Are the psychological needs of adolescent survivors of pediatric cancer adequately identified and treated?

Psychooncology. 2013 Feb;22(2):447-58. doi: 10.1002/pon.3021. Epub 2012 Jan 25.

Abstract

Objectives: To describe the psychological needs of adolescent survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or brain tumor (BT), we examined the following: (i) the occurrence of cognitive, behavioral, and emotional concerns identified during a comprehensive psychological evaluation and (ii) the frequency of referrals for psychological follow-up services to address identified concerns.

Methods: Psychological concerns were identified on measures according to predetermined criteria for 100 adolescent survivors. Referrals for psychological follow-up services were made for concerns previously unidentified in formal assessment or not adequately addressed by current services.

Results: Most survivors (82%) exhibited at least one concern across domains: behavioral (76%), cognitive (47%), and emotional (19%). Behavioral concerns emerged most often on scales associated with executive dysfunction, inattention, learning, and peer difficulties. Cranial radiation therapy was associated with cognitive concerns, χ(2) (1, N = 100) = 5.63, p < 0.05. Lower income was associated with more cognitive concerns for ALL survivors, t(47) = 3.28, p < 0.01, and more behavioral concerns for BT survivors, t(48) = 2.93, p < 0.01. Of the survivors with concerns, 38% were referred for psychological follow-up services. Lower-income ALL survivors received more referrals for follow-up, χ(2) (1, N = 41) = 8.05, p < 0.01. Referred survivors had more concerns across domains than non-referred survivors, ALL: t(39) = 2.96, p < 0.01; BT: t(39) = 3.52, p < 0.01. Trends suggest ALL survivors may be at risk for experiencing unaddressed cognitive needs.

Conclusions: Many adolescent survivors of cancer experience psychological difficulties that are not adequately managed by current services, underscoring the need for long-term surveillance. In addition to prescribing regular psychological evaluations, clinicians should closely monitor whether current support services appropriately meet survivors' needs, particularly for lower-income survivors and those treated with cranial radiation therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Behavioral Symptoms / psychology
  • Brain Neoplasms / psychology*
  • Child
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cranial Irradiation / psychology
  • Emotions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Needs Assessment
  • Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / psychology*
  • Referral and Consultation / statistics & numerical data
  • Survivors / psychology*