Psychopathology, temperament and substance abuse in street children

ABSTRACT

Background: Street children are vulnerable to various psychological disturbances. Assessment of these can help in identifying areas of intervention, which can prevent further damage caused to their life. Aim: To study the demographic profile, street activities, reasons leading them to street life, psychiatric morbidity and substance abuse pattern of street children. Method: This study was conducted in the age group of 5 to 15 years staying in a shelter home run by a local organization. Results: Majority of the boys had left their homes after 10 years of age, and belonged to dysfunctional families. Majority had substance abuse pattern. Many of them showed low self-confidence, low frustration tolerance, poor attention span and difficulty in communication. Conclusions: Proper understanding of risk factors which drive children to street may help reduce the number of such children. Also, early identification of psychological disturbances in such children, timely intervention and enriched environment may prevent further damage to their future.