EARLY MENTAL HEALTH INTERVENTIONS IN PEDIATRIC CHRONIC ILLNESSES: CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS AND LONG-TERM OUTCOMES

Abstract

Early mental health interventions in children with pediatric chronic illnesses have been increasingly recognized as critical to improving both clinical management and long-term outcomes. These chronic conditions, such as type 1 diabetes, asthma and neurological diseases, not only impact the physical health but also the psychological well-being of patients from a young age. Early implementation of psychosocial interventions aims to mitigate the stress associated with daily treatment demands, promote therapeutic adherence, and improve overall quality of life. Objective: To investigate the clinical effectiveness of early mental health interventions in children with pediatric chronic illnesses and their long-term effects. Methodology: The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Articles were searched in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases using the descriptors "mental health interventions", "pediatric chronic diseases", "early intervention", "clinical efficacy" and "long-term outcomes". Studies published in the last 10 years that investigated psychosocial interventions in children with pediatric chronic diseases were included. Inclusion criteria covered studies that evaluated clinical effectiveness, psychosocial impact and long-term results of interventions. Exclusion criteria included adult studies, narrative reviews, and studies with small, unrepresentative samples. Results: The studies reviewed highlighted the effectiveness of early interventions in reducing stress, improving adherence to treatment and increasing children's quality of life. Key topics included psychoeducational strategies, ongoing emotional support, and family interventions. Conclusion: Early mental health interventions have been shown to be fundamental in the comprehensive management of children with pediatric chronic illnesses, resulting in significant short- and long-term benefits. Early implementation of these interventions can not only improve clinical outcomes but also strengthen the psychological resilience of children and their families in the face of challenges associated with chronic conditions.