Psycho-Social Aspects in Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Rezumat

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a multisystemic genetic disorder affecting 1:2500 newborns. Its prognosis has changed in the last two decades with increasing life expectancy. Nevertheless, this disease can impact the psychosocial development. Children with CF and their caregivers may experience different significant stressors that can lead to poor adaptation, increase depressive and anxious symptoms and decreased quality of life. Psycho-social interventions are concerned with adherence to treatment, emotional and social adaptation and health-related quality of life. Although the life expectancy increased, it is important to assure a better quality of life. The authors present the psychiatric and the psychosocial aspects of CF found at children with cystic fibrosis and their caregivers. They conclude that precocious identification and effective treatment of depressive and anxious symptoms could improve the patient’s daily functioning and the disease management.