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This study group has been meeting for three years. After some preliminary discussion, we decided to concentrate as far as possible on the effects of one chronic illness on the emotional development of the child, and we have selected diabetes for this purpose.
To date, we have had twelve children suffering from this illness referred to us. The age of onset of the illness has varied from two years to puberty. In all cases, we have made a Diagnostic Profile, but only three of these referrals have led to regular psychotherapeutic treatment. We appreciate that the acceptance of psychotherapy or psychoanalysis for a diabetic child is a very difficult undertaking for families already committed to the burden involved in diabetic management. Nevertheless, we have had two patients in non-intensive therapy and one adolescent girl in full analysis.
The group has spent some time in studying the available literature and noted the paucity of reports and observations on the emotional problems that may become entwined with the illness. It is hoped that two recent papers presented in the Clinic by a member of the group, Mr George Moran, will be published shortly.
Certain areas that merit further study are already clear