Habilitation of patients with congenital malformations associated with thalidomide: psychiatric and psychological aspects.
Nearly 100 cases of congenital malformations associated with thalidomide ingestion by the mother have been reported in Canada to the Department of National Health and Welfare. Depression and selfcastigation have been the specific psychiatric reactions noted, particularly in the mother. In most cases it is preferable psychologically for the parents and the child if the child is kept at home rather than placed in an institution. Parents should be fully informed concerning the child's prognosis for future development. Most of the children followed up for about two years showed no intelligence defects. A prosthesis, if required, should be applied early (at three to six months) so that it may become a part of the child's body-image, but it should not interfere with play activities. Assessment by a psychiatrist and a psychologist is indicated at about six months.
D001828:Body Image; D002170:Canada; D002648:Child; D000013:Congenital Abnormalities; D006801:Humans; D008511:Medicine; D001523:Mental Disorders; D009035:Mothers; D010290:Parents; D019736:Prostheses and Implants; D012046:Rehabilitation; D013792:Thalidomide
D013792:Thalidomide
ABNORMALITIES; REHABILITATION; THALIDOMIDE