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Psychosocial sequelae in 29 children with giant congenital melanocytic naevi
H M Koot1, F de Waard-van der Spek, C D Peer
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands. koot@psys.azr.nl
Insights
Children with giant congenital melanocytic naevus (GCMN) face increased social and emotional challenges. Parents, particularly mothers, also experience significant psychosocial distress related to their child's condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pediatrics
- Psychology
Background:
- Giant congenital melanocytic naevus (GCMN) can impact children's psychosocial well-being due to appearance and treatment.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the clinical aspects and psychosocial functioning of children with GCMN.
- To assess the impact on parents, specifically mothers.
Main Methods:
- Dermatological examination of 29 children with GCMN.
- Interviews with children.
- Standardized questionnaires for mothers and teachers on child behavior and parental adjustment.
Main Results:
- 25.9% of patients experienced behavioral/emotional problems; 30% had social problems.
- No correlation found between nevus visibility, treatment, or age and psychological issues.
- Mothers reported significant psychosocial burden.
Conclusions:
- Children with GCMN are at higher risk for social and behavioral/emotional problems.
- Mothers experience a considerable psychological impact from their child's GCMN.
- GCMN requires a multidisciplinary approach addressing psychosocial needs.
Abstract:
Giant congenital melanocytic naevus (GCMN) may be expected to affect psychosocial functioning of children and their parents due to deviant appearance and painful treatment. To obtain insight into clinical aspects and psychosocial functioning of those suffering from GCMN, 29 children diagnosed with GCMN syndrome or single GCMN received a dermatological examination, were interviewed, and their mothers and teachers completed standardized questionnaires on the child's competence and behavioural/emotional problems and their own adjustment. Social problems were reported for 30% of the patients and behavioural/emotional problems for 25.9%. There was no correlation between visibility of the naevus, treatment or child age and psychological problems. Mothers reported considerable psychosocial burden. It is concluded that children with GCMN are at increased risk of social and behavioural/emotional problems, and mothers suffer considerable psychological impact of their child's condition.