Emotional and Behavioural Problems in Children and Adolescents with Congenital Heart Disease

Major physical illnesses usually have an impact on the psychological well-being ofany individual. An illness of early onset, with necessity of frequent diagnostic andtherapeutic interventions can adversely affect the emotional balance and behaviouraladaptation of children and adolescents. This is applicable for congenital heart disease,especially if it is severe and life-threatening. Psychological implications are asignificant part of chronic illnesses and they can affect prognosis and outcome.Congenital heart diseases which are diagnosed early can influence mother infantinteractions from the beginning, in a crucial period of the infant’s psychologicaldevelopment and thus may adversely affect the mental health of children andadolescents. Children and adolescents with congenital heart diseases can haveanxiety, depressive reactions, low self esteem or impulsiveness. The behavioural andemotional problems of children and adolescents, if not diagnosed and managed early,can lead on to significant psychological morbidity in later life.