Pediatric otolaryngology: a psychosocial perspective

Physical illness in children is affected by a variety of factors unique to pediatrics. They include a child's developmental level, family environment and the presence of premorbid behavior patterns. Therefore, pediatric care requires special considerations pertaining to the patient-physician relationship and the potential for psychosocial dysfunction. Three case reports are presented to illustrate these concerns in treating children within the specialty of otolaryngology. Prompt identification of these factors and effective intervention in cases of psychosocial disturbance are challenging facets of the practice of pediatric otolaryngology.