Chronic illness in teens
Disease Information
Overview
Adolescence can be stressful—even for physically healthy teens. Chronic illness during adolescence further complicates life for teenagers.
The illness itself, plus treatments, hospitalizations, and surgery (when necessary), all intensify your teen’s concerns about his or her appearance, hamper his or her budding independence, and interfere with his or her relationships with parents and friends. Also, adolescent developmental issues can get in the way of your teen taking responsibility for managing his or her illness and learning to comply with recommended treatment.
How Children’s Hospital Boston helps teens cope with chronic illness
The Medical Coping Team at Children’s Hospital Boston works with teens and their families to help them adjust to the stress caused by chronic illness. Our experienced team of pediatric psychologists, psychiatrists and other mental health professionals provide effective, compassionate evaluation, education, counseling and therapy to help teens cope
