Open AccessThe Role of Psychology in the Care of Children With Pancreatitis
Author(s) -
Kristin Loiselle Rich,
Maisam AbuElHaija,
Jaimie D. Nathan,
A. Lynch-Jordan
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
pancreas
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.061
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1536-4828
pISSN - 0885-3177
DOI - 10.1097/mpa.0000000000001598
Subject(s) - abdominal pain , medicine , intervention (counseling) , clinical psychology , mood , pancreatitis , coping (psychology) , chronic pain , cognition , psychology , regimen , cognitive behavioral therapy , psychiatry , psychotherapist
Children with acute recurrent and chronic pancreatitis experience severe abdominal pain that may be intermittent or chronic. Pain is often debilitating, causing interference with academic, social, family, and extracurricular activities that are important to youth. Disruption of these routines and the unpredictability of pain flares place children with pancreatitis at increased risk for development of anxious or depressive symptoms. Pediatric psychologists trained in cognitive-behavioral treatment are well suited to intervene on functional disability and mood disturbance, as well as teach coping skills. In an era where there is movement away from opioids, nonpharmacological strategies have an important place for pain management. In fact, positive outcomes following for children with other recurrent abdominal pain syndromes have been reported for this evidence-based intervention. In addition to pain management, pediatric psychologists can address other co-occurring behavioral and emotional problems in children with pancreatitis, such as needle phobia and poor adherence to the prescribed medical regimen.