Depression in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis: Case studies

Objective: Cystic fibrosis is an autosomal recessively inherited multi-system disorder of children and adults characterized by the obstruction and infection of airways presenting as a wide variety of symptoms. It has varying degrees of psychological impact on patients and their families, requiring numerous adjustments in their life styles. Newer sophisticated medical treatments of cystic fibrosis has led to an increase in life expectancy; however, the same kind of progress has not been made in the psychological interventions available to treat emotional disturbances. Method: We report three cases of children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis who were diagnosed with depression and treated with a combination of antidepressant medications and other psychosocial interventions. Results and Conclusions: Two of the three cases suggest that treatment with antidepressant medications has a positive influence on psychological outcomes. We further propose clinical studies to test efficacy, safety, and long-term effects of these medications in patients with cystic fibrosis.