Comprehensive therapy of chronic asthma on a psychosomatic unit

Journal/Book: Adolescence. 1981; 16: 139-144.

Abstract: Describes the comprehensive treatment of 32 chronic intractable asthmatic children aged 6-16 yrs and their follow-ups (ranging from 6 mo to 2 yrs posthospitalization). The patient is expected to be ambulatory and actively involved in school as well as milieu activities. Each patient is seen in individual psychotherapy as well as part of a therapeutic activity group. An arts therapist supervises groups in dance, music, drama, painting, and other media. Parents are seen twice weekly in casework by a social worker and are expected to attend a parents' group weekly. The primary physician is the pediatrician, who has full laboratory and consultation services (e.g., allergy, pulmonary function, psychiatry, infectious disease) available. Most of the 32 patients had had multiple previous hospitalizations, had required frequent emergency room care and high dosages of steroids, and had been on desensitization programs. Follow-ups of care on the Psychosomatic Unit show that 16 patients were dramatically improved, 13 were improved, and 3 were unimproved. It is concluded that when asthma in children becomes intractable, comprehensive inpatient care, along with therapeutic work with parents aimed at extricating the child from family conflicts, is advisable. Two case examples are presented. (8 ref)

Note: comprehensive therapy; chronic intractable asthmatic 6 16 yr olds in psychosomatic unit; 6 mo to 2 yr followups

Keyword(s): Asthma ; hospital programs; interdisciplinary treatment approach; followup studies; school age children; adolescents

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