Psychological well-being of adolescents with rheumatic diseases: a first look

Abstract

This paper examines, in a first exploration, the psychological condition of adolescents with rheumatic diseases, and investigates the differences between boys and girls. Forty adolescents (31 girls and 9 boys), patients of the Pediatric Rheumatology Unit at Children’s Hospital La Fe in Valencia, ranging from 13 to 19 years old, were assessed using different methods as to their psychological condition and emotional problems. The results point at several problems in the psychosocial functioning of adoles-cents with rheumatic diseases. The results from the psychological tests indicate that this is especially so where girls are concerned. The sample presents more problems related to absence of the capacity to experience joy, fun and happiness than problems related to depression. Boys, although to a lesser extent, also have problems with psychosocial functioning. In their case hostility stands out.