To go or not to go: School refusal and its clinical correlates

Abstract

Problematic school refusal that is child motivated is a serious but common presentation and a child psychiatric emergency. Mental health professionals, paediatricians, educators and parents are often required to work in tandem to alleviate concerns due to this. Prolonged absence from school may lead to immediate (educational backwardness) and far-reaching effects (psycho-social and educational maladjustment). Psychiatric morbidity is high in school-refusing children presenting to secondary and tertiary services and is associated with temperamental, family and environmental adversities. Outcomes can vary according to their age, duration of school refusal and environmental variables.