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Background <p>Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is a common congenital craniofacial anomaly associated with prolonged treatment, functional challenges, and substantial psychosocial burden. Although surgical intervention remains central to management, mental health challenges often persist beyond corrective procedures and may evolve across life stages, shaped by individual experiences, family dynamics, societal stigma, and healthcare systems. </p> Objective <p>This narrative review synthesizes literature examining the psychological experiences of individuals with CL/P and their caregivers across the care continuum. </p> Methodology <p>Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest) were searched for full-text English-language studies assessing pre-operative, post-operative, and caregiver-related psychological outcomes. Findings were organized into pre-operative psychological status, psychosocial impact on caregivers, and post-operative psychological outcomes, with current approaches to mental health support discussed separately. </p> Results <p>The evidence demonstrates a high prevalence of anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, body image concerns, and behavioural difficulties among individuals with CL/P, frequently persisting despite satisfactory surgical outcomes. Caregivers experience significant emotional distress, financial strain, and psychosocial burden that may influence rehabilitation and adjustment. Post-operative dissatisfaction and repeated interventions further contribute to ongoing psychosocial impact. Gaps in standardized mental health assessment and limited integration of psychological services remain evident, particularly in low- and middle-income settings such as India. </p> Conclusion <p>These findings highlight the need for a life-course–oriented, integrated cleft care model incorporating routine psychological screening, family-centred support, and multidisciplinary mental health services alongside surgical treatment to optimize long-term outcomes.</p>

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Mental Health Challenges in Cleft Lip and/or Palate Care: A Narrative Review with an Indian Perspective

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年5月21日

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  • Varsha Haridas Upadya,
  • Spoorthi Shridhar Kurse,
  • H. Hari Kishore Bhat

摘要

Background

Cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) is a common congenital craniofacial anomaly associated with prolonged treatment, functional challenges, and substantial psychosocial burden. Although surgical intervention remains central to management, mental health challenges often persist beyond corrective procedures and may evolve across life stages, shaped by individual experiences, family dynamics, societal stigma, and healthcare systems.

Objective

This narrative review synthesizes literature examining the psychological experiences of individuals with CL/P and their caregivers across the care continuum.

Methodology

Electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest) were searched for full-text English-language studies assessing pre-operative, post-operative, and caregiver-related psychological outcomes. Findings were organized into pre-operative psychological status, psychosocial impact on caregivers, and post-operative psychological outcomes, with current approaches to mental health support discussed separately.

Results

The evidence demonstrates a high prevalence of anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, body image concerns, and behavioural difficulties among individuals with CL/P, frequently persisting despite satisfactory surgical outcomes. Caregivers experience significant emotional distress, financial strain, and psychosocial burden that may influence rehabilitation and adjustment. Post-operative dissatisfaction and repeated interventions further contribute to ongoing psychosocial impact. Gaps in standardized mental health assessment and limited integration of psychological services remain evident, particularly in low- and middle-income settings such as India.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the need for a life-course–oriented, integrated cleft care model incorporating routine psychological screening, family-centred support, and multidisciplinary mental health services alongside surgical treatment to optimize long-term outcomes.