Role of Psychologists in Pediatric Metabolic Disorders

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2022 Oct;69(5):1003-1016. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2022.05.012.

Abstract

Metabolic disorders or inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) can have a wide range of neurodevelopmental and behavioral presentations. These can vary with age and/or management or stressors from common childhood/intercurrent illnesses/procedures/interventions. Collaborative care models such as multidisciplinary metabolic clinics or colocated models with behavioral health clinics and metabolic clinics in the same location can be valuable resources in improving long-term outcomes in patients with IEM. Psychologists' expertise using behavioral interventions, screening, or adaptive/cognitive measures can help with diagnosis, treatment adherence, school performance, family support, community resources, transition to adolescence and young adulthood using health belief concepts to improve outcomes.

Keywords: Behavioral disorders; Biopsychosocial lens; IEMs or metabolic disorders; Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD); Psychological assessment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Humans
  • Metabolic Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Metabolic Diseases* / therapy
  • Metabolism, Inborn Errors* / diagnosis
  • Metabolism, Inborn Errors* / therapy
  • Young Adult