Psychiatric syndromes in pediatric oncology patients.

While all these problems have been seen in pediatric cancer patients, and some may occur more frequently than in the general population, it is worth reemphasizing that the majority of patients and families are psychiatrically intact. They are generally highly resilient and resourceful in coping with this potentially devastating illness. A vigorous program of support groups, recreational therapy, and academics can enhance the patients' and families' ability to function. For those few who develop psychiatric disorders, effective therapeutic intervention is very important in their recovery from both psychiatric and oncologic illness.