Study of Sociodemographic Profile and Psychopathology of Mentally and Physically Handicapped Children and their Parents

If all chronic conditions causing disability of any degree in childhood are included, the prevalence of disability is remarkably high. Studies on families with handicapped children have indicated that both parents often experience psychological disorders such as anxiety and depression. Handicapped children too suffer from psychological illnesses. Hence, the present study was undertaken. The study aims to look at the sociodemographic profile and psychopathology of mentally and physically handicapped children and their parents and to compare it with that of nonhandicapped children. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 90 children of both sexes. Sixty of these were handicapped-30 physically and 30 mentally. Thirty children were nonhandicapped. A semi-structured proforma, IQ tests, and Childhood Psychopathology Measurement schedule (CPMS) were used for assessment. Chi-square test and Paired "t"-test were used in the analysis. Results: It was observed that a greater number of handicapped children belonged to the higher score groups as compared to the nonhandicapped group. Significantly higher incidence of morbidity was observed in the handicapped children as compared to nonhandicapped children. Fathers and mothers of handicapped children had higher degree of psychopathology as compared to those of nonhandicapped children. Mothers' psychopathology had a significant effect on the severity of CPMS scoring in physically handicapped children. Conclusion: Handicapped children showed more severe psychopathology as compared to nonhandicapped. Mothers of handicapped children had higher psychiatric morbidity as compared to those of nonhandicapped children. Psychopathology of mother significantly affected the psychopathology of children.