Psychiatric Problems of Hemophilic Boys and Their Families

Some often described clinical observations on psychological problems of hemophilic boys and their families, were examined in a controlled study of twenty mothers of hemophilic boys and the same number of mothers of non-hemophilic healthy boys of the same age and similar socio-demographic background. The findings confirmed statistically the existence of considerable defiance and hostility of the boys and depressed mood of the mothers. The fathers showed a trend to provide little control and support. The defiance of hemophilic boys contrasts with the frequently described tendency towards compliance of asthmatic children. The differences between these two conditions are discussed. Therapeutic implications of the findings are outlined.