Neural substrates for heightened anxiety in children with brain tumors.

This study investigated anxiety symptoms' associations with cognitive functioning and tumor locus in pediatric brain tumor patients. Data from 91 patients were collected as part of a neuropsychological assessment. Significant relationships were found between anxiety symptoms and mental set shifting (Wisconsin Card Sorting). Analyses revealed patients with right cortical tumors or left cerebellar tumors had significantly greater anxiety than those with midline/bilateral tumor and those with left cortical or right cerebellar tumors. Results support the specific risk of anxiety with right cortical and left cerebellar tumors. Results highlight the association of anxiety and one important element of executive functioning.