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P347 Psycholigical assistance to children with rheumatic diseases during rehabilitation
  1. Buslaeva Anna,
  2. Venger Alexandr,
  3. Afonina Maria
  1. Federal State Autonomous Institution ‘National Scientific and Practical Centre of Children’s Health’

Abstract

Of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation

Introduction Now there is a significant increase in the number of children with rheumatic diseases (RD). That in return raises the question of the necessity of studying the psychological difficulties that has a child suffering from the disease, as well as provide direction for psychological assistance.

Purpose We examined emotional, requirement-motivational spheres, self esteem, relationship with peers.

Materials and methods 41 children (7–17 years) with RD (grave disease – 15 persons, in remission – 26 people). Test ’Painting of a man’, the method of ’self esteem’ Dembo-Rubinshtey, the test ’Three Wishes’ and the method of ’complete sentences’.

Results: children with RD in remission noted emotional stability, good humour, a wide range of diverse desires specific to each age group. Self esteem of children surveyed were positive.

Psychological state of children with severe RD was directly dependent on the physical. Most vividly emotional difficulties were expressed in the form of reduced background mood, increased emotional lability, acute emotional reactions, in some cases accompanied by suicidal thoughts. Children from both groups suffered staying at hospital and had un urgent need to unite with the family. Slightly less than half of the children in the first group on health could not leave the ward or get out of bed because of compression fracture of the spine, which greatly reduces the chances of a child to communicate with peers, satisfy his educational interests, carry out any activities. Enforced isolation had a negative impact on the interests of the child. The severity of the physical and psychological status had a negative impact on the image, self-esteem nature and ego.

Conclusions The direction of psychological help in the process of treatment must be tailored to the nature of the disease, the age and psychological characteristics of the child. Children with severe disease require individual form of psychological help in the treatment process to reduce emotional stress, and with the wider community needs, switch the child’s attention from the negative experiences to the joint activity with the specialist. The work in group is good for children with the medium severity of disease. Through communication it will learn them to get and to give the emotional support to their peers, plan their own time, realise their own emotional states and needs and also enhance the self-respect.

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