This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Psychological impacts observed in adolescents with rheumatic diseases
Adolescent patients with rheumatic diseases had positive test results for anxiety; however, collaboration with an interdisciplinary team of specialists and use of psychological follow-up may help patients address the difficulties faced due to their chronic disease, according to research presented at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual European Congress of Rheumatology.
Twenty adolescent patients with rheumatic diseases, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Behçet’s disease and other autoinflammatory diseases, were evaluated using the Physique Anxiety Scale, the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26), the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 6 years to 18 years (CBCL 6-18), the Conners’ Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) and the family relation test (FRT).
Nearly all patients had scores on one or more tests that suggested the presence of anxiety equally in boys and girls. Difficulties with social behavior, such as risk for alcohol and drug abuse, were more prevalent in boys, whereas girls were more likely to experience psychosomatic disease in the form of eating disorders, according to the researchers.
The researchers assembled an interdisciplinary team of neuropsychiatric specialists, psychologists, rheumatologists and endocrinologists in a group setting with their peers. The psychological follow-up and specialist support offered the children an opportunity gain answers to their questions and develop a positive outlook, according to the researchers. The group meeting also allowed the children with rheumatic diseases to meet peers and discuss their problems. – by Shirley Pulawski
Reference:
Maggio MC, et al. Paper #AB0996. Presented at: European League Against Rheumatism Annual European Congress of Rheumatology; June 10-13, 2015; Rome.
Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.