Psychological impact of rheumatic disease on teenagers

A research group looking at the impact that rheumatic diseases have on adolescents found that many test positive for anxiety, they highlight at the European League Against Rheumatism Annual European Congress of Rheumatology.
A total of 20 teenagers with rheumatic diseases such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis and Behçet’s disease were evaluated using standard scales. Nearly all patients had scores on one or more tests that suggested the presence of anxiety equally in boys and girls. Difficulties with social behaviour, such as risk for alcohol and drug abuse, were more prevalent in boys. Girls were more likely to experience eating disorders.
So the researchers assembled a team of neuropsychiatric specialists, psychologists, rheumatologists and endocrinologists to offer psychological follow-up and specialist support. This gave the children an opportunity to ask answers and develop a more positive outlook, meet others in the same situation as themselves and discuss their problems.

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Image credit: Darren Flinders