Family Functioning, Anxiety, and Depressive Symptoms and Their Impact on Quality of Life in Children With Neurofibromatosis Type 1
Journal of Child Neurology, cilt.41, sa.7, ss.971-981, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 41 Sayı: 7
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1177/08830738251396193
- Dergi Adı: Journal of Child Neurology
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, MEDLINE, MLA - Modern Language Association Database, Psycinfo
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.971-981
- Anahtar Kelimeler: anxiety and depression, children, family functioning, neurofibromatosis, quality of life
- Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır
Özet
Aim: Our study aims to explore the relationship between anxiety, depressive symptoms, and family functioning about quality of life in children diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1. Methods: A 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. Results: Attention-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. Conclusions: Addressing 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.