SU122. Are You My Friend? Bullying and Its Association to Clinical Symptoms Among Youth With 22q11.2 Chromosome Deletion Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Bullying is common among special needs youth (60%) in comparison to typically developing children (10%-27%), and more research is needed to understand the psychological impact of bullying on youth with neurodevelopmental disorders. Individuals with chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q) are at a higher risk of bullying victimization due to the genetically mediated developmental, physical, and learning diffculties they face. The present study examines psychosis risk as well as clinical and functional outcomes associated with bullying victimization and perpetration among adolescents with 22q. Methods: Clinical interviews (SIPS, SCID) and questionnaires (BASC-2, ABAS-II) were completed with youth with 22q and age-matched healthy controls (age 12-18) and with their caregivers. Participants completed an adapted version of the Adolescent Peer Relations Instrument (APRI) to assess both lifetime and current prevalence of bullying perpetration and victimization. Nonparametric tests of group differences explored distribution of bullying prevalence; correlations examined relationships between bullying severity, clinical symptoms, and functioning. Results: Participants with 22q (n = 10) reported higher rates of current and lifetime victimization (70%) and perpetration (40%) than healthy con-trols (n = 2; both 0%). No gender or group differences on victimization and perpetration were found. Individuals with lifetime victimization were more likely to experience current victimization (P