Evaluation of neuropsychiatric comorbidities and their clinical characteristics in Chinese children with asthma using the MINI kid tool

Abstract

BackgroundThe mental health and quality of life in children with asthma have attracted widespread attention. This study focused on the evaluation of mental health conditions and their clinical characteristics in Chinese children with asthma.MethodsA total of 261 children with asthma aged 6 to 16 years old and 261 age- and gender-matched children from the general population were recruited to participate in this study from Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital. The parents of all subjects were interviewed using the MINI Kid and were required to finish a clinical characteristics questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate risk factors.ResultsThe prevalence of mental health conditions in the asthma group was significantly higher than that in the control group (26.4% vs 14.6%, P < 0.001). A total of 10 mental health conditions was identified in the asthma group, the most common of which was ADHD (11.5%; 30/261), followed by oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) (10.7%; 28/261), separation anxiety disorder (6.1%; 16/261), social anxiety disorder (3.8%; 10/261), specific phobias (2.3%; 6/261), agoraphobia without panic (1.5%; 4/261), (mild) manic episodes (1.1%; 3/261), major depressive episodes (MDEs) (0.8%; 2/261), movement (tic) disorder (0.8%; 2/261), and dysthymia (0.4%; 1/261). A total of 6 neuropsychiatric conditions was detected in the control group, including ODD (5.7%; 15/261), ADHD (4.6%; 12/261), social anxiety disorder (3.1%; 8/261), seasonal anxiety disorder (SAD) (2.3%; 6/261), specific phobias (1.1%; 3/261), and agoraphobia without panic (0.4%; 1/261). The prevalence rates of ODD, ADHD, and SAD differed significantly between the two groups (P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed that severe persistent asthma (OR = 3.077, 95% CI 1.286–7.361), poor asthma control (OR = 2.005, 95% CI 1.111–3.619), and having asthma for > 3 years (OR = 2.948, 95% CI 1.580–5.502) were independent risk factors for the presence of mental health conditions in asthmatic children.ConclusionsChildren with asthma have a higher rate of mental health conditions than non-asthmatic children. Standardized diagnosis and treatment may help reduce the risk of neuropsychiatric conditions.

Paediatric asthma and non‐allergic comorbidities: A review of current risk and proposed mechanisms

“…The prevalence of common childhood neurodevelopmental disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased during the last few decades 74,75 . The corresponding increasing comorbid conditions of asthma with neurodevelopmental disorders have a more substantial impact on children, carers and society than asthma alone 76 . Despite this fact, clinical guidelines for asthma or neurodevelopmental disorders often overlook the existence of possible comorbidities 77 .…”

“…74,75 The corresponding increasing comorbid conditions of asthma with neurodevelopmental disorders have a more substantial impact on children, carers and society than asthma alone. 76 Despite this fact, clinical guidelines for asthma or neurodevelopmental disorders often overlook the existence of possible comorbidities. 77 One particular challenge for children with concurrent asthma and ADHD and their parents is adequate disease management, such as appropriate use of inhalers, as well as stress and anxiety management to avoid asthma exacerbations.…”

Allergic diseases influence symptom severity and T lymphocyte subgroups of children with tic disorders

“…Another study reported that patients with TS who also suffer tics that resemble asthma symptoms were often diagnosed with asthma and received asthma treatments. 26 On the other hand, asthma is reported to be associated with several psychiatric disorders including TD. 27 Many children with TS are incorrectly diagnosed and treated for asthma or rhinitis.…”

“…Recent studies have reported that children with TD often present eczema, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, asthma, or other allergic diseases. [13][14][15] Therefore, the relationship between TD and allergic diseases has gained attention among scientists and requires further study. Analysis of the lymphocyte subpopulation in TD suggests a possible systemic activation of several T cell and B cell subtypes.…”

“…Allergic disease has become a major burden in the modern society of China due to a recent rise in its prevalence. Recent studies have reported that children with TD often present eczema, allergic rhinitis, allergic conjunctivitis, asthma, or other allergic diseases 13-15. Therefore, the relationship between TD and allergic diseases has gained attention among scientists and requires further study.…”