Developmental coordination disorder, psychopathology and IQ in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. (January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cunningham, Adam C.; Delport, Sue; Cumines, Wendy; Busse, Monica; Linden, David E. J.; Hall, Jeremy; Owen, Michael J.; van den Bree, Marianne B. M.
• Is Part Of: British journal of psychiatry. Volume 212:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 27
• Page End: 33
• Publication Date: 2018-01
• Subjects: Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2017.6
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1250

Abstract

Abstract : Background: 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is associated with high rates of neurodevelopmental disorder, however, the links between developmental coordination disorder (DCD), intellectual function and psychiatric disorder remain unexplored. Aims: To establish the prevalence of indicative DCD in children with 22q11.2DS and examine associations with IQ, neurocognition and psychopathology. Method: Neurocognitive assessments and psychiatric interviews of 70 children with 22q11.2DS (mean age 11.2, s.d. = 2.2) and 32 control siblings (mean age 11.5, s.d. = 2.1) were carried out in their homes. Nine children with 22q11.2DS and indicative DCD were subsequently assessed in an occupational therapy clinic. Results: Indicative DCD was found in 57 (81.4%) children with 22q11.2DS compared with 2 (6.3%) control siblings (odds ratio (OR) = 36.7, P < 0.001). Eight of nine (89%) children with indicative DCD met DSM-5 criteria for DCD. Poorer coordination was associated with increased numbers of anxiety, ( P < 0.001), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ( P < 0.001) and autism-spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms ( P < 0.001) in children with 22q11.2DS. Furthermore, 100% of children with 22q11.2DS and ADHD had indicative DCD (20 of 20), as did 90% of children with anxiety disorder (17 of 19) and 96% of children who screened positive for ASD (22 of 23). The Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire score was related to sustained attention ( P = 0.006), even after history of epileptic fits ( P = 0.006) and heart problems ( P = 0.009) was taken into account. Conclusions: Clinicians should be aware of the high risk of coordination difficulties in children with 22q11.2DS and its association with risk of mental disorder and specific neurocognitive deficits. Declaration of interest: None.