Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2026
Dynamic Clamp Methods to Investigate Impaired Neuronal Excitability Associated with Autism
Published on: October 17, 2025
Research of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC)-Associated Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TAND) in China
Fei Zheng1, Tian Yu2, Isah Salim Ahmad3
1Department of Pediatrics, Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Women and Children's Medical Center, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China.
Background:
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multisystem genetic disorder. Neuropsychiatric manifestations (TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders [TAND]) are nearly universal and a key quality of life determinant but often overlooked.
Objective:
To adapt the validated TAND Checklist to Chinese, describe TAND profiles across age groups in Chinese TSC patients, and compare severity between TSC1 and TSC2 genotypes.
Methods:
Cross-sectional study of 311 consecutive patients meeting 2012 International TSC Consensus criteria. Data were collected March-December 2024 at two Chinese tertiary centers.
Main Outcomes And Measures:
TAND prevalence and profiles across six domains using the adapted Chinese TAND Checklist. Intellectual disability defined as IQ < 70.
Results:
No sex differences in TAND prevalence were found. Patients averaged eight behavioral problems; most common were mood swings (67.8%), language impairment/delay (67.5%), and inattention (64.6%). Of 152 with formal IQ testing, 68.4% had intellectual disability. Autism spectrum disorder (22.2%) was the most prevalent psychiatric diagnosis. School-aged children had prominent academic difficulties, especially in mathematics (64.3%). Top concerns were memory problems (56.3%) and family stress (52.7%). Children had more language, self-care, and attention problems and adults had more anxiety and depression. TAND features differed significantly between TSC1 and TSC2 genotypes (P < 0.05).
Conclusions:
TAND was pervasive. The adapted Chinese TAND Checklist enabled systematic assessment. TSC2 variants were associated with more severe neuropsychiatric phenotypes. Routine TAND screening and genotype-aware, personalized management are warranted.