Psychological problems in Turkish asthmatic children and their families.

BACKGROUND Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of impaired breathing. The disease causes psychological problems due to hospitalization, long-term medication use, and restricted social life. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the severity and duration of asthma and psychological problems in asthmatic children, as well as the probability of maternal anxiety. METHODS Thirty-seven children with mild asthma, 55 with moderate asthma and eight with severe asthma were compared with 50 healthy children. The severity of asthma was evaluated using the Pearlman-Bierman classification. Psychological adjustment was measured using the Achenback child Behavior checklist and Spielberger's scale. RESULTS Emotional factors and family dynamics were found to be triggering factors for disease attacks in 16% of children with mild asthma, 38% of those with moderate asthma and 63% of those with severe asthma (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the mean maternal anxiety score between the disease severity groups (p > 0.05). The mean depression score was significantly higher in children with moderate and severe asthma than in those with mild asthma (p < 0.05). Disease duration showed no effect on depression and anxiety. CONCLUSION Both asthmatic children and their mothers are negatively affected by the disease.