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An investigation into the prevalence and experience of psychopathology and mental disorders among children and adolescents with cerebral palsy

People with cerebral palsy (CP) are more likely to experience mental disorders than people without CP. Experiencing poor mental health may negatively impact the personal, social and economic lives of people with CP. Mental health problems often emerge during adolescence. Experiencing mental health symptoms in early adolescence predicts development of mental disorders in adulthood. However, providing professional support and interventions to strengthen family resources, social resources and resilience during adolescence may prevent mental disorders in adulthood.
Despite the importance of optimising mental health among children and adolescents with CP, people with CP may face barriers to accessing appropriate mental health services and supports. A lack of data describing the mental health of children and adolescents with CP in Ireland hinders strategic action and investment in this area.
The aim of this project is to investigate the prevalence of, risk factors for, and experience of psychopathology and mental disorders among children and adolescents with CP in Ireland. We will address this aim in two work packages.
In work package 1, we will conduct a cross-sectional study to estimate prevalence of psychopathology and mental disorders, and identify potential risk factors for each. We will collect data from 600 children and adolescents with CP using a questionnaire. We will use logistic regression to explore associations between potential risk factors, presence of psychopathology, and presence of mental disorders. In work package 2, we will conduct semi-structured interviews with 20 adolescents and young adults with CP, and 15 parents of children and adolescents with CP. We will explore their or their child’s experience of mental health problems, including their experience of accessing support. We will use framework analysis to analyse qualitative data.
This project will provide data that justifies and informs national policies, services and supports to improve the mental health of people with CP.