Mental Health Care of Children Born Preterm
General University Hospital in Prague ·Czechia
About this project
<p>Children born preterm represent a risk group for the possible development of mental illness and neuropsychological abnormalities. Some of the mental disorders occur in children born prematurely up to 4 times more often compared to children born at term. The incidence of psychiatric disorders in these children requires close attention. The reason is the fact that most abnormalities are not apparent at an early age, but often manifest themselves later, with the development and overall growth of the child under the influence of the demands that are placed on them when enrolling in the team or school attendance. Early detection of these abnormalities, their elimination or at least alleviation of symptoms and early intervention are a necessary prerequisite for mitigating the adverse effects of these disorders in the life of not only the child but also his family. The project aims to investigate the incidence and dynamics of mental disorders and symptoms and neuropsychological abnormalities in the at-risk population of children born preterm with perinatal burden, focusing on very low (below 1500g) and extremely low birth weight (below 1000g). The project builds on the previous work of the authors dealing with the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in this at-risk population and on the research of mental disorders in a group of eight-year-old children from prematurity. The results will be presented in the form of lectures to the professional public involved in the care of these children (i.e.general practitioners for children and adolescents, psychologists, physiotherapists, psychiatrists). We will develop the guidelines for the care of the mental health of children born prematurely concerning the results obtained. It will provide practical recommendations to first-line professionals for the care of this at-risk population at a time when specialised centres and counselling centres no longer provide it. The project is not realised within the partnership.</p>