Psychiatric disorders among children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in South Korea: a nationwide population-based longitudinal study

OBJECTIVE: Children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) may be at increased risk of psychiatric disorders. This study analyzed the incidence of psychiatric disorders in children with ALL in South Korea. METHODS: Using nationwide claims data for January 2009 to March 2016, we identified three major psychiatric disorders (depression, anxiety and stress/adjustment disorder) among children diagnosed with ALL. We analyzed the incidence of psychiatric disorders before and after ALL diagnosis. RESULTS: Overall, 2160 children diagnosed with ALL were identified. Seventy-five children (3.5%) were diagnosed with at least one major psychiatric disorder from 1 year before ALL diagnosis to the last follow-up point (range: 42.5–111.5 months). Of these, 70 (93.3%) patients were identified after ALL diagnosis, with the incidence peaking 1 year after ALL diagnosis. Depression, anxiety and stress/adjustment disorders were diagnosed in 30 (1.4%), 15 (0.7%) and 30 (1.4%) patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Among pediatric patients with ALL, most psychiatric disorders were identified after the diagnosis of leukemia, and psychiatric disorder incidence differed according to patient age and time since ALL diagnosis. Timely screening for and proper management of mental disorders are needed during all stages of ALL treatment.