A Pilot Study: Association between Minor Physical Anomalies in Childhood and Future Mental Problems.
- Author:
Helen CHENG
1
;
Cheng Chen CHANG
;
Yue Cune CHANG
;
Wen Kuei LEE
;
Ruu Fen TZANG
Author Information
1. Department of Psychiatry, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Minor physical anomalies;
Psychiatric symptom
- MeSH:
Adult;
Anxiety;
Asian Continental Ancestry Group;
Child, Preschool;
Depression;
Humans;
Mental Disorders;
Mental Health;
Physical Examination;
Pilot Projects*;
Surveys and Questionnaires;
Risk Factors;
Taiwan;
Young Adult
- From:Psychiatry Investigation
2014;11(3):228-231
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate association between early recognizable minor physical abnormality (MPA) during childhood is associated with mental health problems in young adults. METHODS: In 1984, 169 preschool children in central Taiwan underwent a detailed physical examination for subtle abnormalities (MPA). Fourteen years later, the Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS) and Chinese Health Questionnaire (CHQ) were used to measure specific psychiatric symptoms. RESULTS: There is an association between MPA during childhood and adult characterized with interpersonal sensitivity, anxiety, depression and paranoid mental health symptoms. CONCLUSION: The signs of childhood MPA can be easily identified and should be regarded as risk factors when predicting mental disorder. Mental health professionals should consider MPAs as important signs for possible development of emotional problems.
