Child mental health and deafness

Mental health problems are more common in deaf children. Increased risk factors can be understood using a biopsychosocial model of mental health. Biological risk factors are more common in acquired deafness and perhaps some syndromes. These need to be identified and treated. The cultural model of deafness can be used to understand and manage many psychosocial issues and to prevent future mental health problems. Support for parents and early communication strategies are crucial. A comprehensive mental health assessment needs to incorporate the medical and cultural model of deafness and adaptations in the assessment process will need to be made. Further research is needed to establish which treatment approaches are most effective and how these may need to be adapted.