Preventing mental health problems in children with chronic illness or disability.
Children with special health needs have an added risk for mental health problems. These problems may be preventable in many cases by focusing on the development of competence in children and their family members in adapting to the chronic condition demands. Five strategies for developing competence are discussed: (a) encourage normal life experience, (b)increase coping skills, (c) increase use of social support, (d) coordinate the delivery of care, and (e) empower families. Examples of programs employing these strategies that have been evaluated are presented.
Patterson
J M
JM
University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Minneapolis 55455.
Geber
G
G
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008603:Mental Health; D011322:Primary Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D012944:Social Support