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

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.