Chronic illness in adolescents.

Chronic illness at any age is unfortunate. It taxes the strengths and 
resources of the individual and those associated with him. The chronically 
ill teenager faces difficulties different from those of the child or 
adult. Illness itself is a burden to the adolescent; chronic illness 
is an even greater burden. The tasks of maturation which must 
be successfully completed in adolescence are made more difficult by chronic 
ill health. Impact upon the patient, educational needs, sexuality needs, life 
expectancy, impact upon the family, and impact upon society are examined. 
Specific illnesses, such as diabetes mellitus and fibrocystic disease, are discussed. 
