Related Experiment Videos
[Temporary changes of personality traits in children suffering from solid tumor--a prospective study]
C Niemeyer1, B Kleber, R B Tröbs
1Universitätsklinikum Leipzig AöR, Klinik und Poliklinik für Kinderchirurgie, Germany. niec@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Klinische Padiatrie
|August 8, 2002
Summary
Children with solid tumors experience temporary personality changes, including increased aggression and social isolation, during cancer therapy. These behavioral and emotional issues resolve, with no long-term differences compared to healthy peers.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Developmental Psychology
Context:
- Solid tumors in children present unique challenges to personality development.
- Assessing psychological impacts during and after cancer treatment is crucial.
Purpose:
- To prospectively evaluate personality trait alterations in pediatric solid tumor patients.
- To compare personality changes in patients versus a healthy control group.
Summary:
- Children with solid tumors exhibited more behavioral and emotional problems initially.
- During therapy, patients showed increased aggression, egocentrism, and social isolation.
- One to three years post-therapy, no significant personality differences remained between patients and controls.
Impact:
- Cancer treatment-related distress temporarily affects personality development in children.
- Long-term psychological well-being in pediatric cancer survivors is comparable to the general population.