Prevalence of DSM-IV Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Asthma versus Diabetes:

Objective:To evaluate the relationships between asthma and type and incidence of psychiatric problems in a pediatric population.Methods:A series of 93 children and adolescents with asthma presenting during a 1-year period to a pediatric pneumology and allergy service was studied. Their psychopathological problems were compared with those of 93 children with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Various questionnaires were completed by the patients: the Child Depression Inventory (CDI), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), and the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (SEI). Their parents were administered the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The patients were examined using the revised Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS-R).Results:There were more symptoms in the asthma group than in the IDDM group, as indicated by total CBCL scores, internalization and externalization CBCL subscores, and the STAIC scores. Asthma was often associated with Diagnostic and S...