A new paper led by ARCH Lab PhD student Melissa Elgie titled “Onset of Psychopathology Among Children With Chronic Physical Illness,” finds that youth in the MY LIFE Study who live with chronic physical illnesses (CPI)—including conditions like asthma, arthritis, diabetes, and neurological disorders—experience mental health problems at notably high rates. Researchers tracked 263 children aged 2–16 over four years to understand when mental health difficulties begin and which children are most at risk.
Overall, about two‑thirds of children developed either an internalising condition (like anxiety or depression) or an externalising condition (such as ADHD, oppositional behaviour, or conduct problems) over four years. Many were already experiencing symptoms at the beginning of the study, but a large number developed them over time. Half of all new mental health concerns emerged during the first year, and most appeared within two years.
The study also identified several risk factors. Children and youth were more likely to develop internalising problems if they were older, had greater physical disability, or had younger parents. Externalising problems were more common among boys and children whose parents experienced higher levels of anxiety or depression. These findings highlight how a child’s physical health, family context, and developmental stage all play important roles in mental wellbeing.
The authors emphasize that children with chronic illness face unique and ongoing stressors—from medical treatments to daily limitations and social challenges—which can increase vulnerability to mental health issues. They call for routine mental health screening, better integration of physical and mental healthcare, and more family‑centred support. By identifying at‑risk children early and offering coordinated care, health systems can help prevent long‑term challenges and improve quality of life for children and families.
