Psychosomatic Medicine 9:205-209 (1947)
© 1947 American Psychosomatic Society

Clinical Notes

Psychologic Aspects of the Medical Management of Diabetes in Children

¹ The Department of Pediatrics and Psychiatry, Coll. Phys. and Surgeons, Columbia University

Psychological observations on a group of 21 diabetic children have suggested that the family's acceptance of the disease and the way in which the medical regime is followed are indices of the family relationships. In emotionally disturbed families poor cooperation becomes a center of existing conflicts, and is frequently associated with poor regulation. The ability to cooperate, however, does not mean the absence of neurotic conflicts. If a family is capable of following a restricted regime to the letter, this seems to be the expression of a repressive, perfectionistic attitude toward the child. A more lenient medical regime would help such families accept diabetes with less guilt and anxiety, and this, in turn, would offer the diabetic child a better opportunity for normal personality development.

Note:
Presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Research in Psychosomatic Problems, Inc., New York, May 12, 1946.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				B. J. Lahood Parental Attitudes and Their Influence on the Medical Management of Diabetic Adolescents Clinical Pediatrics, August 1, 1970; 9(8): 468 - 471. [Abstract] [PDF]