Child Psychiatric Disorders in Ibadan

Abstract

Summary:  In a 30-month period, 132 children (70 girls and 62 boys) aged 2 to 15 years were evaluated for various neuro-psychiatric disorders. More than 50 per cent of the children had evidence of brain damage, while 19 per cent had either neurotic or antisocial behaviour disorders. Brain damage was a result of intracranial infections or febrile convulsions, while neurotic and antisocial behaviour disorders followed emotional and material deprivation of the children. There was a high incidence of default in clinic attendance by the patients. This may be attributed to the failure of immediate positive response to therapy as well as non-availability of supporting services. There is therefore, an urgent need in Nigeria for improved health and other supporting social services (special schools, remedial teachers, remand homes, approved schools, mental deficiency institutions and hospital facilities) for these patients and their parents.