The Characteristics of Intellectual and Psychological in the Children with Moyamoya Disease

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to understand the intellectual and psychological features of children with Moyamoya disease who were patients in the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery of Severance Hospital. METHODS: From December 2010 through December 2012, 63 patients with diagnoses of Moyamoya disease and 59 children in a normal group were enrolled. This study was conducted using the Korean-Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, Rey-Kim Memory Test for children, Korean Child Behavior Checklist and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory(TM)4.0. RESULTS: The results showed that the intellectual and psychological profiles of children with Moyamoya disease were lower than the average of the normal control group. The tested patients showed significantly lower scores for Performance Intelligence Quotient cognition level. Also, in terms of quality of life, children with Moyamoya disease had lower levels of physical and school functionality. The results were in line with those of previous studies involving psychological tests of children with chronic diseases. CONCLUSION: Considering the intellectual and psychological characteristics of children with Moyamoya disease, integrated psychological intervention plans including elements such as supportive therapy for patients and programs for parental education are required.