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Psychosocial and Neurocognitive Aspects of Sickle Cell Disease

Sarah Helps1, Peter Fuggle2, Orlee Udwin1

  • 1Mary Sheridan Centre for Child Health, 5 Dugard Way, Renfrew Road, London SE11 4TH, UK.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health
|August 16, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects children globally. While emotional issues are not more common, severe SCD increases risks for neurocognitive difficulties and cerebrovascular events, requiring psychological support.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most common inherited blood disorder worldwide.
  • It primarily affects individuals of African and African-Caribbean descent, presenting variable severity.
  • Increased life expectancy in SCD patients necessitates focus on psychosocial and neurocognitive outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review literature on psychological and neurocognitive functioning in children with SCD.
  • To highlight the increased risk of cerebrovascular events and neurocognitive issues in severe SCD.
  • To outline the role of psychological interventions in improving healthcare for children with SCD.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of psychological and neurocognitive functioning in pediatric SCD.
  • Analysis of research on emotional and behavioral disorders in children with chronic conditions.
  • Examination of evidence linking severe SCD to cerebrovascular events and neurocognitive deficits.

Main Results:

  • Recent research does not indicate increased rates of emotional/behavioral disorders in children with SCD.
  • Children with severe SCD face significantly higher risks of cerebrovascular events.
  • Neurocognitive difficulties are also a significant concern for children with severe SCD.

Conclusions:

  • Psychological and neurocognitive functioning are critical aspects of care for children with SCD.
  • Severe SCD poses specific risks that warrant targeted monitoring and intervention.
  • Psychological input can substantially enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes for affected children and families.

Keywords:
Sickle cell diseaseneurocognitive aspectspsychosocial adjustment

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