The adolescent with chronic disease

The many challenging, painful and complex problems of chronic illness are intensified during the adolescent years due to a myriad of rapid growth and development changes which must occur in order to achieve complete maturity. The more traditional approaches to chronic illness predicated on the categorial disease or an organ system model have not been helpful in dealing with adolescents. Thus, a development approach is offered as a more appropriate methodology for addressing this complex problem. With increasing awareness of this development perspective and maximal use of medical, psychological and social technology and resources, chronically ill adolescents can in most instances be helped to lead satisfying and useful lives.