Improving the communication of healthcare professionals with affected children and adolescents

Anna Nordenström, Ute Thyen

20 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

All communication with children and adolescents with disorders of sex development (DSD) must be about information concerning the DSD as it is about listening to the individual's thoughts, questions and anxieties. Especially small children are dependent on, and are best reached or helped through the parents. If the diagnosis is made early the child should 'grow into disclosure'. The parents and the child should be involved in a continuous educational interactive process. Sexual maturation and development are part of growing up and becoming an independent adult, which makes it even more important to discuss these matters and the disorder directly with the patient. There are specific aspects of communication inherent to DSD conditions, related to sexuality and, thus, to personal existential issues. Physicians may find this difficult to talk about and may need to overcome avoidance and fear of incompetency. This chapter provides knowledge about the developmental stages of understanding in all children and how the manner in which information can be adjusted to the individual child's maturity level is the basis for successful communication and supporting of the psychological adaptation of the individual and the family to live with the condition.

Original languageEnglish
JournalEndocrine Development
Volume27
Pages (from-to)113-127
Number of pages15
ISSN1421-7082
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20.06.2014

Research Areas and Centers

  • Academic Focus: Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)

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