Bottom Line: While cerebral palsy is considered a pediatric condition because it develops and is diagnosed in early childhood, it is a lifelong condition with the majority of children living into adulthood. Little research exists on the mental health of adults with cerebral palsy. This study included 1,700 adults 18 years or older with cerebral palsy and 5,100 adults without cerebral palsy. Those adults with cerebral palsy without an intellectual disability had a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety. The study relied on diagnostic codes for outcomes.
Authors: Kimberley J. Smith, Ph.D., University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom, and coauthors
To Learn More: The full study is available on the For The Media website.
(doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2018.4147)
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