Kids with Developmental Coordination Disorder at higher risk of mental health problems, IJP study

Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) is characterized by motor problems including significant difficulties in language, reading, arithmetic, and perceptual skills compared to their peers. Researchers Baskaran et al have now shown that these children with DCD are also at an increased risk of mental health difficulties as assessed by Health-related Quality of Life (HRQOL) scale used in their study that is now published in Indian Journal of Psychiatry.

Prevalence of DCD has been estimated to be 3.8% in 9–14-year- old children. Previous reports state that 58% of DCD adults aged around 22 years are suffering from anxiety and personality disorders. However, till date, very little is known concerning the impact on HRQOL in DCD children.

This study was conducted with 32 schoolchildren between ages 9–14 years, who were diagnosed with DCD. The Neuro QOL (filled by parents) is a sensitively designed tool used to assess the HRQOL in pediatric population; it consists of ten measures; eight targeted scales (anxiety, depression, anger, social interaction, fatigue, pain, cognition, and stigma); and two generic scales (upper and lower extremity function).

Results showed that DCD Children are significantly affected in domains such as lower and upper extremity function (fine motor and activities of daily living), social interaction, depression, anxiety, and cognition which can influence the HRQOL to a greater extent.

This research adds to the knowledge of awareness of DCD children and impact on their HRQOL. Using HRQOL questionnaires represents a step forward in the evaluation of treatment efficacy, these assessments can lead to better targeted interventions and more specific measures of response to treatment.

In order to provide comprehensive care for children with DCD, understanding issues in HRQOL is now a great concern, which will also help the clinicians to plan more holistic therapeutic targets and include treatments to improve the mental health and quality of life of these children beyond motor skill intervention.

Source: Indian Journal of Psychiatry: doi: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_1315_2