Clinical Research Directory

Studying Childhood-onset Behavioral, Psychiatric, and Developmental Disorders

Background: \- Many psychiatric, behavioral, and developmental disorders are genetic. This means that they tend to run in families. Some begin in childhood, while others do not appear until adulthood. Researchers want to look at people of all ages who have these disorders that started in childhood. They will also look at relatives of people with these disorders. This information will allow doctors to learn more about childhood behavioral problems and how they are inherited. It may also help doctors treat those disorders. Objectives: \- To study the onset and treatment of childhood behavioral, psychiatric, and developmental disorders. Eligibility: * Individuals of any age who have a psychiatric, autism spectrum, or developmental disorder, or other behavioral problems. * Family members of individuals with the above disorders. This group may include parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles, cousins, and children. Design: \- Participants will be screened with a medical history and physical exam. They may have a psychiatric history with tests of thinking, judgment, and behavior. Brain imaging scans may be performed to look at brain function.

Characterization and Support for Neurodevelopmental Disorders Associated With Congenital Heart Defects

The leading cause of birth defects, Congenital Heart Defects (CHD) affect 12 million people worldwide and 41,000 newborns/year in Europe. It's a major cause of life-long morbidity and mortality, and a crucial public health issue. More than 50% of childs born with critical CHD will develop Neurodevelopmental Disorders (NDs), requiring specific care and impairing quality of life. NDs corresponds to early and lasting disturbances in cognitive, affective and behavioral development, linked to abnormalities in brain development. They are heterogeneous, affecting language, learning, motor skills, intellectual efficiency, social cognition, attention, memory and executive functions, and are associated with psychosocial difficulties (adaptive behavior, social interactions). This hidden handicap is the main long-term sequels of CHD, even before cardiovascular sequels, in individuals who often underwent multiple heart operations in early childhood. NDs concern not only complex CHD, but also simple CHD repaired in childhood and considered cured. The origin of TND associated with CHD is largely unknown. To date, few genetic or environmental causes have been clearly identified, but recent work has suggested that a common origin may link cardiac malformation and neurodevelopmental abnormality. The CATAMARAN - Pediatrics project is designed to detect potential neurodevelopmental delays associated with CHD as early as age 3, and to identify individual susceptibility factors involved in the occurrence of NDs in CHD children.

Characterization and Support of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Associated With Congenital Cardiac malfoRmations - Neonatal

Congenital heart defects (CHD), as the leading cause of birth defects, affect 12 million people globally and approximately 41,000 newborns each year in Europe. CHD presents a significant public health concern due to its association with high morbidity and mortality rates across the lifespan. Over 50% of infants born with critical CHD will develop neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), requiring specialized care and impacting their quality of life. NDDs, involving early and persistent disruptions in cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development due to abnormal brain development, are highly variable. They may impact language, learning, motor skills, intellectual efficiency, social cognition, attention, memory, and executive functions, often accompanied by psychosocial difficulties. These hidden disabilities constitute the primary long-term sequelae of CHD, surpassing even cardiovascular complications in impact, and affect children who often undergo multiple cardiac surgeries during early childhood. NDDs are associated not only with complex CHDs but also with simpler CHDs that are repaired in early childhood and considered 'cured.' The origin of CHD-associated NDDs remains largely unknown. While few genetic or environmental causes have been identified, recent research suggests a possible common origin linking heart malformations and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. The CATAMARAN neonatal cohort project aims to detect developmental delays associated with CHD as early as six months of age and to identify both individual susceptibility factors and acquired vulnerabilities contributing to the development of NDDs in infants with CHD.

CongenItal Naevus Cohort for Longitudinal Evaluation

Congenital Nevus (CN) is a pigmented skin lesion present at birth, which grows in size as the child grows. It can vary in appearance and is classified by its size, from small (less than 1.5 cm) to giant (greater than 40 cm). CN is associated with genetic mutations, mainly in the NRAS/BRAF genes. A large CN can lead to several clinical issues, including: Risk of neurological disorders: Large CN can be associated with neurological abnormalities such as neuro-meningeal melanosis, hydrocephalus, or brain malformations. These conditions may cause early neuro-developmental delays. The risk is not well understood and requires further studies. Risk of melanoma: The risk of developing melanoma is higher for a large CN but remains low for smaller ones. Increased monitoring is necessary during the early years for large and giant CN. Psycho-social impact: Parents often experience significant anxiety at birth due to the cancer risk and social stigma. As the child grows, a visible CN may impact their quality of life, particularly socially at school. Management of CN remains controversial, especially for those of medium to giant size or with multiple satellites. There is an urgent need for further research to clarify best practices in monitoring and treatment, including the need for routine brain imaging and criteria for surgical intervention. Ultimately, this study aims to deepen our understanding of CN, its associated neurological and melanoma risks, and the psycho-social challenges it poses, while striving to establish clear, evidence-based guidelines for monitoring and treatment to enhance patient outcomes and quality of life.

Effectiveness of Symptom Management Application on Parental Care Ability of Children With Tourette Syndrome

This study developed a Tourette Syndrome (TS) symptom management application (APP) to improve the care needs, sleep quality, anxiety, quality of life, and parenting relationship of parents of children with Tourette Syndrome.