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
