Korean J Asthma Allergy Clin Immunol.  2010 Jun;30(2):100-109.

Psychological Intervention in an Integrated Health Care Service for Children with Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Psychological interventions have potentials for improving disease management and quality of life in children with atopic dermatitis (AD) and their families. However, integration of medical and psychological health care in the treatment of children with AD is very rare in Korea.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to present descriptive data from a hospital-based interdisciplinary program that provides integrated medical and psychological health-care for children with AD. Method: Clinical records were reviewed for 127 children seen in our program as well as common problems and interventions addressed during family visits with the program psychologist. Age group differences in problems and interventions addressed during psychology sessions were evaluated. Also, the differences by symptom severity and sex in problems addressed during psychology sessions were analyzed. RESULT: Significant age-group differences were found in the problems and interventions addressed during psychology sessions. Among the age groups, sleep problems were most common in the <5 age group (50.0%). Negative self-image, problems of being bullied and attention problems were most common in the 6~12 age group (25.4%, 23.7% and 16.9%, respectively). Anxious/depressed mood, study burden and parent-child relational problems were most common in the 13~18 age group (65.0%, 60.0% and 45.0% respectively).
CONCLUSION
The results of this study support the need for and feasibility of providing integrated care for children with AD and their families. Age-group differences found in problems and interventions addressed during psychology sessions could be useful especially in planning for group sessions.

MeSH Terms

Child
Delivery of Health Care
Dermatitis, Atopic
Disease Management
Humans
Korea
Quality of Life