Behavioral Approaches To Chronic Disease In Adolescence: A Guide To Integrative Care

Adolescence is a difficult stage of life, regardless of whether or not a chronic illness is involved. Entering this developmental stage with a chronic illness can be especially challenging. Yet there has been little research to critically examine optimal, evidence-based approaches to treating adolescents with chronic illness in an integrated care setting. Given the long-lasting impact of problems that can arise during this developmental stage (transitioning into adulthood, developing autonomy, creating an identity, creating long-lasting relationships, family functioning, etc.) along with problems that can arise from having a chronic illness (i.e., problems with treatment adherence, social stigma, school functioning, depression, lack of social support, poor coping skills, poor adherence to proper diet/exercise, etc.) it is appropriate and necessary to look at these issues holistically.

This book is intended to equip behavioral care practitioners with tools necessary to manage chronic illness in adolescents. It will outline the special considerations of adolescent and family psychotherapy within the context of chronic illness and will provide detailed descriptions of evidence-based practice guidelines for the major chronic conditions that adolescents face. The book will be comprehensive in its ability to accurately address specific considerations inherent in adolescent psychology (therapist burnout, ethical considerations, bringing in the family, cultural considerations, etc.) and to specifically outline evidence-based practice guidelines for common chronic conditions in adolescence, such as type 1 and type 2 diabetes, asthma, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pain, such that a clinician can clearly comprehend them and easily use them in an integrated care setting.