial to promote their self-care or self-management through education and support both for patients and their families [ 11 , 24 , 25 ]. Since 1985, Orem, in her model, uses self- or dependent-care deficit as a useful basis for the promotion of self-care in the chronically ill pediatric population, where the focus is on the caring relationship [ 26 ].…”