Psychologic Sequelae of Early, Infancy Health Crises

Abstract

Evidence is accumulating that health threats or actual illness during early infancy may produce psychologic problems in some children, the result of a complex interaction of the mother, the child and the situation. Similar experiences arising later in childhood seem to have a less disruptive effect. Instead of speaking of a "vulnerable child syndrome" we might do better with the terms "neonatal crisis syndrome" or even the "ominous infant phenomenon," since these broader descriptions allow for the inclusion and expansion of the concepts discussed in this thoughtful set of reflections. Improved attention to these matters is justifiable on the basis of humane considerations alone, and need not await further studies. This may well be a most important area of activity for the pediatrician who seeks to prevent emotional disorders in his patients.