Self-perception of children and adolescents with Möbius sequence

Möbius sequence is a rare congenital disorder usually defined as a combination of facial weakness with impairment of ocular abduction. Some studies suggest that psychosocial and psychiatric problems might be increased among affected persons. So far, there have been no studies on the self-perception of children and adolescents with the sequence. Seventeen participants with Möbius sequence (9 male, 8 female) aged 9–15 (mean: 11.59) years were studied. None of the probands was mentally retarded or had a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Participants filled out well standardized German questionnaires on depression (Depressionsinventar für Kinder und Jugendliche [DIKJ]), anxiety (Angstfragebogen für Schüler [AFS]) and personality aspects (Persönlichkeitsfragebogen für Kinder von 9–14 Jahren [PFK 9–14]). Additionally, their primary caregivers were asked to complete a special questionnaire to compile the probands’ personal, somatic and psychosocial history as well as the German version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Parent Form [SDQ-Deu]. According to the participants’ self-perception only one girl scored clinical (t-score ≥ 63) for manifest anxiety [AFS] and depression [DIKJ] (5.9% vs. 10% in the general population). Moreover, the whole sample reported significantly lower test anxiety (p = 0.000) and manifest anxiety (p = 0.005) [AFS] whereas general anxiety as a personality aspect [PFK 9–14] did not differ from the normative sample. Compared to normative data, subjects expressed significantly less depression (p = 0.023) and impulsivity (p = 0.042). One out of 17 subjects was rated abnormal for total problems on the SDQ-Deu (5.9% vs. 10% of the normative sample), five participants scored abnormal for social problems (29.4%) and three for emotional problems (17.6%). Social problems correlated significantly with the probands’ age (rho = 0.707; p = 0.002). As Möbius patients have severe difficulties with facial expression of feelings, and others might therefore falsely recognize them as serious or even depressed, the subjects’ self-perception is crucial for assessment and diagnosis, especially if it differs considerably from that of the primary caregivers.

► This study examines the self-perception of Möbius patients aged 9–15 years.
► Probands expressed lower test and manifest anxiety compared to general population.
► They also expressed less depression and impulsivity compared to general population.
► Primary caregivers reported more social problems than subjects.
► The subjects’ self-perception is crucial for assessment and diagnosis.