Minor Physical Anomalies as a Biologic Marker for Behavior Disorders

The presence of minor physical anomalies (MPA) has been proposed as a marker for abnormal fetal development occurring in the first trimester. Excess MPA are said to be particularly associated with childhood hyperactivity. This paper reviews clinical and research issues relating to MPA and describes their measurement in a mixed group of emotionally disturbed/behavior disordered children. This study confirms that MPA are associated with neurodevelopmental delay, which may underlie many types of child psychiatric disorders. Although the findings do not support the use of MPA scores for identification of high risk children, they remain an interesting research measure and a useful clinical indicator for developmental abnormalities. J. Am. Acad. Child Adolesc. Psychiatry, 1988, 27, 4:466–473.