Beck Youth Inventories Research Articles

Mood-related changes in children and adolescents with persistent concussion symptoms following a six-week active rehabilitation program

ABSTRACT Primary objective The purpose of this study is to explore changes in mood in youth with persistent post-concussion symptoms following participation in a six-week active rehabilitation program. Research design A pre-post test design was used. Methods and procedures Participants (N = 40 children and adolescents with concussion symptoms >2 weeks post-injury) were recruited from the concussion services at an urban children’s rehabilitation hospital and the community. The program consisted of individualized low-intensity aerobic exercise, sport-specific drills, relaxation exercises and comprehensive education and support. The 6 week program was completed by participants in their home or local community with weekly check-ins with the research team. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and linear regressions. Main outcomes and results Outcome measures included the Beck Youth Inventories (youth), and the Child Behavior Checklist (parents). Results indicated significant improvements in anger and anxiety post-intervention with anger reduction being more pronounced in girls. Conclusions Active rehabilitation interventions may have positive effects on mood in youth recovering from concussion. Clinicians may wish to consider addressing anxiety and anger management strategies as part of comprehensive concussion management in youth.

Psychometric Properties of the French Version of the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children and Adolescents

Background: The Borderline Personality Feature Scale for Children (BPFS-C) is currently the only dimensional measure of child and adolescent borderline features and the English version has been shown to have good psychometric properties. To extend the use of this measure with French speaking adolescents, it is essential to examine the reliability and validity of the French BPFS-C. Objective: The present study sought to assess the psychometric properties of the French BPFS-C. Methods: A community sample of 394 adolescents and young adults completed the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children (BPFS-C), as well as the Million Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI) borderline tendency subscale, the Child Behavior Checklist- Youth Self-Report (CBCL-YSR) and the Beck Youth Inventories (BYI). Results: The findings show that both the long and short French BPFS-C have good internal consistency and convergent validity. Affect regulation, identity, relationship difficulties and self-harm were found to be closely inter-connected rather than distinct factors. Conclusion: The findings indicate that both long and short versions of French BPFS-C have good psychometric properties and provide preliminary evidence that the total scores are reliable and valid indicators of borderline personality features in adolescents and young adults.

Cognitive fatigue in relation to depressive symptoms after treatment for childhood cancer

BackgroundCognitive fatigue after childhood cancer is frequently overlooked despite guidelines recommending follow-up, and might be mistaken for depression due to overlapping symptoms. Our objectives were: 1) to examine ratings of fatigue in survivors of paediatric brain tumours (BT) and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) compared to healthy controls, 2) to examine the relationship between symptoms of depression and cognitive fatigue, and 3) to evaluate parent-child concordance in ratings of cognitive fatigue.MethodsSurvivors of BT (n = 30), survivors of ALL (n = 30), and healthy controls (n = 60) aged 8–18 years completed the Pediatric Quality of Life Multidimensional Fatigue Scale and the Beck Youth Inventories. Associations between cognitive fatigue, diagnosis and depression were assessed with general linear modelling. Group differences were analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Parent-child concordance was investigated with internal consistency reliability.ResultsCognitive fatigue was prevalent in 70% of survivors of BT survivors and in 30% of survivors of ALL. Diagnosis was the main predictor of cognitive fatigue (p < .001, ηp2 = 0.178), followed by depression (p = .010, ηp2 = 0.080). Survivors of BT reported significantly more fatigue than healthy controls on all fatigue subscales. While they also expressed more symptoms of depression, we found no evidence for an interaction effect. Parent-child concordance was moderate to good among survivors, but poor for controls.ConclusionsSurvivors of BT and ALL suffer from cognitive fatigue, with survivors of BT expressing more problems. Cognitive fatigue and depression should be assessed in survivors of childhood cancer using both self-rated and proxy-rated measures, and appropriate interventions offered.

