Behavioral aspects of chronic illness in children and adolescents

Most children adjust to their chronic illnesses within the span of 1 year; most families achieve healthy stable functioning with accommodations for the illness. The challenge of adjusting to a chronic illness can provide an excellent opportunity for a child or adolescent to master crucial skills, such as emotion regulation and problem-solving. Mastery of these skills can engender strong self-esteem and confidence. As our knowledge about the predictive factors for positive behavioral outcomes increases, the pediatrician can be in the position to minimize the negative behavioral aspects of chronic illness and facilitate adjustment. Attention to the behavioral aspects of chronic illness, in the three critical areas of psychosocial adjustment of the patient, adjustment of the family, and adherence to regimens, allows pediatricians to play a crucial role in prevention, early identification, and early interventions.