[Minimal brain dysfunction in a population sample of children monitored on a long-term basis]

A group of 66 14-year old children with mild cerebral dysfunction were examined within the framework of long-term follow up of children at risk. The group was formed mostly by boys. It was revealed that the families of these children are not significantly more frequently incomplete or dysfunctional, the number of children in the family is within the normal range. The progress in school of these children is poorer than could be expected with regard to their abilities although their intelligence is somewhat reduced, in particular as regards the percentage of above-average children. The symptoms of the disorder and secondary complications were consistent with theoretical assumptions. In children mild cerebral dysfunction secondary complications such as neurotic complaints and behavioural disorders develop more frequently. The time when mild cerebral dysfunction was detected and the dynamics of the development of the disorder were very variable and comprised the entire period of school attendance.