[Psychology, psychopathology and social problems of children with cystic fibrosis].

The authors examined 33 children aged 7 to 17 years who suffered from cystic fibrosis. This was possible in a holiday camp especially organized for such children. In two or more sessions different tests of performance and projection were made. Furthermore, case histories, the present physical state of the children, the observations of the nursing staff and the answers of the parents to a questionnaire were used as components of the examination. 27 children (88%) showed a moderate or severe psychoreactive disturbance directly related with the disease. There is a connection between the severity of the illness and the degree of the psychoreactive disturbance. 12 children (36%) showed a noticeable to severe psychoorganic disturbance of performance. All psychoorganically disturbed children suffered from a moderate or severe form of cystic fibrosis. 14 children (47%) suffered from further non specific psychoreactive disorders, partially with neurotic or psychosomatic symptoms which are without exception causally related to a disturbed social background. In any case, incidence and even severity of psychopathological findings in children with cystic fibrosis cannot be ignored and must be taken into consideration at the elaboration of a therapeutical plan. Holiday camps with full comprehensive care and control of the cystic fibrosis children are of great importance for them and their parents, especially with regard to the mental hygiene.