Psychological effects of speech disorders in an adult patient with untreated cleft palate.
BACKGROUND
Cleft palate of the primary or secondary type, is accompanied with various devastating physical and psychological effects. The purpose of this case study was to highlight the psychosocial problems the patients with these defects encounter both at the initial and later stages oftheirlives.


METHODS
The case study focused on the history and clinical examination of a 25-year-old, single, female patient who presented with hypernasality and misarticulation of speech secondary to an incomplete cleft of the secondary palate which was not treated.


RESULTS
The patient was found to break down with tears in the process of discussion about her social life; she disclosed having problems with interacting with the society and especially with her male friends. Examination revealed a 5 centimeter (cm) long and 2 cm wide central defect involving the soft palate/uvula and causing a communication between the oral cavity/oropharnyx and nasal cavity/nasopharnyx. The patient was counseled and asked to come for surgery. However she has not come back since the day she came to our clinic.


CONCLUSIONS
Speech defects in longstanding untreated clefts are not easily correctable and these have associated life-long impact on the quality of life of the patients, therefore, because some parents are afraid of surgical operations and may not want to subject the children to this treatment, this study will enlighten the clinicians to inform and emphasize to the parents/relations about these speech defects and psychological implications that will result if the children are not treated and even at the appropriate time.
Akinbami
B O
BO
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port-Harcourt.
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D002972:Cleft Palate / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D012934:Social Isolation / Q000523:psychology*; D013064:Speech Disorders / Q000523:psychology*