Childhood asthma: psychological problems

BOSTON, Mass., Afghanistan, Oct 26, 2005 (UPI via COMTEX) -- University of Massachusetts research suggests children with asthma may be at risk for psychological problems such as depression and anxiety.

The study is one of the first to examine relationships among asthma, anxiety and depression, and several aspects of social functioning in urban children.

Findings suggest among children with and without asthma from urban environments, social functioning is related to both depression and anxiety. Specifically, children with higher levels of anxiety and-or depression are more likely to have poorer interpersonal relations, feeling as though other children do not like them, do not respect them, or do not want to play with them.

Researchers say they found such children may experience more stress associated with social interactions and have fewer friends than children without internalizing problems.

"The results of this study reinforce the importance of appropriate mental health training for nurses and other health care providers who come into contact with children in urban community health centers," said lead author Jennifer Bender Berz.

As many as 9 million children in the United States suffer from asthma, making it one of the most common chronic childhood illnesses.

The study appears in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing.

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