Risk of major psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents surviving malignancies
Dr. Mu-Hong Chen
A nationwide longitudinal study in Taiwan evaluated the risk of major psychiatric disorders among childhood and adolescent cancer survivors (CACSs) compared with the general Taiwanese population. CACS had increased risks of autism spectrum disorder (HR 10.42), ADHD (HR 6.59), bipolar disorder (HR 2.93), major depressive disorder (HR 1,88), obsessive-compulsive disorder (HR 3.37), and post-traumatic stress disorder (HR 6.10). These risks were increased not only in survivors of CNS cancers but also in survivors of various non-CNS cancers. The risks varied for specific cancers. The study results suggest a need for risk-based screening for these disorders to ensure early detection and timely management.
