Children with opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome: Types of psychological development

Introduction Opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome (OMS) in childhood still remains unexplored from the perspective of clinical psychology. Objectives and aims The research was aimed at defining types of psychological development in the group of children with OMS. The study included 18 children between ages 2 years 4 months and 9 years with OMS (8 boys, 10 girls). Methods The following methods were used: analysis of patient's development and medical record, psychological interview with parents, neurological state assessment and pathopsychological assessment. Results Patients were divided into three groups according to cognitive development level: – group with normal intelligence level ( n  = 4); – group with developmental delay ( n  = 11); – group with intellectual disability in different forms ( n  = 3). Several children in group 1 ( n  = 3) and in group 2 ( n  = 4) expressed neurotic behavior with increased levels of anxiety and fear of trying unusual actions during psychological assessment. Children with delay in psychoverbal development ( n  = 7) and with developmental delay ( n  = 1) expressed psychopathy-like states with verbal aggression and had difficulties controlling their emotions. In some cases ( n  = 2), the psychological state of the patient was defined as borderline state with emotional instability, especially in mother–child interaction. Conclusion Psychological features of children with OMS indicate heterogeneity of their development types that implies different prognosis and developmental dynamics for each type. The results point out the necessity of detailed psychological examination aimed at correlation of psychological help to children with OMS and their families with their psychological state.