A brief primer for pediatric urologists and surgeons on developmental psychopathology in the exstrophy-epispadias complex

Developmental psychopathology is common in children with exstrophy. It may be mild or severe, and it may persist or transform as the child grows. The pediatric urologist is ideally situated to identify signs or symptoms of early developmental psychopathology in these children. Presented in this article are techniques for identifying the child requiring full assessment and for establishing referral-consultants. Screening instruments are suggested, as well as how to use these to educate the parents and the child. Methods are provided to identify, as well as to educate, selected consultants in child psychology and psychiatry about the clinical realities of exstrophy.