An investigation of psychological profiles and risk factors in congenital microtia patients

Abstract

Objectives Among congenital deformities, microtia is often said to be one of the most difficult for the reconstructive surgeon. However, few reports have investigated patients' and their families' psychological profiles. This study sought to determine the prevalence of mood disorders among patients with microtia and to explore clinical features associated with mood disorders. Methods Congenital microtia patients were interviewed about Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), gender and age of patients, severity of malformation, first perceived age and approach to deformity, being teased by peers, education level of parents, family harmony or not, emotional impact of un-repaired microtia on parents and attitudes of family to patients. Results The prevalence of mood disorders among microtia patients: 'depression' 20.2%, 'interpersonal sensitivity/social difficulties' 36.6% and 'hostility/aggression' 26.3%. Multivariate analyses suggested that age of patients, severity of microtia, low levels of maternal education, being teased by peers, family disharmony, psychological impact on parents and overprotection from parents are significantly associated with mood disorders of patients. Conclusion Our findings suggest that microtia patients exhibit three significant mood disorders including depression, interpersonal sensitivity/social difficulties and hostility/aggression. Some risk factors should be actively prevented and controlled, such as being teased by peers, family disharmony, psychological impact on parents and overprotection from family.