Abstract
Advances in medicine, including new treatments, improved diagnostic tools, and better follow-up care have prolonged and enhanced the lives of adolescents with chronic illnesses. Research suggests that in the United States, approximately one million children have a chronic illness that impacts their daily life (e.g., diabetes), while another ten million children have a chronic illness that is less severe (e.g., controlled asthma). Due to their chronic illness, adolescents face numerous challenges, including achieving developmental milestones, adhering to daily treatments, and transitioning to adult care. In addition, these adolescents are at heightened risk for developing symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and depression. Further, the effects of a chronic illness extend beyond the individual to the entire family system. The purpose of this article is to discuss relevant issues associated with chronic illness in adolescence, including the prevalence of various chronic illnesses, developmental considerations, adolescent and family functioning, adherence to medical regimens, pain, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Encyclopedia of Adolescence |
| Publisher | Elsevier Inc. |
| Pages | 91-99 |
| Number of pages | 9 |
| Volume | 3 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780123739513 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Dec 1 2011 |
Keywords
- Adherence
- Adjustment
- Chronic illness
- Coping
- Development
- Health-related quality of life
- Interventions
- Multidisciplinary team
- Pain
- Treatment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Dentistry(all)
- Medicine(all)