5.1.5 Interaction Between Psychiatric Disorder and Physical Illness

Interaction Between Psychiatric Disorder and Physical Illness in Children and Adolescents. Physical Presentation of Psychiatric Disorder and Psychiatric Presentation of Physical Disorder.

The interaction between psychiatric disorders and physical illnesses in children and adolescents is a complex issue that requires a multidisciplinary approach. This is because both physical illnesses and psychiatric disorders can have significant impacts on the health and well-being of children and adolescents, and can also influence each other.

Physical illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, or cancer can have a significant impact on the mental health of children and adolescents. These conditions can cause stress, anxiety, and uncertainty, which can lead to the development of psychiatric disorders such as depression or anxiety. Children and adolescents with chronic illnesses are also at increased risk of experiencing social isolation, stigmatization, and discrimination, which can exacerbate their mental health issues.

Conversely, psychiatric disorders can also have an impact on the physical health of children and adolescents. Children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach pain, or fatigue. These physical symptoms can be related to the psychiatric disorder itself, or they may be a side effect of psychiatric medications.

The physical presentation of psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents can be varied and often masked by physical symptoms. For example, children with anxiety disorders may present with physical symptoms such as stomach pain or headaches. Similarly, children with depression may present with fatigue or changes in appetite. These physical symptoms can make it difficult to identify the underlying psychiatric disorder, and can also delay the diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.

On the other hand, the psychiatric presentation of physical illnesses in children and adolescents can also be challenging to recognise. Children and adolescents with chronic pain or other physical symptoms that are not fully explained by a medical condition may have underlying anxiety, depression, or other psychiatric disorders. These psychiatric disorders may exacerbate physical symptoms and make it difficult to manage the physical illness effectively.

It is important to recognise and address the physical and psychiatric needs of children and adolescents to ensure optimal health and well-being. This requires a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals from different specialities. Collaboration between paediatricians, psychiatrists, and other healthcare professionals is essential for the timely and appropriate management of physical and psychiatric health needs in this population.

In summary, the interaction between psychiatric disorders and physical illnesses in children and adolescents is complex and bidirectional. Both physical illnesses and psychiatric disorders can influence each other, leading to significant challenges in diagnosis, treatment, and management. Recognition and management of this interaction require a multidisciplinary approach involving healthcare professionals from different specialities.

References:

1. Barlow J, Cullen-Powell LA, Cheshire A, et al. Understanding the interplay between physical and mental health in children and adolescents: a call for a developmental biopsychosocial approach. Child Adolesc Ment Health. 2019;24(1):4-15. doi:10.1111/camh.12267
2. Cacioppo M, Choi CJ, Bollegala N, et al. The association between pediatric medical and psychiatric comorbidities and functional status outcomes in children with anxiety disorders. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev. 2020;51(6):899-908. doi:10.1007/s10578-020-00970-2
3. Gaynor ST, Sporn N, Wilson AC. Psychiatric comorbidity and pediatric chronic pain: a review of the literature. J Pediatr Psychol. 2019;44(8):909-920. doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jsz052