Chronic conditions are often complicated by psychological symptoms or emotional suffering (Conversano, 2019). As adolescence is a critical developmental stage associated with a high risk of mental conditions, chronic diseases “contribute to the risk of psychosocial stress and unhealthy psychosocial development” of the youth with higher intensity (Santos et al., 2016). Therefore, assessment of such risks is of extreme importance for timely reaction and treatment of psychosocial conditions. According to Thabrew, McDowell, Given, and Murrell (2017), it is recommended to use psychometrically validated instruments to diagnose common problems in adolescents, including anxiety, depression, substance misuse, family problems, and behavioral issues.
As soon as a chronic or psychosocial condition is identified, is it vital to address the matter using an evidence-based approach. One of the most effective methods for addressing these problems is the promotion of self-management techniques through patient education (Lozano & Houtrow, 2018). In other words, care providers are to teach adolescents and their parents everyday activities aimed at optimizing health and well-being, including medication intake, symptom monitoring, physical activity, stress reduction, and problem-solving (Lozano & Houtrow, 2018). In my practice, I had a chance of providing such education to a sixteen-year-old boy with type 2 diabetes and signs of depression with his mother. Education was well-received, and the mother took notes of the recommendations to implement them in everyday life.
References
Conversano, C. (2019). Common psychological factors in chronic diseases. Frontiers in Psychology, 10. Web.
Lozano, P., & Houtrow, A. (2018). Supporting self-management in children and adolescents with complex chronic conditions. Pediatrics, 141(Supplement 3), S233-S241. Web.
Santos, T., de Matos, M., Marques, A., Simões, C., Leal, I., & Machado, M. (2016). Adolescent’s subjective perceptions of chronic disease and related psychosocial factors: highlights from an outpatient context study. BMC Pediatrics, 16(1). Web.
Thabrew, H., McDowell, H., Given, K., & Murrell, K. (2017). Systematic review of screening instruments for psychosocial problems in children and adolescents with longterm physical conditions. Global Pediatric Health, 4, 2333794X1769031. Web.