Psychological issues in craniofacial care: state of the art

This article is an extensive review of the psychological literature on cleft lip and palate and other craniofacial anomalies. Issues of parental acceptance, social competence, self-concept, emotional adjustment, and cognitive functioning are examined. Cumulative research suggests that many children with craniofacial conditions develop in a typical manner and do not experience psychological problems. However, a significant number of children (30% to 40% in most studies) experience difficulties with internalizing and/or externalizing problems, learning disorders, and social competence. A multifactorial model for examining the domains that are related to both psychological risk and protection is recommended. The need for multicenter studies that are prospective and clinically relevant is emphasized.