The relationship between neurocognitive functioning and psychiatric status in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (all)

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Authors
Schwandt, Bethany M.
Advisor
Davis, Andrew S.
Issue Date
2022-07
Keyword
Degree
Thesis (Ph. D.)
Department
Other Identifiers
CardCat URL
Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between neurocognitive (i.e., executive functioning, working memory, and processing speed) and psychiatric (depression and anxiety) late effects among survivors of childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Participants included 53 patients (35 male, 18 female) with a mean age of 11 years old at the time of the neuropsychological evaluation. Participants were patients referred by their treating physician for neuropsychological services following treatment of chemotherapy only or chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Executive functioning was measured using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, Second Edition (BRIEF-2; Gioia et al., 2015); processing speed and working memory was measuring using select subtests from the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Fifth Edition (WISC-V; Wechsler, 2014); and depression and anxiety were measured using the Depression and Anxiety subscales on the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3; Reynolds & Kamphaus, 2015). Results from the path analyses provided statistical support for the relationship between overall executive functioning and parent-reported depression and anxiety. There was support for the relationship between processing speed (PSI Index) and parent-reported depression and processing speed (Coding subtest) and self-reported depression. There was no support for working memory and parent-reported or self-reported depression or anxiety. The results direct future considerations for early intervention and screening.