Emotional and Behavioural Problems in Children and Adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease

Major physical illnesses usually have an impact on the psychological well-being of any individual. An illness of early onset, with necessity of frequent diagnostic and therapeutic interventions can adversely affect the emotional balance and behavioural adaptation of children and adolescents. This is applicable for congenital heart disease, especially if it is severe and life-threatening. Psychological implications are a significant part of chronic illnesses and they can affect prognosis and outcome. Congenital heart diseases which are diagnosed early can influence mother infant interactions from the beginning, in a crucial period of the infant’s psychological development and thus may adversely affect the mental health of children and adolescents. Children and adolescents with congenital heart diseases can have anxiety, depressive reactions, low self esteem or impulsiveness. The behavioural and emotional problems of children and adolescents, if not diagnosed and managed early, can lead on to significant psychological morbidity in later life.