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Contribution title Comparison of Emotional and Behavioral Problems in Children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Their Parents with Healthy Children and Their Parents
Contribution code D2.092
Authors
  1. Zehra Koyuncu Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
  2. Fitnat Uluğ Istanbul University Cerrahpasa- Cerrahpasa School of Medicine
  3. Seda Sönmez Kurukaya Istanbul University Cerrahpasa- Cerrahpasa School of Medicine
  4. Berkay Tayşi Istanbul University Cerrahpasa- Cerrahpasa School of Medicine Presenter
  5. Büşra Arslan Amasya Sabuncuoglu Serefeddin Research and Trainee Hospital
  6. Elif Anaç Istanbul University Cerrahpasa- Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
  7. Mustafa Balkanas Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
  8. Sena Kesik Istanbul University Cerrahpasa- Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
  9. Burak Doğangün Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine
  10. Sema Saltık Istanbul University Cerrahpasa- Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
Form of presentation Poster
Topic
  • T20 - Family / systemic therapy
Abstract Aims
This study aims to compare emotional and behavioral problems in children with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and anxiety and depression symptoms in their parents with those of healthy children and their parents. Preliminary findings from our ongoing study are presented.

Methods
Data were collected from 28 children with SMA under 18 years of age and their parents. Psychiatric diagnoses in children were assessed using K-SADS-PL, while emotional and behavioral difficulties were evaluated using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Parental anxiety and depression symptoms were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS).

Results
Of the children with SMA, 46.4% were female, and 64.3% of parents were mothers. Parental anxiety and depression scores averaged 7.5 (SD 3.4), with 46.4% scoring above the HADS threshold (≥8), potentially higher than general population norms. Psychiatric diagnoses were absent in 64.3% of children, with identified cases including anxiety disorders (n=2), nocturnal enuresis (n=3), encopresis (n=3), and ADHD (n=1). SDQ subscale scores were highest for emotional difficulties (mean 7.1, SD 1.6). Total SDQ scores exceeded the clinical threshold (≥14) in 39.3% of children.

Conclusions
Preliminary results indicate elevated anxiety and depression symptoms in parents of children with SMA and significant emotional and behavioral difficulties in children, despite most not meeting psychiatric diagnostic criteria. These findings emphasize the psychological impact of SMA on families, highlighting the need for targeted support. Comparisons with healthy controls will provide additional insights.