Parallel to the rapid evolution in neonatal intensive care technology, survival rates of prematurely born children have increased dramatically during the last decade. This improvement has generated concerns about the subsequent development and long-term adaptive functioning, as well as increased interest in their emotional and behavioral development, neurodevelopmental outcome and cognitive functioning. This article aims to consider prematurity from the viewpoint of child psychiatry and to review the current literature on the cognitive, and especially behavioral and emotional outcomes and on the factors affecting the development of premature children, with suggestions of how to approach the premature child and his family.

Keywords: prematurite, bilişsel, davranışsal, coşkusal, gelişim, prematurity, cognitive, behavioral, emotional, development