Cognitive and behavioral trajectories in 22q11DS from childhood into adolescence: a prospective 6-year follow-up study

Res Dev Disabil. 2013 Sep;34(9):2937-45. doi: 10.1016/j.ridd.2013.06.001. Epub 2013 Jun 29.

Abstract

Patients with 22q11DS are at risk of behavioral problems and cognitive impairment. Recent studies suggest a possible intellectual decline in 22q11DS children. To date it is unknown if cognitive development is related to the behavioral problems in 22q11DS. We studied 53 children with 22q11DS who underwent cognitive and behavioral assessments at 9.5 years (T1) and 15.3 years (T2). In about one third, IQ data obtained at 7.5 years (T0) were also available. Results showed that internalizing behaviors intensified while externalizing behaviors decreased. Simultaneously, in about a third a significant decline in IQ was found, which, surprisingly, was unrelated to the behavioral changes. It can be concluded that children with 22q11DS follow a unique developmental trajectory. Cognitive deterioration is severe in some but does not appear to predict behavioral problems in early adolescence.

Keywords: 22q11-Deletion syndrome; Behavior; Intelligence; Longitudinal; Velo-Cardio-Facial-syndrome.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 22q11 Deletion Syndrome / epidemiology
  • 22q11 Deletion Syndrome / psychology*
  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Development
  • Child
  • Child Behavior Disorders / epidemiology
  • Child Behavior Disorders / psychology*
  • Child Development
  • Cognition Disorders / epidemiology
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Internal-External Control*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Psychology, Adolescent
  • Psychology, Child
  • Risk Factors