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[Psychosocial consequences of screening programs in children]
1Paediatrisk afd, Københavns Amts Sygehus i Glostrup.
Nordisk Medicin
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Newborn screening can lead to psychosocial issues like stigmatization due to false positives or hereditary risks. Consider later screening ages for children, unless medically essential, to reduce parental anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Psychosocial Health
- Medical Ethics
Context:
- Increasing interest in early diagnosis and screening of children, especially newborns.
- Potential for adverse psychosocial consequences, including stigmatization, from false-positive screening results or hereditary risk factors.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the risks and benefits of early childhood screening programs.
- To determine optimal timing for child screening to mitigate negative psychosocial impacts.
Summary:
- Early diagnosis through screening, particularly in newborns, is advancing.
- However, false positives and hereditary factors can cause significant psychosocial harm and stigmatization to children and families.
- Screening should be deferred to later childhood unless medically imperative, reducing parental anxiety.
Impact:
- Highlights the need for careful consideration of screening timing to balance diagnostic benefits with potential psychosocial harms.
- Informs policy and practice regarding pediatric screening programs to protect child and family well-being.
- Emphasizes a child-centered approach in healthcare, prioritizing mental and social health alongside physical diagnosis.