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Journal of Pediatric Psychology Advance Access published online on May 11, 2006
Journal of Pediatric Psychology, doi:10.1093/jpepsy/jsj121
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© The Author 2006. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Pediatric Psychology. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oxfordjournals.org
Received June 3, 2005
Revised March 21, 2005
Accepted March 31, 2006

Article

Psychological Adjustment in Children and Families Living with HIV

Michelle J. New PhD 1 *, Sonia S. Lee PhD 1, and Brenda M. Elliott PhD 1

1 Children’s National Medical Center, NW, Washington, DC

* To whom correspondence should be addressed.
Michelle J. New, E-mail: mnew{at}cnmc.org


  Abstract

Objective To assess psychological adjustment in children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and their primary caregivers. Methods The study protocol included use of standardized questionnaires to assess emotional and behavioral health of 57 children and 54 caregivers (Phase 1). Positive screening led to standardized interviews to assess current psychiatric diagnoses (Phase 2). Results Of the 16 children who entered Phase 2, 6 (38%) met the criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis. Of the 15 adults who met the screening criteria, 13 completed a computerized psychiatric interview and all 13 (100%) met the criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis. Conclusions While important mental health needs were identified in families with HIV, the majority of families did not exhibit mental health disorders. These results might reflect the substantial psychosocial resilience of these families. Further study is needed to determine to what extent the mental health needs of children and their caregivers are being met. In addition, identification of protective factors in resilience and coping in families living with a chronic illness is warranted.

Keywords: children and families; HIV; psychological adjustment.
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