Lifespan Development: Symptoms Experienced by Individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Associated Plexiform Neurofibromas from Childhood into Adulthood

Sally E. Jensen, Zabin S. Patel, Robert Listernick, Joel Charrow, Jin Shei Lai*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Scopus citations

Abstract

This secondary data analysis qualitatively identified salient concerns reported by individuals with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1)-associated plexiform neurofibromas (pNFs) at different stages of development. Past literature has focused on overall symptomatology, but has not examined nuances in how these symptoms are experienced across developmental phases. Therefore, we aimed to identify commonalities and differences in symptom experiences across age groups to better assist individuals to adjust to symptoms across the lifespan. Thirty-one children, adolescents, and adults (age ≥ 5 years old) and 15 parents participated in semi-structured interviews. Analyses focused on the following symptom categories: pain, social functioning, physical function impact, and stigma. Aspects of pain endorsed by all age groups included localized brief pain on contact with pNF and abnormal sensations; however, only adolescents and adults reported chronic pain and change in pain over time. Social functioning themes of limited activity participation, role limitations, and relationship impact were endorsed by all age groups, but differences emerged across age groups in the types of activity and role limitations, the type of relationship impact, and family planning concerns. All age groups described difficulty with mobility, but only parents reported problems with coordination and physical developmental milestones. While all age groups reported external stigma, internalized stigma was predominately endorsed by adults. While individuals in all age groups described pNF concerns related to pain, social function, physical function, and stigma, specific aspects of these symptoms differed across the developmental continuum. These findings can help assist individuals with pNF better transition to the next developmental phases.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)259-270
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings
Volume26
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 15 2019

Funding

The authors would like to thank all patients and parents who shared their concerns with us and Ms. Pamela Knight from the Children’s Tumor Foundation who helped to identify potential interview participants. The authors would also like to thank Dr. Jaishri Blakeley for her input in conceptualizing this manuscript. This project was supported by the Neurofibromatosis Therapeutic Acceleration Program (NTAP).

Keywords

  • Lifespan
  • Neurofibromatosis Type 1
  • Plexiform neurofibroma
  • Qualitative
  • Symptoms

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology

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