Examination of Behavioral and Neuropsychological Characteristics of Hungarian Patients with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Cross-Sectional Analysis.

BACKGROUND

Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) may experience chronic pain, contributing to psychological distress.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to assess neuropsychological functions and behavioral skills in patients with JIA and identify demographic and disease-related factors influencing these outcomes.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study evaluated 112 patients at the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology, Semmelweis University (2015-2016). Participants completed psychological assessments using the Child Behavior Checklist and Woodcock-Johnson III Tests. Examined variables included demographic (age and sex), clinical (age at diagnosis and disease activity), and treatment-related factors (therapy type and duration). Treatment groups comprised (a) combination therapy with TNF inhibitor and methotrexate (MTX) (n = 60), (b) MTX monotherapy (n = 34), and (c) TNF inhibitor monotherapy (n = 18).

RESULTS

Neuropsychological variables showed no clinically significant differences between treatment groups. These skills were unaffected by age, sex, therapy duration, or disease activity. Pathological behavioral scores were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in younger patients (<7 years), with females showing greater susceptibility to anxiety and depression (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

No clinically significant psychological impairments were observed in our cohort. Further research is warranted to clarify the significance of abnormal behavioral scores. Psychological care provision remains vital for improving the quality of life in JIA patients.