A matched comparison of adjustment in children with cystic fibrosis and psychiatrically referred and nonreferred children

Abstract

Utilized the Child Assessment Schedule, a standardized clinical interview, to assess psychosocial adjustment in terms of DSM-III diagnoses. The criteria for a major DSM-III diagnosis were met by 58% of the children with cystic fibrosis compared to 23% for the nonreferred children and 77% for the psychiatrically referred children. Children with cystic fibrosis generally did not demonstrate more symptoms of psychological disturbance than nonreferred children. It was in terms of worries, poor self-image, and anxiety, that the children with cystic fibrosis demonstrated symptom levels comparable to that of psychiatrically referred children. Findings are discussed in terms of the specific risk of internalizing behavior problems for children with chronic illness.