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Psychiatric Disorders in Children in Long-Term Residential Care: a Follow-Up Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

Stephen Wolkind
Affiliation:
London Hospital Medical College, Turner Street, London, E.1
George Renton
Affiliation:
Emanuel Miller Clinic, Gill Street, London E.14

Summary

Ninety-two children who had been examined in a psychiatric study of five to twelve year-olds in long-term residential care were followed up four years later. Three-quarters were still in children's homes, but over half had been moved to different establishments. At both the original study and follow-up, the majority showed evidence of psychiatric disorder. Considerable continuity of behavioural pattern was found, particularly amongst those who originally had antisocial disorders, who were also most likely to have had changes of care-taker during the four years. It is suggested that the persistence of their disorder may be due to a vicious circle of unacceptable behaviour and adult rejection.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1979 

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