A PSYCHOSOCIAL FOLLOW-UP OF 10 ADOLESCENTS WITH LOW ANORECTAL MALFORMATION

Ten adolescents, aged 12-16 (mean 14.5) years, with corrected low anor ectal anomalies were assessed with regard to somatic condition, psycho pathology and psychosocial functioning by semistructured interviews an d questionnaires. Half of the patients still had a persistent dysfunct ion involving problems with constipation and/or soiling. Six of 10 ado lescents met the criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis and had scores i ndicating mild to severe impairment of psychosocial function. Psychoso cial functioning was correlated with chronic family difficulties. The findings are in contrast to previous studies and reveal hidden problem s and unmet social needs. To optimize their mental health and psychoso cial functioning, children with low anorectal anomalies need both soma tic and psychosocial follow-up.