Investigation of children and adolescents’ mood and self-concept after acquired brain injury

ABSTRACT Few studies have examined the self-reported mental health of children with an acquired brain injury (ABI). The current study aimed to: 1) identify levels of child-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms and poor self-concept, 2) investigate demographic and injury-related factors associated with children’s mood and self-concept, and 3) examine associations between children’s self-reported mental health and parents’ reports of children’s emotional and behavioral functioning in children specifically with traumatic brain injury (TBI). 122 children (66% male) aged 8–16 years with ABI of mixed etiology were consecutively recruited through an outpatient rehabilitation clinic. Children were administered the Beck Youth Inventories – Second Edition, and parents completed the Adaptive Behavior Assessment System and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Relative to the norms, 16.4% of children scored in the clinical range for the depression and anxiety scales, and 24.6% reported clinically low self-concept. Children with lower functional status had greater anxiety symptoms. Older children (13–16 years) reported significantly higher depressive and anxiety symptoms and lower self-concept than younger children (8–12 years). A significant interaction between age and sex indicated that older girls reported greater depressive and anxiety symptoms than younger girls whereas no age-based differences were found for boys. Parent-reported total emotional and behavioral problems were positively associated with children’s self-reported depressive and anxiety symptoms and were negatively correlated with self-concept. These findings indicate that adolescents, particularly girls, may be at heightened risk of poor mental health following ABI. Further research investigating the reasons for these demographic differences may inform developmentally sensitive interventions.

Children and adolescents with VACTERL association: health-related quality of life and psychological well-being in children and adolescents and their parents

PurposeVACTERL association is a rare and complex condition of congenital malformations, often requiring repeated surgery and entailing various physical sequelae. Due to scarcity of knowledge, the study aim was to investigate self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQoL), anxiety, depression and self-concept in children and adolescents with VACTERL association and self-reported anxiety and depression in their parents.MethodsPatients aged 8–17 years with VACTERL association and their parents were recruited from three of four Swedish paediatric surgical centres during 2015–2019. The well-established validated questionnaires DISABKIDS, Beck Youth Inventories, Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory were sent to the families. Data were analysed using descriptives, t tests and multivariable analysis. Results were compared with norm groups and reference samples.ResultsThe questionnaires were returned by 40 patients, 38 mothers and 33 fathers. The mean HRQoL was M = 80.4, comparable to children with asthma (M = 80.2) and diabetes (M = 79.5). Self-reported psychological well-being was comparable to the norm group of Swedish school children, and was significantly higher than a clinical sample. Factors negatively influencing children’s HRQoL and psychological well-being were identified. The parents’ self-reports of anxiety and depression were comparable to non-clinical samples.ConclusionsAlthough children and adolescents with VACTERL association reported similar HRQoL to those of European children with chronic conditions, their psychological well-being was comparable to Swedish school children in general. Nevertheless, some individuals among both children and parents were in need of extra support. This attained knowledge is valuable when counselling parents regarding the prognosis for children with VACTERL association.

Differential Effects of Injury Etiology on Pediatric Concussion Recovery

ObjectiveTo investigate the relation between mechanism of injury and pediatric concussion outcomes. We hypothesize that individuals injured during sport (sport related concussions; SRC’s) will demonstrate better outcomes than those with non-sport injuries (mild Traumatic Brain Injuries; mTBI’s), specifically in terms of clinical symptoms, mental health, cognition, and cardio-autonomic function.BackgroundConcussions are a growing health concern; however, little is known how different injury etiologies (sport vs. non-sport) effect recovery. Therefore, it is critical to better understand how different injury etiologies effect recovery from concussion to more efficiently guide clinical practices.Design/MethodsData collected from a local pediatric concussion clinic were analyzed. SRC and mTBI participants were matched on key demographics (age, body mass index, education) and injury characteristics (time between injury and clinical evaluations, prior history of concussion, pre- and post-injury physical activity). Clinical symptoms were measured using the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptom Questionnaire (R-PCS). Mental health was measured using the Beck Youth Inventory of Depression (BYI-D). Cognition was measured using a modified CogState Brain Injury Test Battery. Cardio-autonomic function was assessed via heart rate variability (HRV). Participants were evaluated during the acute phase of injury, and again in the post-acute phase.ResultsAt both time points, adolescents with mTBI reported greater clinical and depressive symptoms than those with an SRC (p’s &lt; 0.05). During the acute phase, adolescents with SRC and mTBI significantly differed on multiple metrics of heart rate variability (p’s &lt; 0.05). There were no group differences in cognition at either time point.ConclusionsOur results suggest those incurring a SRC may demonstrate better outcomes than those incurring an mTBI. Future longitudinal research including baseline measurements is necessary to determine the validity of these findings.

