Psychiatric assessment of children with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to determine whether children with nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate (NSCLP) are more likely to be diagnosed with psychiatric disorders and whether cleft-related factors are related to psychopathology.

Method: Twenty children from 6 to 16 years of age with NSCLP, attending the Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Department of Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty between January and October 2010, were included as the case group. Forty healthy children who were matched on age and sex with the case group served as controls. Children were assessed by psychiatric interviews and scales.

Results: Social anxiety disorder (SAD) (P=.003) and major depressive disorder (MDD) (P=.010) were more prevalent in children with NSCLP. The severity of dentofacial (P=.035) and cleft lip nose deformities (P=.002), appearance and competence of the lip (P=.008), dental alignment (P=.002), feeding (P=.044) and articulation problems (P<.001) were associated with clinical global functioning.

Conclusions: Children with NSCLP are at risk of developing psychopathology, especially SAD and MDD. The above cleft-related factors and articulation problems may be the target of interventions to prevent and treat psychiatric disorders in these children.