The initial psychologic reactions of the parents at the onset of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus in children and short-time adaptation

Abstract

The initial parental reactions at the onset of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) in children were described by means of a systematized clinical assessment for the staff and a self-report questionnaire for parents in a population-based sample. Most of the families had a peak of emotional distress at the beginning of the initial hospitalization, which faded out. The staff's assessments of the mothers' feelings were more similar to the parents' own assessments than those of the fathers' feelings. The staff's assessment of family competence regarding IDDM during the initial hospitalization, especially understanding information, was significantly associated with parental competence at a follow-up. An intense emotional reaction at the onset tended to persist

Key Words:

• Child
• Family
• Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
• Onset
• Psychologic reaction