title: Brain tumors in children and adolescents: cognitive and psychological disorders at different ages.
abstract: Cognitive and psychological disorders are among the most frequently observed sequelae in brain tumor survivors. The goal of this work was to verify the presence of these disorders in a group of children and adolescents diagnosed with brain tumor before age 18 years, differentiate these disorders according to age of assessment, identify correlations between the two types of impairments and define possible associations between these impairments and clinical variables. The study involved 76 patients diagnosed with brain tumor before age 18 years. Three age groups were formed, and all the patients received a standardized battery of age-matched cognitive and psychological tests. According to our findings, all three groups present with cognitive and psychological-behavioral disorders. Their frequency varies according to age of onset and is strongly associated to time since diagnosis. The performance intelligence quotient (PIQ) was more impaired than the verbal intelligence quotient (VIQ). Internalizing problems, withdrawal and social problems were the most frequent psychological disorders. Correlations were found between cognitive impairment and the onset of the main psychological and behavioral disorders. These findings are relevant as they point out the long-term outcome of brain tumor survivors. Hence, the recommendation to diversify psychological interventions and rehabilitation plans according to the patients' age.
authors.affiliation: IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Via Don Luigi Monza 23842, Bosisio Parini (LC), Italy. gpoggi@bp.lnf.it
authors.forename: Geraldina
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Poggi
authors.forename: Mariarosaria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Liscio
authors.forename: Susanna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Galbiati
authors.forename: Annarita
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Adduci
authors.forename: Maura
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Massimino
authors.forename: Lorenza
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gandola
authors.forename: Filippo
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Spreafico
authors.forename: Carlo Alfredo
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Clerici
authors.forename: Franca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Fossati-Bellani
authors.forename: Michela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sommovigo
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Castelli
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D000367:Age Factors; D017668:Age of Onset; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D002653:Child Behavior Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D012919:Social Behavior; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology*