PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS ADHERENCE AND QUALITY OF LIFE Yvonne D. Gathers, MSW,LCSW Clinical Social Worker Pediatric Pulmonary Center OBJECTIVES Psychosocial Issues in children, adolescents and adults with Cystic Fibrosis Psychological complications of cystic fibrosis Obstacles of Transition to adult Care Obstacles for parents/Caregivers View video tape of adolescents with cystic fibrosis INTRODUCTION Children (age birth-10 yrs.) Early adolescence (age range 11-14 yrs.) Am I normal Mid-adolescence (age 14-16 yrs.) Independence/self image Late adolescence (age 17-older yrs.) Future oriented, intimacy /career goals Process of acquiring relevant information needed to decide on and develop a rational plan for helping clients or patients. Cultural Values Environment Health Beliefs Resources Education Economics Housing Support system Family PSYCHOLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS Severity of Disease Shock, disbelief, fear, anger, depression & guilt Treatment Regiment Nutritional habits/Bonding time vs vest therapy Length of Hospitalizations/Outpatient Office Visits Employment/Marriage PSYCHOLOGICAL COMPLICATIONS Body image Mature 1 ½ - 2 yrs. later Younger and small body size Relationship with peers OBSTACLES AFFECTING TRANSITION Dependent behavior Immaturity Severe illness or disability Mental Health Lack of support systems Lack of trust in caregivers Poor adherence to treatment regiment Parental involvement OBSTACLES FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS Excessive need for control Emotional dependency Parenting styles/overprotective Heightened perception of disease severity Lack of trust in caregivers Denial about the severity of the disease