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Depression and anxiety in children at the end of life

Leslie S Kersun1, Eyal Shemesh

  • 1Division of Oncology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 4th Floor Wood Building, 34th and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. segall@email.chop.edu

Pediatric Clinics of North America
|October 16, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Prompt diagnosis and management of anxiety and depression in children receiving palliative care are crucial. Recognizing and addressing these symptoms can significantly improve end-of-life care for pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Palliative Care
  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Anxiety and depression are common in children requiring palliative care.
  • Effective management of these conditions is essential for quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the symptoms and treatment of anxiety and depressive disorders in end-of-life pediatric patients.
  • To highlight challenges and considerations in diagnosis and management.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of anxiety and depressive disorders in pediatric palliative care.
  • Discussion of diagnostic challenges, communication, and suicidality.
  • Examination of available treatment options and their risks/benefits.

Main Results:

  • Distinguishing symptoms from disorders is key.
  • Child's understanding of death and communication are important factors.
  • Screening, diagnosis, and treatment approaches require careful consideration.

Conclusions:

  • Recognizing and addressing anxiety and depression symptoms is imperative.
  • Informed management strategies improve care for children at end of life.
  • Available treatments necessitate a balanced risk-benefit approach.

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