Behavioral Symptoms in Cystic Fibrosis vs. Neurological Patients

In this study, the authors compared the adaptation of a group of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) (N = 46: mean age = 10.91 years) to a similar group of patients who attended a neurological clinic (N = 71 ; mean age = 10.47). Both groups were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist by Achenbach (parent version). CF patients demonstrated significantly less psychosocial morbidity than the neurological patients. This was true for overall behavioral symptoms, externalizing and internalizing symptoms, and social competence. The findings indicate better adaptation by the CF group and further support the literature indicating better adaptation in CF patients over other chronically ili groups. Possible reasons for such findings are discussed.