Psychological Problems of Children & Adolescents in State Homes

Being raised in a state home can contribute to the inability of children and adolescents to make smooth and harmonious life transitions. When compared to children raised in orthodox single-family homes, orphaned children were shown to be less aggressive and less adequate in making decisions about lifestyle and life goals. They were also found to suffer from more anxiety and guilt related to personal actions and appeared to hold less realistic views about normal parenting roles in general society. These attributes can lead to emotional disturbances and various psychiatric disorders, most commonly stemming from feelings of abandonment or low inherent self-worth.

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) in Early Childhood

• One of the primary consequences of departure from an orthodox and adequately nurturing environment is the development of a detrimental social barrier between the child and outside influences. RAD stems primarily from a child's basic physical needs being neglected, especially if the neglect is apparent from early infancy. There is often a lack of emotional bonding, physical touch and proper nutrition from a primary caregiver. The transition to a state home can solidify the disorder and perpetuate feelings of abandonment and general fear of surroundings and interaction. The disorder can snowball into other serious personality and mood disorders as the child matures.

Oppositional and Defiant Behaviors

• Oppositional and defiant behaviors in older children and adolescents have been linked with disruption of -- or wholly inadequate -- attachment as well. The child or adolescent may appear angry and distressed about seemingly small conflicts and social interactions. Lack of attention in early childhood may cause the child to seek attention by a mostly negative process. As the child enters into adolescence, the behavior may become more severe and serious, sometimes leading to anti-social and criminal activity. The tendency toward this type of behavior can be seen in the very young child when he shows no distress upon separation from a close caregiver and then shows anger or resentment upon the caregiver's return.

Depression and Other Mood/Personality Disorders

• Depression and other mood disorders are seen in high rates among the orphaned. The propensity toward mood disorders can be understood when the underlying theme of inadequacy and abandonment is understood. Most state homes provide the basics for survival and growth, but lack the funding, staff training and time that is needed to address the treatment and prevention of mood and personality disorders. Depression is often seen as a "gateway" disorder, which can lead to more serious personality complications and avoidant behaviors if left undiagnosed and untreated.

Prevention of Psychological Issues

• Many state homes are becoming more adequate at preventing the installation and progression of psychological issues within the orphaned population. Better trained faculty that is more aware and significantly more sensitive to the development of RAD and other disorders is on the forefront of improvement in this area. Awareness within the general population of the epidemic of mental health issues that face children and adolescents living in state homes has increased general funding and volunteer involvement as well.