title: Caring for families of pediatric transplant recipients: psychosocial implications.
abstract: Organ transplantation is allowing the hope for survival and an improved quality of life to become a reality for many children with end-stage diseases. Most pediatric transplant recipients are active and able to participate in age-appropriate activities. Despite dramatic symptomatic improvements, however, children and families continue to face major psychosocial stresses. Family stresses are related to the uncertainty of the child's future health and well-being, role strain, social isolation, and financial burdens. Pediatric transplant recipients may have difficulties with psychosocial adjustment, especially related to dissatisfaction with the cosmetic side effects of immunosuppressive therapy and a lack of socialization skills or social competence. Psychosocial stresses faced by children following transplant may result in behavior problems, depression, poorer social adaptation, or noncompliance. The psychosocial adaptation of pediatric transplant recipients can be promoted through support and counseling from health professionals caring for these families. More research is needed to evaluate the psychosocial implications of pediatric organ transplantation and identify effective methods of providing psychological support and promoting adaptation in these children.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Uzark
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002657:Child Development; D003657:Decision Making; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D002666:Psychology, Child; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000451:nursing; D014180:Transplantation / Q000523:psychology*