Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development
Published on: May 17, 2024
Family Functioning, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms and Their Impact on Quality of Life in Children With
Tuğba Acehan1,2, Yağmur Harputlu Yamak1, Şeyma Gürbüz1
1Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ankara Etlik City Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Ankara, Turkey.
Insights
Children with neurofibromatosis type 1 experience lower quality of life and higher affective family involvement. Improving family functioning and psychosocial support is key for better adaptation and mental health.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Neurology
- Child Psychiatry
- Psychology
Background:
- Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder with potential psychosocial impacts.
- Understanding the interplay between NF1, mental health, and family dynamics is crucial for comprehensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between anxiety, depressive symptoms, family functioning, and quality of life in children with NF1.
- To compare these factors between children with NF1 and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 24 children with NF1 and 27 age/gender-matched controls (8-18 years) participated.
- Assessments included clinical interviews (KSADS-PL), psychometric scales for family functioning, quality of life, anxiety, and depressive symptoms.
- Diagnoses were confirmed by a pediatric neurologist; evaluations by a child psychiatrist.
Main Results:
- Children with NF1 showed significantly lower parent-reported psychosocial quality of life and total quality of life scores.
- Higher affective involvement in family functioning was reported in the NF1 group.
- Problem-solving and general family functioning correlated with anxiety, depression, and quality of life in the NF1 group.
Conclusions:
- Family functioning and psychosocial support are critical components for managing NF1.
- Integrating these aspects into NF1 care may improve children's adaptation, mental health, and long-term quality of life.
- Targeted interventions addressing family dynamics can positively impact outcomes for children with NF1.
Abstract:
AimOur study aims to explore the relationship between anxiety, depressive symptoms, and family functioning about quality of life in children diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1.MethodsA total of 51 participants, including 24 children in the neurofibromatosis type 1 group and 27 age- and gender-matched controls, aged between 8 and 18 years, were included. A pediatric neurologist confirmed each neurofibromatosis type 1 diagnosis. A semi-structured clinical interview (KSADS-PL) and psychometric evaluation were performed by a unique child psychiatrist. A sociodemographic form and psychometric scales assessing family functioning, quality of life, and children's anxiety and depressive symptoms were administered.ResultsAttention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or specific learning disorder were identified in 12 cases (50.0%). Parent-reported psychosocial subscores and total quality of life scores were significantly lower in the neurofibromatosis type 1 group compared with controls. Affective involvement subscores in family functioning were significantly higher in the neurofibromatosis type 1 group than in controls. The total quality of life scores reported by both children and parents, along with parent-reported psychosocial quality of life subscores, showed a moderate positive correlation with age at neurofibromatosis type 1 diagnosis. In contrast to the control group, problem-solving subscores in family functioning in the neurofibromatosis type 1 group showed a moderate positive correlation with depression scores and a moderate negative correlation with child-reported psychosocial quality of life subscores. Additionally, in the neurofibromatosis type 1 group, general family functioning exhibited a moderate positive correlation with total anxiety scores and a moderate negative correlation with child-reported psychosocial quality of life subscores.ConclusionsAddressing family functioning and integrating psychosocial support into neurofibromatosis type 1 management may enhance adaptation, mental health, and long-term quality of life for affected children and their families.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Social Anxiety Disorder
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:28Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...
01:25Benefits of Self-Esteem
01:18Anxiety: Overview
Individuals with anxiety often experience a range of physical and emotional symptoms, including sweating, trembling, tachycardia, and disturbances in sleep patterns. These symptoms vary in intensity and frequency but are generally disruptive and distressing.