title: Psychosocial aspects of pediatric rheumatic diseases.
abstract: Pediatric rheumatic diseases present psychosocial challenges for patients and their families. These include (1) adjusting and coping with disease symptoms and limitations; (2) adhering to complex and demanding medical regimens; and (3) coping with chronic pain. This article reviews recent studies on these psychosocial issues for children with pediatric rheumatic diseases. There is a paucity of empirical studies addressing these issues and a clear need for multisite collaborative studies to address the psychosocial needs of patients and families.
authors.affiliation: Behavioral Sciences Division, University of Kansas Medical Center, Department of Pediatrics, Kansas City, Kansas 66160-7330, USA. mrapoff@kumc.edu
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Rapoff
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000523:psychology; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D012216:Rheumatic Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D012917:Social Adjustment