Detecting anxiety symptoms in children and youths with neurofibromatosis type I

Children with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are known to have cognitive, social, and behavioral deficits. Fifteen NF1-subjects (5 boys, 10 girls, mean age = 13.4), and 15 healthy controls matched for age and sex were assessed on the presence of anxiety symptoms, using the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children (MASC), self-report questionnaire. Significant group differences emerged with regard to MASC total (Z = -2.058, P = 0.041) and anxiety disorder index (ADI; Z = -2.202, P = 0.026), but not with regard to single scales. When the severity and visibility of NF1 were considered, correlation between severity and social anxiety, and severity and MASC total was found. This is the first study assessing anxiety symptoms in NF1 children and youths. A precocious psychological survey and intervention in NF1 subjects, may contribute to reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders in adulthood.