Identification of subgroups of childhood asthmatics: a review.

Given the literature suggesting etiological variability among asthmatics, the research pertaining to the identification of etiological subgroups was reviewed. The most promising prospects are: 1) the presence or absence of emotional precipitants of asthmatic symptoms and 2) the emotional reaction of the patient to his symptoms (e.g., "panic-fear"). These two dimensions have been found to be uncorrelated. The two studies that explored the treatment implications of these factors produced mixed results. Nonetheless, it may be promising to pursue the notion of identifiable subgroups that respond differently to psychological intervention.