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Parental reactions to children with congenital heart disease

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Abstract

Informal discussions with 260 families of children with congenital heart disease are reported. Parents raised questions concerning etiology, timing of the diagnosis, pathophysiology and symptomatology, and need for restriction. Depending upon the stage and seriousness of the disease, common parental behavior was observed. A psychological process similar to mourning is required at the time of diagnosis and at the time of corrective surgery in order to promote the family's adaptation to the child with congenital heart disease. Management suggestions are included.

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This study was supported in part by Grant #3990530 from the Mary Duke Biddle Fund and Grant #MH 08045-13 Psychiatry G.P. Special Training.

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Garson, A., Benson, R.S., Ivler, L. et al. Parental reactions to children with congenital heart disease. Child Psych Hum Dev 9, 86–94 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01448352

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01448352

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