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A psychological profile of children with hemangiomas and their families
Edwin F Williams1, Marcelo Hochman, Bret J Rodgers
1Division of Otolaryngology and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA.
Insights
Pediatric hemangiomas significantly distress families, though children show less emotional impact. Education from healthcare providers can alleviate parental fear related to hemangiomas and their treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric dermatology
- Psychosocial health
- Medical psychology
Background:
- Hemangiomas are common pediatric vascular tumors.
- Psychosocial well-being can be affected by chronic childhood conditions.
- Parental and child emotional responses to hemangiomas require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the psychosocial impact of hemangiomas on affected children.
- To assess the influence of hemangioma treatment on the emotional state of children and their families.
- To understand parental perceptions of their child's emotional response to hemangiomas.
Main Methods:
- A questionnaire-based study was conducted with 39 children treated for hemangiomas.
- The survey assessed emotional attitudes of parents and children regarding the condition and its treatment.
- Data were collected from two private ambulatory surgery centers.
Main Results:
- Families reported significant fear and distress, often exacerbated by public attitudes towards hemangiomas.
- Parental education from healthcare providers was effective in mitigating fear.
- Parents perceived that children were not deeply affected emotionally by the hemangioma or its treatment.
- Most parents felt their children were too young to fully comprehend their condition.
Conclusions:
- Despite advancements in hemangioma treatment and earlier intervention, children may not experience severe emotional trauma.
- Families of children with hemangiomas frequently experience considerable emotional and psychological distress.
- Addressing parental anxiety and providing comprehensive education are crucial for managing the psychosocial impact of pediatric hemangiomas.
Objective:
To assess the psychosocial impact of hemangiomas and their treatment on children with the disease and their families.
Design:
Thirty-nine children who were treated for hemangiomas were examined by a questionnaire that addressed the emotional attitudes of the parent and child toward the disease and the related treatment.
Setting:
Two private ambulatory surgery centers (in Latham and Charleston).
Results:
Overall, the survey found a negative effect on the child's family, with considerable fear caused in part by adverse public commentary or attitudes--which was ameliorated by education from the primary care provider and specialist. However, the family's perception was that the child was not deeply affected by his or her condition and that treatment (laser, intralesional corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids, surgery, or a combination) did not change the child's emotional response to the disease. However, most parents observed that their child was too young to appreciate his or her malady.
Conclusion:
Given earlier intervention for children with late-involuting hemangiomas and the advent of more effective therapies, our survey did not seem to indicate that the children experienced significant emotional trauma from their condition; nevertheless, their families experienced appreciable emotional and psychological distress.
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