Emotional, Behavioral, and Social Disorders in Children and Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy
摘要
Whether different forms of cerebral palsy are at risk for specific psychiatric disorders is still an open issue, as methodological flaws prevent firm conclusions. The aim of this chapter is to report on the psychological and behavioral disorders and quality of life of children and adolescents with cerebral palsy. Internalizing disorders, including mood, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, behavioral/disruptive disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), oppositional-defiant and conduct disorders, and disturbed peer relationships, are often co-occurring in mixed and unstable clinical pictures. Type of brain lesions, co-occurring disorders (such as intellectual disability, sensorimotor and language deficits, epilepsy), recurrent hospitalizations, intensive treatments, lower social opportunities, academic failure, and family disruptions can all affect psychiatric risk and can represent possible targets of interventions. Implications from these findings include monitoring strategies of psychopathology, preventative approaches, early detection of psychiatric symptoms, and timely treatment strategies, such as psychological, familial, and pharmacological interventions. Neuropsychiatric services should include integrated diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic programs for both neurological and psychiatric disorders to define the specific psychiatric risk according to the individual risk factors.