Behavior problems in nephrotic syndrome.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the adaptive competences and behavioral problems in children with nephrotic syndrome, and whether their mothers also showed features of psychosocial stress.

DESIGN

Prospective case-control study.

SETTING

Pediatric Out-Patient Department.

SUBJECTS

Seventy consecutive patients of nephrotic syndrome, between the ages of 4 to 14 years, and their mothers constituted cases. The control group, matched for age, sex and socioeconomic status comprised of 46 children and their mothers. The mother's description of the child's behavior, on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), was obtained to assess behavioral problems and social competences. The level of anxiety in the mother was assessed using the PGI Health Questionnaire N2.

RESULTS

Children with nephrotic syndrome showed features of depressed, hyperactive or aggressive behavior. Somatic complaints, social withdrawal and poor school performance were also observed. These problems did not interfere with compliance to treatment and only 7 patients required psychological interventions. Boys with nephrotic syndrome had more hyperactive and aggressive behavior as compared to girls. The scores on the CBCL were well correlated with the anxiety scores of the mother.

CONCLUSIONS

These observations suggest the presence of minor behavior problems in a significant proportion of children with nephrotic syndrome. The severity of these problems may be related to the attitude of the mother towards the child's illness.