Short communication, Note

Psychosocial aspects of inflammatory bowel disease in children and adolescents

Goran Palčevski ; Clinics for psychiatrics, CHC Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Rajna Knez ; Clinics for psychiatrics, CHC Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Mladen Peršić ; Clinics for psychiatrics, CHC Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Daniela Vuković ; Centre for clinical, medical and organizational psychology, CHC Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia

Abstract

Aim: Inflammatory bowel diseases are considered to be amongst the most severe
chronic diseases in childhood and adolescence. They are marked by unpredictable relaps
with uneven intensity. The most recognizable are gastrointestinal disturbances, but extraintestinal
ones are numerous as well. It’s not rare that those affected develop psychological
disturbances which then can lead to further complications to the diseases course and treatment.
Case report: We described a case of a boy with colitis ulcerosa and psychological disturbances.
Special attention was paid to relationship with closed family. Discussion: Normal
functioning and the quality of life of families with children with IBD can be seriously disturbed.
Coping with the disease of the child depends on the child’s age, nature, severity and
prognosis of the illness. Both, the individual and the whole family should face the disease
united and in that way they remain together. Open family communication about symptoms
and treatment of IBD must be adapted to the patient’s age. This reinforces the patient’s perception
of the possibilities of overcoming everyday problems. Conclusion: The basis of treating
IBD must be a holistic approach that takes into consideration all the specifics of the
child’s condition.

Keywords

adolescents; children; inflammatory bowel disease; psychosocial aspects

Hrčak ID:

59257

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/59257

Publication date:

13.9.2010.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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