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Assessment and psychotherapeutic intervention for an HIV-infected preschool child
P V Trad1, M Kentros, G E Solomon
1Child and Adolescent Outpatient Department, Cornell University Medical Center, White Plains, NY.
Insights
Pediatric acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is increasingly diagnosed, often within families with multiple human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive members. This paper details a psychotherapeutic intervention addressing the unique socioemotional crisis faced by these children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric medicine
- Psychology
- Social work
Background:
- Pediatric acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) prevalence is rising.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive status is common in multiple family members, complicating care.
- Families of children with AIDS often face significant social challenges like poverty and homelessness.
Observation:
- Healthcare providers may lack awareness of HIV's impact on child development.
- Children with AIDS experience developmental skill decline, social stigma, and emotional distress.
- These children face a profound socioemotional crisis due to their health and social circumstances.
Findings:
- A comprehensive psychotherapeutic intervention is presented.
- The intervention addresses the psychological, cognitive, and emotional needs of children with AIDS.
- It aims to mitigate the effects of social ostracism and health deterioration.
Implications:
- Highlights the need for integrated care addressing medical and psychosocial needs.
- Emphasizes the importance of specialized interventions for pediatric HIV/AIDS.
- Suggests improved therapeutic strategies for vulnerable pediatric populations facing chronic illness and social adversity.
Abstract:
Pediatric acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is becoming more common. Moreover, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive status in multiple family members is common and complicates disease management. Practitioners treating these children are often unaware of the effect of the virus on the child's psychological, cognitive, and emotional functioning. In addition, children with AIDS frequently come from families facing pressing social problems, including homelessness, poverty, and drug addiction. HIV-positive children thus confront such diverse issues as the deterioration of developmental skills, social ostracism, and the possibility of imminent death, placing them in a socioemotional crisis. This paper presents a comprehensive psychotherapeutic intervention for such children.