Self-Reported Executive Dysfunction, Fatigue, and Psychological and Emotional Symptoms in Physically Well-Functioning Long-Term Survivors of Pediatric Brain Tumor

ABSTRACT

Long-term executive function (EF), psychological and emotional difficulties, and fatigue among adult survivors of pediatric brain tumors (PBTs) are sparsely studied. One hundred and fourteen adult PBT survivors, 89 PBT survivor informants, and a healthy control group completed questionnaires assessing these domains. Significant differences between PBT survivors and controls were found on all self-reported measures, most strongly on measures reflecting EF. Patients reported significantly more difficulties with metacognitive aspects of EF compared to behavioral aspects. PBT survivors reported more psychological symptoms and executive dysfunction than their informants. These findings should be taken into consideration in long-term neuropsychological and psychosocial follow-ups.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Norwegian Cancer Society [6865381]; the Norwegian ExtraFoundation for Health and Rehabilitation [2013/2/0234]; Oslo University Hospital’s Childrens’ Foundation [36219].