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Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Psychopathology among preterm infants using the Diagnostic Classification Zero to Three
A Janssens1, K Uvin, H Van Impe
1Collaborative Antwerp Psychiatric Research Institute, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium. astrid.janssens@ua.ac.be
Preterm infants show higher rates of psychopathology compared to full-term infants by age 1. This study found significantly more diagnoses in premature infants, highlighting developmental concerns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal development
- Child psychopathology
- Developmental pediatrics
Background:
- Infants born preterm face increased risks for developmental challenges.
- Early identification of psychopathology is crucial for timely intervention.
- Limited research compares psychopathology prevalence between preterm and full-term infants at 1 year corrected age.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the prevalence of psychopathology in preterm infants versus full-term infants at 1 year corrected age.
- To identify specific diagnostic categories of psychopathology more common in preterm infants.
- To assess the relationship disorders prevalence in preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- A case-control longitudinal cohort study was conducted with 123 preterm and 30 full-term infants.
- Infants were assessed at 1 year corrected age using the Diagnostic Classification Zero to Three (DC: 0-3).
- Standardized developmental and psychological assessments were utilized.
Main Results:
- 54% of preterm infants met criteria for one or more DC: 0-3 diagnoses.
- Preterm infants had significantly higher rates of psychopathology across multiple DC: 0-3 axes (I, III, V) compared to full-term infants.
- No significant difference was found in relationship disorder rates.
Conclusions:
- Prevalence of psychopathology is significantly higher in preterm infants compared to full-term infants at 1 year corrected age.
- Findings underscore the need for early screening and support for preterm infants.
- This study did not support previous findings of increased relationship disorders in preterm populations.
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