Medical and psychiatric comorbidities in children and adolescents: a guide to issues and treatment approaches

Nurs Clin North Am. 2010 Dec;45(4):541-54, v. doi: 10.1016/j.cnur.2010.06.009. Epub 2010 Aug 14.

Abstract

Chronic medical illness among children and adolescents is a growing concern with implications for informal and formal caregivers. When coupled with a psychiatric comorbidity, implications grow exponentially. Nurses who care for child and adolescent populations play a crucial role in optimizing physical and mental health when they interface with patients and their caregivers. Evidence-based interventions can promote positive outcomes and enhance quality of life, whereas failure to use evidence-based approaches has serious consequences to the health of youth with medical and psychiatric comorbidities.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Health Services / organization & administration
  • Child
  • Child Health Services / organization & administration
  • Chronic Disease / epidemiology*
  • Chronic Disease / nursing*
  • Comorbidity
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Mental Disorders / nursing*
  • Mental Health / statistics & numerical data*
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration
  • Nurse's Role*
  • Patient Care Planning
  • Patient Care Team / organization & administration
  • Psychiatric Nursing / organization & administration*
  • Quality of Life
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • United States / epidemiology