By Francesca Hangeior

Medical practitioners in the field of mental health have expressed concerns over the huge psychological and emotional impact of paternity fraud on the well-being and development of children.

The physicians warned that paternity fraud could lead to suicidal ideation and emotional distress among affected young people.

The experts noted that the emotional fallout from learning about a non-biological parentage could be profound on children, especially when not properly communicated.

According to them, in some cases, paternity revelations could lead to a crisis of identity, which in extreme cases, manifests as suicidal thoughts or severe emotional turmoil.

In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing trend of paternity fraud, where children are discovered not to belong to their supposed fathers.

This phenomenon has left many families in shock, with some marriages ending in divorce due to the discovery.

Speaking on its impact on children, especially among those between the ages of five and nine, the experts stated that the psychological effects of discovering one’s biological parentage could be devastating, with children facing various emotional distress.

On the short-term impact, they said such children could suffer from anxiety, withdrawal from social interactions, and a decline in academic performance.

The physicians added that over time, the trauma could lead to chronic issues like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, difficulties in forming trusting relationships, and self-esteem problems.

The mental experts stressed the need for compassion and psychological preparedness in handling such situations.

They emphasised that children require assistance and direction that could improve their mental health and emotional well-being.

While noting that DNA testing could offer valuable insights, both physicians argued that these situations should be handled with compassion and sensitivity to avoid causing unnecessary harm to children.

A Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Abeokuta, Dr. Yesiru Kareem, highlighted the profound emotional turmoil children could experience when they learn that a parent is not biologically related.

According to him, the immediate shock could lead to intense anxiety, depression, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts.

Kareem explained that while biological parenthood was one aspect of parenthood, it was not the sole determinant of familial bonds.

He stated that adoptive, surrogate, and foster parenthood were valid forms of parenting, stressing that the interpretation of DNA results should be carefully managed to avoid unnecessary trauma.

“The revelation that a parent is not biologically related can have a devastating impact on a child. The effects are not just immediate but can extend into long-term psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional instability,” he stated.

The psychiatrist recommended that families seek the support of mental health professionals to deliver the news and provide ongoing emotional support.

He noted that it was essential to tailor the explanation to the child’s developmental level and ensure that the child’s environment remains stable to minimise additional stress.

He argued that maintaining confidentiality was vital to protect children from public scrutiny and stigma, which could further harm their emotional well-being.

He stressed the importance of sensitive handling of such situations.

“Parents should be cautious about breaking such news to their children. Ideally, this should be done by professionals trained in managing and mitigating psychological trauma.

“The child’s emotional well-being must be prioritised, and efforts should be made to shield them from unnecessary exposure to the controversy,” he noted.

Kareem also highlighted the risk of social stigmatisation, lamenting that such children facing negative DNA test results might encounter judgment from their peers and community, further worsening their emotional struggles.

He maintained that the stigma could lead to further isolation and difficulties in coping.