Psychiatric disorders and learning problems in children and adolecents with Sickle Cell disease

Ekinci Ö., Çelik T.

Medical Journal of Bakirkoy, vol.8, no.3, pp.95-100, 2012 (Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 8 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 2012
  • Doi Number: 10.5350/btdmjb201208301
  • Journal Name: Medical Journal of Bakirkoy
  • Journal Indexes: Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Page Numbers: pp.95-100
  • Keywords: Adolescents, Children, Psychiatric disorders, Sickle cell disease
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is characterized by a chronic course and disabling complications including recurrent pain attacks. Children and adolescents with SCD appear to be at risk for adjustment problems and impaired psychosocial functioning. The available research indicates that children and adolescents with SCD have a lower quality of life and a higher frequency of neuro-psychiatric problems than that of normal controls. Among the neuro-psychiatric problems, depression, anxiety disorders, learning disorders, externalizing behavior problems, enuresis and attention difficulties are commenly reported. This article aims to review the current literature on psychiatric disorders and learning problems in children and adolescents with SCD.