Psychosocial functioning in adolescents: results according to Amiel-Tison neurological assessment in a group of preterm infants

ABSTRACT

Objective: This prospective study investigated the relationship between Amiel-Tison neurological assessment (ATNA) in preterm children and their psychosocial functioning in adolescence.

Methods: From the initial group of 45 children regularly assessed by the ATNA from term until the age of 2 years, 27 participated in the follow-up at 13 years.

Results: Of the three groups categorized by neurological signs as normal, intermediate or abnormal, parents of adolescents with normal ATNA reported the lowest number of executive function problems (p = 0.019) and behavioral symptoms (p = 0.011), while the adolescents themselves reported the lowest number of behavioral symptoms (p = 0.005) and the highest quality of life (p = 0.012). The number of problems reported increased with the number of abnormal neurological signs.

Conclusion: Standardized neurological assessment may be a helpful clinical tool for the identification of children at risk for later psychosocial problems who could benefit from prevention and early intervention programs.

KEYWORDS:

• Preterm
• neurological assessment
• executive functions
• behavior
• quality of life

Acknowledgments

We are grateful to all the children and their families who participated in the study.

Declaration of Interest

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The authors report no declarations of interest.