INDICATIONS FOR CHILD PSYCHIATRIC-CARE IN A SERVICE FOR DEVELOPMENTALLY DELAYED PRESCHOOLERS

The need for early intervention and prevention of psychiatric disorders in retarded and handicapped children is demonstrated by the clientele of a health service for developmentally delayed preschoolers. One third of the 143 children cared for by the service in 1991 exhibited psychiatric disturbances, primarily disturbances of conduct, syndromes of overactivity or emotional disorders. Two thirds of the children were characterized by environmental risk factors such as single-parent-family or severe parental problems with the handicap of the child. The combination of biological and psychosocial risk factors contributes to the manifestation of psychopathological disorders in retarded children and may add to the organic handicap.