Excessive life changes during childhood and their effects on mental and physical health in adulthood.

Abstract

To evaluate the long-lasting effects of excessive life changes during childhood, a group of children sent during the war years 1939-1945 from Finland to Sweden was examined. Their physical and mental health were compared with those of a control group. Information was gathered by postal questionnaire and from various official records both in Finland and Sweden. A clinical interview enhanced the findings of the study. The groups did not differ greatly from each other. Somatically the control group suffered from chronic illnesses more than the group of war children. This particularly applied to cardiovascular diseases; the control group also received more medication free of charge, i.e. medication for chronic diseases, the expenses of which are covered by Public Health Care. As regards mental illnesses the groups were similar. The group of war children was more capable than the control group at recognizing and expressing their feelings.