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Mood and behavioral dysfunction with opsoclonus-myoclonus ataxia.
Susan Beckwitt Turkel1, Virdette L Brumm, Wendy G Mitchell
1Department of Psychiatry, Childrens Hospital, Los Angeles, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 90027, USA. sbturkel@usc.edu
Summary
This study examined psychiatric symptoms in children with opsoclonus-myoclonus ataxia syndrome, a rare neurological disorder linked to neuroblastoma. Findings highlight behavioral and cognitive challenges in affected children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Neuro-oncology
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Opsoclonus-myoclonus ataxia syndrome (OMAS) is a rare autoimmune or paraneoplastic neurological disorder.
- OMAS is frequently associated with neuroblastoma, a pediatric cancer.
- Cerebellar damage is a hallmark of OMAS, leading to motor and cognitive deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the spectrum and prevalence of psychiatric symptoms in children diagnosed with OMAS.
- To characterize the specific behavioral and cognitive manifestations associated with OMAS in a pediatric cohort.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 17 children diagnosed with OMAS, aged 16 months to 12.5 years, was evaluated.
- Psychiatric assessments focused on disruptive behavior, affective dysregulation, irritability, impulsivity, cognitive impairment, and attention deficits.
Main Results:
- Children with OMAS exhibited a range of psychiatric symptoms.
- Key symptoms included disruptive behaviors, emotional dysregulation, irritability, impulsivity, and impaired attention.
Conclusions:
- OMAS significantly impacts the psychiatric and cognitive well-being of affected children.
- Comprehensive psychiatric and neurodevelopmental evaluations are crucial for managing children with OMAS.