Psychiatric Comorbidities in Children with Primary Immunodeficiency: A Randomized-Controlled Study

Abstract

Objective: Primary immunodeficiency disorder (PID) comprises a broad, divergent group of disorders which emerge from defects in the development and functioning of the immune system. Our objective was to evaluate and compare emotional and behavioural problems in children and adolescents with PID. Material and Methods: The study involved 97 patients with PIDs following Bursa Uludağ University, Department of Pediatric Immunology from 2021 to 2022 and 82 healthy control. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale, and SNAP-IV Inattention and Hyperactivity/Impulsivity questionnaire were made to patients with PID and their caregivers regarding their concerns living with PID and to detect concurrent mental health. Results: Of 97 patients, 60 (61.2%) were female and 31 (38.8%) were male. The mean age of patients was 12.23±6.06 years. Common variable immunodeficiency (n=36, 37.6%) and Di George syndrome (n=23, 23.5%) were the most prevalent PIDs in the study, respectively. The children stated higher separation anxiety (p<0.01) panic disorder (<0.01). The parents disclosed statistically higher behavioral problems (p<0.01), social phobia (p<0.01) and depression (p<0.01). Conclusion: This study proved that living with PID negatively impacts children’s and adolescents' mental health. Psychological co-morbidities are extremely common amongst those with chronic illnesses. Improvements in health and disease education are required to ensure a high quality of life. To relieve the psychological strain on children and also their caregivers, therapeutic options should be placed, including various support groups and counseling options.