Evaluating the prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities associated with pediatric scoliosis utilizing ResearchMatch.

Purpose: The goal of this study is to characterize the self-reported prevalence of psychiatric comorbidities among patients with adolescent scoliosis.

Methods: Eligible patients across the US were surveyed using ResearchMatch, a validated online platform. The survey collected patient demographics, type of scoliosis, scoliosis treatment received, and the mental health diagnoses and interventions.

Results: Nearly all (98%) of the 162 respondents were patients themselves, the remainder of which were parents. The majority of whom were female (93%), Caucasian (85%), and diagnosed with idiopathic scoliosis (63%). The median age of diagnosis was 13 (IQR 11-18). Most respondents had mild to moderate scoliosis (65%), and 17% received surgical treatment. 76 of 158 (48%) responded that scoliosis affected their overall mental health, and 92 (58%) had received a mental health diagnosis-76% were diagnosed after their scoliosis diagnosis. Of the 92 with mental health diagnoses, the most common diagnoses were clinical depression (83%), anxiety (71%), negative body image (62%). Over 80% of patients received medical treatment or therapy. Of those with depression, 38.4% received counseling and 45.2% received medication. 52% of the respondents also had immediate family members with mental health diagnoses, with siblings (48%) having the highest proportion.

Conclusion: According to the CDC, the prevalence of US teenagers with diagnosed depression was found to be 3.9% and anxiety disorder to be 4.7%, notably higher among adolescent girls. In this national sample, over half of adolescent scoliosis patients report psychiatric comorbidity, often diagnosed years later. The most prevalent psychiatric condition is depression, anxiety, and body-image disturbances. These findings highlight the importance of awareness of the psychiatric impact of adolescent scoliosis, and importance of screening and treatment of comorbid mental health conditions.

Level of evidence: IV.