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Psychological aspects of hematologic diseases
Robert L Casey1, Ronald T Brown
1Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT 06510, USA. Robert.l.casey@yale.edu
Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|August 13, 2003
Summary
Pediatric psychology research on sickle cell anemia and hemophilia shows that quality of life and psychological adjustment are key. Understanding multiple influences on child and parent coping improves overall functioning.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Psychology
- Hematology
Background:
- Focus on sickle cell anemia and hemophilia in pediatric literature.
- Lifelong challenges presented by these hematologic diseases.
- Advances in medical interventions improve longevity and reduce complications.
Observation:
- Intervention efforts now include quality of life and psychological adjustment.
- Theoretical models highlight multiple factors influencing illness adjustment.
- Individual, family, and community characteristics interact with illness.
Findings:
- Illness severity is not the sole predictor of psychological adjustment.
- Multiple influences and outcomes are recognized.
- Child coping, parent coping, social support, functioning, compliance, and severity are key factors.
Implications:
- Pediatric psychology has advanced understanding of illness impact on development.
- Research has primarily focused on individual illness categories, hindering cross-illness comparisons.
- Identifying common characteristics across illnesses is crucial for improving adjustment and quality of life for children.