PSYCHOSOCIAL COMPLICATIONS AND MANAGEMENT OF SICKLE-CELL DISEASE

Psychosocial disorders frequently complicate sickle cell disease. Phyc hological problems include neurotic illness, personality changes and p sychotic reactions. Social problems may relate to work, marital and fi nancial difficulties. Patients' siblings, parents and significant othe rs may also suffer from emotional disorders. The role of nonpsychiatri c medical and para-medical personnel in the identification and managem ent of the psychosocial complications of sickle cell disease was menti oned. The need to pay more attention to preventive measures such as ge netic counselling was also emphasized.