Psychosocial issues in the management and treatment of children and adolescents with asthma.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic childhood illness. Studies have reported higher incidence of psychosocial adaptation problems in children with asthma, particularly severe asthma, than children in the general population. Increased psychosocial problems in children with asthma have been ascribed to adverse developmental impact of having a chronic health problems, increased demands on the family and dysfunctional familial interactional patterns. Treatment models include education and self management training programs, family therapy, relaxation therapy and biofeedback. These programs have been found to produce improved adjustment, increased medication compliance and greater perceived self competence in managing symptoms and decreased use of medical services. It is concluded that children with asthma require a comprehensive management strategy that pays attention not only to physiological control of asthma symptoms but also emotional and behavioural problems of children and their families.