PSYCHOLOGICAL OUTCOME IN CHILDREN TREATED FOR BRAIN-TUMOR

The cognitive and psychosocial functions of 16 children with brain tum or, treated with whole-brain or local radiotherapy, were studied. Fift een nonirradiated children with acute lymphatic leukemia (ALL) served as a comparison group. Mean Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-R evised Full Scale IQ score and mean Visual-Motor Integration Test (Bee ry VMI) standard score were significantly decreased in the brain tumor group. The Achenbach checklists were filled in by mothers (Child Beha vior Checklist, CBCL) and teachers (Teacher's Report Fern). Overall ad justment was rated lower in the children with brain tumor Although mos t of the children in the ALL group were well adapted, one third of the m had low CBCL Social Competence scores relative to nonclinical norms. On a visual analog scale a significantly decreased tempo was assessed by mothers and teachers in the children with brain tumor and low spee d and hypoactivity seemed to limit the majority of these children in s chool and daily life activities.