Psychosocial complications and management of sickle cell disease.

Psychosocial disorders frequently complicate sickle cell disease. Psychological problems include neurotic illness, personality changes and psychotic reactions. Social problems may relate to work, marital and financial difficulties. Patients' siblings, parents and significant others may also suffer from emotional disorders. The role of nonpsychiatric medical and para-medical personnel in the identification and management of the psychosocial complications of sickle cell disease was mentioned. The need to pay more attention to preventive measures such as genetic counselling was also emphasized.