PSYCHIATRIC MORBIDITY IN CHILDREN WITH CHRONIC MEDICAL ILLNESS: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY IN KALAWATI SARAN CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL, NEW DELHI

Abstract

Psychiatric morbidity is common in the medically ill children, although it is frequently unrecognized and
untreated. This study was conducted to determine the nature and extent of psychiatric morbidity in children
with chronic medical diseases. 100 children attending the different follow-up clinics at a tertiary care
pediatric referral Centre were evaluated using Childhood Psychopathology Measurement Schedule (Malhotra
et.el.1988). Thirty one percent children showed abnormally high levels of emotional and behavioral problems
indicative of a possible psychiatric disorder. Attendance at Pediatric OPD was associated with an increased
risk of common type of childhood psychiatric problems with about 21% children scored abnormally high in
factor III (Anxiety) & VII (Physical illness with Emotional problems) suggestive of a definitive psychological
disorder. The result indicates that about 1/3 rd children attending pediatric follow-up clinics with chronic
medical illness need a formal psychiatric evaluation for certain psychological disturbances. This also advocates
the provision of a hospital based pediatric psychiatric liaison service that would help to address this need
and create opportunities for pediatricians to train in child psychiatry.

Key Words: Psychiatric morbidity; children; chronic medical illness.