Mental Health and Functional Competence in the Cape Town Adolescent Antiretroviral Cohort.

The impact of HIV and antiretrovirals (ART) on long-term mental health in perinatally infected children has not been well studied in sub-Saharan Africa where HIV is most prevalent. Cape Town, South Africa. We investigated mental health measures, including depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, motivation, disruptive behavior, and functioning in perinatally infected adolescents (PHIV+) stable on ART within the Cape Town Adolescent Antiretroviral Cohort. Two hundred four adolescents living with HIV (median age 10 years; mean CD4 953) and a sample of 44 uninfected adolescents were enrolled. The Beck Youth Inventories, Children's Motivation Scale, Conner's Parent's Rating Scale, and Child Behavior Checklist were administered. Among PHIV+, we explored independent associations between HIV-related stigma, recent life stressors, sociodemographic, clinical, and caregiver-related variables, and mental health measures. PHIV+ had poorer functional competence, self-concept and motivation, higher levels of disruptive behavior, depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and clinically significant anger and disruptive behavior. Within the PHIV+ group, the loss of both biological parents was associated with higher levels of disruptive behavior. Within the PHIV+, factors associated with mental health symptoms and poorer functioning were mostly sociodemographic factors, HIV-related stigma, and life stressors. Age of initiation of ART was associated with self-concept, and failing first-line ART with internalizing and externalizing behavior problems. PHIV+ are likely to face future physical and psychological health consequences related to the functional competence challenges they face if mental health care is not made a priority in the fight against HIV.

Measuring Self-Esteem Changes in Children and Adolescents Affected by Overweight or Obesity: A Scoping Review of Instruments Currently Used in Multicomponent Weight-Management Interventions.

Purpose: Children and adolescents affected by overweight or obesity are at risk of greater declines in self-esteem than healthy-weight individuals. Participation in multicomponent weight-management programs can positively influence self-esteem in children and adolescents affected by overweight or obesity; however, the variety of questionnaires used to assess self-esteem makes it difficult to compare changes across and identify effective interventions. This review identified and critically examined questionnaires currently used for monitoring self-esteem in children and adolescents. Methods: An electronic search, from 2007 onward, identified multicomponent weight-management interventions that included a measure of self-esteem. A second search identified studies that reported validation assessment of the questionnaires identified in search one. Results: Seven validated self-esteem questionnaires were employed across the 36 studies identified in search one, including (in descending order of use) Harter's Self-Perception Profiles for children and adolescents, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Marsh's Self-Description Questionnaire-I, Beck Youth Inventory II, Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale, and Children and Youth Physical Self-Perception Profile. These tools measured global self-esteem (n = 1) as well as self-esteem as a series of subscales (multidimensional), such as physical appearance and social competence (n = 6). Conclusions: In the absence of changes in global self-esteem, multidimensional tools allow the examination of domains of self-esteem. The Harter's Self-Perception Profile for Children (SPPC) and adolescents questionnaire is an example of a tool that encompasses multidimensional aspects of self-esteem and global self-esteem and is appropriate for younger and older aged children and adolescents.

