Comparing Psychological Adjustment Across Cleft and Other Craniofacial Conditions: Implications for Outcome Measurement and Intervention.

Although cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) has been a focus of psychological research for a number of years, investigation of adjustment to other, rarer craniofacial anomalies (CFAs) has been scarce. Yet, many features of the journey experienced by patients with CL/P could also have relevance for those affected by other CFAs and vice versa. This brief article summarizes the literature pertaining to psychological adjustment across both craniofacial groups, as represented by several prominent review articles. Similarities across the 2 patient groups in relation to key domains of psychological adjustment and corresponding factors are identified. Consequently, a standardized approach to measurement across all congenital craniofacial conditions is proposed, alongside suggestions for the potential application of similar intervention frameworks and clinical approaches.