Family-oriented support at the onset of diabetes mellitus: a comparison of two group conditions during 2 years following diagnosis.

As part of a prospective, randomized study, the psychological effects of two different treatment regimens on the diagnosis of children and adolescents aged 3-15 years with insulin-dependent diabetes insipidus were evaluated. Conventional treatment was compared to a new regimen with a crisis programme which included a milieu therapeutic setting. A total of 38 families were randomly assigned to the 2 groups and followed over a period of 2 years after initial treatment. Parents' experiences of family climate and function over this period were registered and a test battery for the children was administered on five separate occasions. No decisive difference between the two groups was found. Few significant differences were found. Further investigation of the effects of the new treatment regimen on selected groups of families with defined extra needs is suggested.