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.