Juvenile Diabetes Mellitus and Psychoemotional Disorders

Background: Children with diabetes mellitus (DM) experience feelings of fear, sadness, denial, guilt, low self-esteem and inadequacy. Long term experience of these feelings can lead to poor glycaemic control and subsequently to chronic physical and mental complications. Aim: The purpose of this study was to review the current research evidence on the factors which affect the psychoemotional state of children and adolescents with DM. Method: A literature review was conducted in the relevant databases (PubMed, CINAL, Medline, American Diabetes Association), and critical analysis was made of the articles of the recent years (2000-2007).The key-words used in the literature search were “diabetes mellitus”, “children”, “emotion”, “disorder, organic, mental”. Results: The papers reviewed provided documentation of the factors which influence the personal and social life of children with DM, and the effectiveness of their treatment, which include: the experiences in the diagnosis period, sex of the child, social relations with others in the environment, especially with the peer group, participation in activities, self management of the disease, and the participation and support of the family. Conclusions: Τhe aim of the scientific team providing care to children with DM and their families must be the preparation for self-care of the disease, which will contribute to the reduction of physical and mental disturbances.