Psychiatric symptomatology, behaviors related to executive functions and social responsiveness in children and youth with spina bifida

Abstract

The present study aimed: 1. To determine if children with SB demonstrate psychiatric disorders more than typically developing children 2. To assess if children with SB have more problems in executive functions and social responsiveness than TD children. 3. To investigate their relationship with neurologic level, ambulation status and presence of hydrocephalus. Thirty-one patients (age 6–15 years) with spina bifida and age-and gender-matched 36 controls without any chronic health condition, were assessed by a detailed form for sociodemographic characteristics. Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia Present and Lifetime Version for clinical psychiatric diagnoses were also evaluated. Also, four subtests of Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R) and Childhood Autism Rating Scale were administered by the clinician. Parents of the participants completed Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and Aberrant Behavior Checklist. Compared to healthy controls; psychiatric disorder rates, SRS total scores, BRIEF planning and organization subscores were higher in children and adolescents with spina bifida. Furthermore, WISC-R subtest scores were lower in this group. Psychiatric diagnosis rate did not differ among spinal lesion levels (upper vs. lower). Initiate and organization of materials subscores of BRIEF were significantly higher in lower lesion level group than upper lesion level cases. And also metacognition index, initiate and organization of materials were significantly higher in community ambulators than non-community ambulators. SRS total score was significantly higher in children with spina bifida ( P = 0.021). Children with spina bifida have more psychiatric problems, demonstrated impairments in planning and organization and may have problems in social functioning when compared to their same age peers without chronic disease. Lesion level and mobility status have an impact on metacognition index, initiate and organization of materials subscales of BRIEF.