[Psychological management of patients and families with cystic fibrosis].

The care of families with a child with cystic fibrosis requires a concept which includes psychological and social aspects caused by the disease. The contribution of a psychologist offers a valuable support for this. Methods for the emotional care of patients are presented. The importance of counselling and the possibility of preventive work and distribution of information are underlined. The example of psychosocial stress (coping with the diagnosis, self esteem, life crises etc.) permit insight into the requirements of patients and their relatives and contribute to increase the awareness of the caregiver for age-independent and for age-specific problems.