Abstract
Velo-cardio-facial syndrome (VCFS) is characterized by a high prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders in childhood
and adolescence. These disorders are a source of great impairment in everyday functioning, as well as important risk factors
for the emergence of later psychotic disorders. Impairment in daily and social functioning as well as loss of IQ throughout
growth are also are well-established correlates of the VCFS. This study aimed to confirm the high prevalence of depression
and anxiety disorders. The second objective was to ascertain the correlation between anxious and depressive symptoms and the
decline in adaptive and cognitive functioning. A total of 73 children and adolescents with VCFS (mean age 11.9 years) underwent
psychiatric evaluation. Subjects were further divided into four age groups: ages 6–9, 9–12, 12–15 and 15–18 years. Assessments
measuring intelligence, anxious and depressive symptoms, and adaptation skills reported by parents were submitted to a subsample
of 62 children (mean age 12.2 years); 62.2 % of the sample showed an anxiety disorder, specific phobia being the most represented
at all ages. Lifetime depression concerned 27 % of the sample, peaking at age 12–15 years. Anxious and depressive symptoms
and low IQ were significantly associated with low adaptive functioning. Anxiety and depression are common disorders in children
and adolescents with VCFS and have a great impact on adaptive functioning. Clinicians should pay great attention to diagnosis
and treatment.
and adolescence. These disorders are a source of great impairment in everyday functioning, as well as important risk factors
for the emergence of later psychotic disorders. Impairment in daily and social functioning as well as loss of IQ throughout
growth are also are well-established correlates of the VCFS. This study aimed to confirm the high prevalence of depression
and anxiety disorders. The second objective was to ascertain the correlation between anxious and depressive symptoms and the
decline in adaptive and cognitive functioning. A total of 73 children and adolescents with VCFS (mean age 11.9 years) underwent
psychiatric evaluation. Subjects were further divided into four age groups: ages 6–9, 9–12, 12–15 and 15–18 years. Assessments
measuring intelligence, anxious and depressive symptoms, and adaptation skills reported by parents were submitted to a subsample
of 62 children (mean age 12.2 years); 62.2 % of the sample showed an anxiety disorder, specific phobia being the most represented
at all ages. Lifetime depression concerned 27 % of the sample, peaking at age 12–15 years. Anxious and depressive symptoms
and low IQ were significantly associated with low adaptive functioning. Anxiety and depression are common disorders in children
and adolescents with VCFS and have a great impact on adaptive functioning. Clinicians should pay great attention to diagnosis
and treatment.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Contribution
- Pages 1-7
- DOI 10.1007/s00787-012-0273-x
- Authors
- Alice Fabbro, Department of Psychiatry, Office Médico-Pédagogique Research Unit, University of Geneva School of Medicine, 1 David Dufour, CP 50, 1211 Geneva 8, Switzerland
- Eleonora Rizzi, Department of Psychiatry, Office Médico-Pédagogique Research Unit, University of Geneva School of Medicine, 1 David Dufour, CP 50, 1211 Geneva 8, Switzerland
- Maude Schneider, Department of Psychiatry, Office Médico-Pédagogique Research Unit, University of Geneva School of Medicine, 1 David Dufour, CP 50, 1211 Geneva 8, Switzerland
- Martin Debbane, Faculty of Psychology, University of Geneva, 40 Pont d’Arve, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Stephan Eliez, Department of Psychiatry, Office Médico-Pédagogique Research Unit, University of Geneva School of Medicine, 1 David Dufour, CP 50, 1211 Geneva 8, Switzerland
- Journal European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
- Online ISSN 1435-165X
- Print ISSN 1018-8827