EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIORAL DIFFICULTIES IN CHILDREN WITH DIABETES - A CONTROLLED COMPARISON WITH SIBLINGS AND PEERS

This study describes a comparison of children with insulin dependent d iabetes mellitus (IDDM) with two control groups: the sibling nearest t o them in age, and peers matched for gender and age. A broad range of emotional and behavioural difficulties were assessed using the Conners ' Teachers' and Parents' rating scales (CTRS 39 and CPRS 93). Individu ally completed children's questionnaires provided qualitative data abo ut the children's problems. The results of the study showed markedly h igher scores for the children with diabetes on the parent scales on fa ctors such as hyperactivity, psychosomatic and restless/disorganized, in comparison to their siblings, but not their peers. These difference s were not found on the Teachers' Scales. The findings are discussed i n terms of parental perceptions of children with diabetes and the diff iculties these children and their siblings experience in their lives. Suggestions are made for further research.