Adaptation to Addison's disease in a child: a case study.
BACKGROUND
Addison's disease is a rare chronic illness caused by adrenocortical insufficiency. Understanding the process of family adaptation to this chronic illness in a child will help practitioners enhance the ability of the child and family to cope with this stressful diagnosis.


METHODS
A qualitative descriptive case study methodology was used to explore the process of family adaptation to this chronic illness. Eight interviews were conducted with a newly diagnosed 11-year-old White girl with Addison's disease, along with her parents, grandparents, and siblings. Participant observations were made in the family's home. Drawings by the girl with Addison's Disease were included in the data analysis, along with an interview with the child.


RESULTS
The overall theme of adaptation to this chronic illness is living a normal life. The family noted that after reaching some acceptance, they began learning how to manage the disease. This process was enhanced by seeking information about the disease and receiving the support of others; in addition, the child was affected by the acceptance of her peers.


CONCLUSIONS
Recognizing factors that may influence the family's adjustment to the diagnosis of Addison's disease in a child will help to direct educational and support efforts by practitioners.
Gance-Cleveland
Bonnie
B
University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, CO 80262, USA. Bonnie.Gance-Cleveland@uchsc.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000224:Addison Disease / Q000523:psychology*; D000786:Anger; D001155:Art Therapy; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003717:Denial, Psychological; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D005192:Family Health; D005260:Female; D006167:Guilt; D006801:Humans; D008960:Models, Psychological; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D010379:Peer Group; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012803:Sick Role; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires