Psychosocial sequelae in 29 children with giant congenital melanocytic naevi

Giant congenital melanocytic naevus (GCMN) may be expected to affect psycho social functioning of children and their parents due to deviant appearance and painful treatment. To obtain insight into clinical aspects and psychoso cial functioning of those suffering from GCMN, 29 children diagnosed with G CMN syndrome or single GCMN received a dermatological examination, were int erviewed, and their mothers and teachers completed standardized questionnai res on the child's competence and behavioural/emotional problems and their own adjustment. Social problems were reported for 30% of the patients and b ehavioural/emotional problems for 25.9%. There was no correlation between v isibility of the naevus, treatment or child age and psychological problems. Mothers reported considerable psychosocial burden. It is concluded that ch ildren with GCMN are at increased risk of social and behavioural/emotional problems, and mothers suffer considerable psychological impact of their chi ld's condition.