Psychological Screening Indicates That 1 in 4 Children With Cleft Lip and Palate Require Psychological Support

Children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) often experience developmental issues, including language delay, learning difficulties, and attention issues. The aim of the study was to assess potential difficulties in children with CL/P and to determine the necessity of ongoing psychological support. Eighty-two children treated for CL/P, 29 5-year-olds and 53 10-year-olds, participated together with their parents in the study. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess difficulties and strengths. Proxy reports were used for the 5-year-olds, while self-reports and proxy reports were utilized for the 10-year-olds. Patients who were identified as requiring further support were offered psychological interventions. Parents of 5-year-olds and 10-year-olds with CL/P estimated significantly more difficulties compared with parents of children in the normal population. Thirty-nine percent of the parents estimated that their child had minor, moderate or severe difficulties. However, 10-year-olds with CL/P didn't perceive any difference in difficulties compared with preadolescents in the normal population. The 10-year-olds estimated significantly less emotional difficulties than children in the normal population. Nevertheless, 41% of the 10-year-olds reported that they overall had difficulties, either minor or severe, in one or more areas. There were significantly moderate correlations between parental and child reports on SDQ. According to the results of the standardized psychological screenings, 25.6% of children with CL/P required additional psychological support. One in 4 children with CL/P needs psychological support. Standardized psychological interview-based follow-ups for patients with CL/P can contribute to more information regarding the patient's needs rather than only using a questionnaire.