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Abstract: Background: Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a genetic disorder associated with neurocutaneus manifestations, as well as attention and learning problems. The aim of this study was to examine the psychosocial functioning, quality of life, and self‐image of children with NF1. Method: Two hundred forty participants were recruited, comprising 60 children and adolescents with NF1, 60 parents of children with NF1, 60 children and adolescents without NF1, and 60 parents of children without NF1. The children/adolescents completed the Self‐administered Psychiatric Scales test for Children and Adolescents and the human figure drawing test, whereas parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist. Both children and parents completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory. Results: Compared to healthy subjects, individuals with NF1 reported anxiety problems, poorer quality of life, and greater distortions in terms of self‐image. When compared to healthy participants' parents, the parents of NF1 participants reported having more concerns about the quality of life, sociality, school performance, and attention span of their children. Conclusions: Results show that the psychological functioning, behavior, self‐image, and quality of life of children and adolescents with NF1 are compromised. Health services should take into account the psychosocial difficulties associated with NF1 and design rehabilitation programs aimed at increasing NF1 children's interpersonal skills, improving their social life and quality of life, and promoting more adaptive behaviors. In addition, health care interventions should also involve the parents of children with NF1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accessible summary Auditory hallucinations are voices heard speaking with the hearer or discussing his or her thoughts or behaviours., They are common also among non-psychiatric population and may be a positive experience., These hallucinations cannot be considered merely as symptoms because they may have an adaptive function., We should avoid trying to helping voice hearers to eliminate or deny voices, and rather we should help them to feel allowed to preserve their voices., Abstract This exploratory research investigates the phenomenon of non-psychiatric auditory hallucinations from the perspective of the voice hearer, evaluating the possibility that this experience can contribute the maintenance and adaptation of the hearer's personal identity system. A semi-structured interview was administered to 10 Italian voice hearers, six men and four women, aged 18-65 years, who had never been in contact with any mental health services because of the voices, even though some of them had been hearing voices for decades. Participants were not distressed or worried about the voices; on the contrary they developed their own understanding, personal coping resources and beliefs in relation to the positive functions of the voices. These results indicate that voices cannot be considered merely as symptoms, but may be seen also as adaptation systems. Consequently, we should avoid trying to helping voice hearers to eliminate or deny voices, and rather we should help them to feel allowed to preserve them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]