Predicting social withdrawal, anxiety and depression symptoms in pediatric brain tumor survivors

AbstractObjective: Pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTSs) are at risk for impairments in social adjustment and psychological distress. This study investigated longitudinal associations between symptoms of social withdrawal and anxiety/depression in PBTS, as well as medical, demographic, and personal characteristics that may also influence reports of social withdrawal and anxiety/depression.Method: About 91 PBTS (51% male, mean age 11.21 years, off-treatment) participated. At baseline and 8 months follow-up, primary caregivers of PBTS completed measures of social withdrawal, anxiety, and depression symptoms. Medical information (e.g. tumor type and location, cranial irradiation therapy) and child personal characteristics (e.g. child’s age and gender, executive function, social skills) were obtained at baseline.Results: Baseline reports of depression symptoms and social skills predicted social withdrawal 8 months later. Social withdrawal at baseline predicted greater combined anxiety and depression symptom...