The Legacy of Mental Distress Following Physical Illness in Childhood: Findings From the Australian Temperament Project.

Although physical illness in middle childhood is associated with higher levels of depressive and anxious symptoms, by early adolescence, these differences diminish, indicating a process of adaptation that persists into young adulthood. This suggests a potentially sensitive period of adjustment to illness for some, especially for children who it was feared might die. Additional psychosocial assessment and support may be warranted across the "acute" illness period.