Child abuse and mental disorders in Canada

Tracie O. Afifi; Harriet L. MacMillan; Michael Boyle; Tamara Taillieu; Kristene Cheung; Jitender Sareen

doi:10.1503/cmaj.131792

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Childhood Female Genital Mutilation and the potential for Mental disorders
James C Harley

Posted on: 23 June 2014

Posted on: (23 June 2014)

Childhood Female Genital Mutilation and the potential for Mental disorders
James C Harley, junior doctor
Dear Authors,
Thank you for publishing this interesting topic on child abuse and mental disorders. I wanted to raise the current topic of female genital mutilation and a potential link between mental illness in this small group.
Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision or female genital cutting, is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as "all procedures involving pa...
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Dear Authors,
Thank you for publishing this interesting topic on child abuse and mental disorders. I wanted to raise the current topic of female genital mutilation and a potential link between mental illness in this small group.
Female genital mutilation (FGM), also known as female circumcision or female genital cutting, is defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as "all procedures involving partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non- medical reasons". 1
This is an illegal practice which causes significant physical and psychological harm to exposures to the practice. Children may also feel embrassed about approaching there family doctors about any medical issues around this area. Other psychological impact mediated by FGM may include anxiety, fear and inferiority compared to that white counterparts. 2
It is important, for clinicians to be aware of the potential for certain ethnic groups to carry out this practice. Making every attempt to intervene or refer to appropriate services to safeguard children, not only from the physical impact of FGM but also from the severe psychological impact associated with this practice. Immigration and refugee movement around the world increases the likelihood of FGM being practice in non- traditional settings. The FORWARD charity is an excellent resource for healthcare professionals around this area.
References
1.WHO study group on female genital mutilation and obstetric outcome, Banks E, Meirik O, Farley T, Akande O, Bathija H, Ali M. Female genital mutilation and obstetric outcome: WHO collaborative prospective study in six African countries. Lancet. 2006 Jun 3;367(9525):1835-41.
2. Mulongo P, McAndrew S, Hollins Martin C. Crossing borders: Discussing the evidence relating to the mental health needs of women exposed to female genital mutilation. Int J Ment Health Nurs. 2014 Feb 18.2.
Conflict of Interest:
None declared
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Competing Interests: None declared.