Children with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic condition that causes tumors along nerves, often experience emotional and behavioral difficulties as they grow and develop. However, these experiences are not one-size-fits-all, as age and co-occurring conditions can influence how symptoms emerge and change over time.

An international study by Assistant Professor Yang Hou, Ph.D., Postdoctoral Scholars Dan Liu, Ph.D., Xiaoli Zong, Ph.D., and colleagues analyzed data from more than 1,000 children ages 3 to 18 using two large, harmonized datasets focused on mental health outcomes in NF1.

Researchers found that emotional difficulties such as anxiety and depression were more pronounced in older children and adolescents, while behavioral challenges remained consistently elevated across age groups. Children with co-occurring ADHD showed especially heightened and distinct developmental patterns.

The findings highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and tailored support for emotional and behavioral difficulties in NF1, which vary by age and co-occurring conditions. Collectively, they also point to the value of large-scale international collaboration in advancing understanding of mental health outcomes in rare diseases.