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Psychiatric disorders among children with cerebral palsy at school starting age

H M Bjorgaas1, M Hysing, I Elgen

  • 1Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. bjhm@sus.no

Research in Developmental Disabilities
|April 17, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Over half of children with cerebral palsy (CP) have psychiatric disorders, most commonly attention deficit disorder. Early psychiatric evaluation is recommended for all children with CP.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric neurology
  • Child psychiatry
  • Developmental pediatrics

Background:

  • Cerebral palsy (CP) affects motor function, often co-occurring with other conditions.
  • Understanding the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children with CP is crucial for comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To estimate the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in children with CP.
  • To investigate the impact of comorbid conditions on psychiatric diagnoses in this population.
  • To assess the mental health status of children with CP at school-starting age.

Main Methods:

  • Population-based study of children with CP born 2001-2003 in Western Norway.
  • Diagnostic interviews using the Kiddie-SADS (Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children) with parents.
  • Assessment of Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels and other relevant factors.

Main Results:

  • 57% of children with CP were diagnosed with psychiatric disorders, with attention deficit disorder being the most common.
  • Communication problems were significantly associated with psychiatric disorders.
  • 75% of children exhibited psychiatric disorders or mental health symptoms; 25% were considered well-functioning mentally.

Conclusions:

  • Children with cerebral palsy have a high prevalence of psychiatric disorders.
  • Early psychiatric evaluation and intervention are recommended for all children diagnosed with CP.
  • Addressing communication problems may be important in managing mental health in children with CP.

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