Clinical characteristics, long-term complications and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children and young adults treated for low-grade astrocytoma in the posterior fossa in childhood

IntroductionPilocytic astrocytoma is the most common brain tumour in childhood but knowledge concerning its long-term outcome is sparse. The aim of the study was to investigate if children treated for low-grade pilocytic astrocytoma in the posterior fossa had complications affecting physical and psychological health, cognitive functions, learning difficulties and HRQoL.MethodsA descriptive single-centre study, where 22 children and young adults out of 27 eligible patients (81%) treated for pilocytic astrocytoma, with a mean follow-up time of 12.4 years (5–19 years) participated (14 adults, two by telephone interviews and eight children). The study included a review of medical records, an interview, neurological investigation, screening tools for psychiatric symptoms (Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories and Beck Youth Inventory Scales) and HRQoL measures (RAND-36).ResultsMotor complications were most common, reported in 12 patients and mainly affecting fine-motor skills. Seven patients reported cognitive difficulties affecting performance in school. Educational support was given in the period immediately after treatment but not after primary school. None had elevated levels of psychiatric symptoms and the level of HRQoL as well as their psychosocial and educational situation was in correspondence with Swedish norms. The HRQoL score for vitality (VT) almost reached statistical significance.ConclusionsThe long-term functional outcome for children treated for low-grade astrocytoma is favourable. However, some patients report neurological complications and learning difficulties, which are unmet in school. Therefore, there is a need to identify those who need more thorough medical and cognitive follow-up programmes including interventions in school.

Self-concepts and psychological health in children and adolescents with reading difficulties and the impact of assistive technology to compensate and facilitate reading ability

This study investigated self-image, psychological health, and the impact of Assistive Technology (AT) on self-concept and psychological health in 137 children and adolescents with reading difficulties during a systematic intervention program and in a one-year follow-up. Participants were randomly assigned to a control or an intervention group. The interventions aimed to teach participants how to understand texts using AT. The control group received no intervention. To investigate self-esteem, self-image, anxiety, and depression, all participants were assessed with the Cultural Free Self-Esteem Inventory, 3rd edition (CFSEI-3) before intervention and one year post-interventions. Forty-one participants were also assessed on the Beck Youth Inventory (BYI). The AT was found to have no impact on participants’ self-esteem. The CFSEI-3 showed similar values for self-esteem in a norm group and the study groups at pre-intervention, which made an increase from using AT less expected. The results are discussed in terms of contextual explanatory factors, such as educators’ increased knowledge of reading difficulties and dyslexia. The results on the BYI were somewhat inconclusive since the younger group of participants showed more anxiety than the norm group, but the adolescent group did not. This may be due to small sample size, so further research is recommended.

Adolescents’ Experiences of Participating in a Weight-loss Programme, Linked to Weight Status, Health-related Quality of Life and Self-concept: A Longitudinal Study

Purpose: To investigate the link between adolescents’ experiences of participating in a weight-loss programme and their weight status, Health-Related Quality of Life and selfconcept over 5 years. Design and Method: A qualitative study with a hermeneutic approach, focused on interpreting adolescents’ experiences. Interviews of 10 adolescents in a weight-loss programme, and their parents, three times over 5 years. The interview findings were supported by BMI-SDS (Body Mass Index standard deviation scores) and questionnaires: Health- Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), and self-concept (Beck Youth Inventories, BSCI-Y). Results: Immediately after completion of the weight-loss programme, the 10 adolescents had all lost weight and experienced other effects, e.g. more energy, making friends and discovering commonalities, along with improved physical parameters, experienced HRQOL and self-concept. However, weight loss was difficult to maintain after completion. Some adolescents who had regained weight 1 year after completion reported lower perceived HRQOL and self-concept and also left the study. Conclusion: Weight loss can be achieved during a treatment programme for overweight adolescents, bringing lower BMI and also potential psycho-social benefits. Focus on weight loss alone may involve overlooking other positive sideeffects of the treatment. There are also overlooked negative effects: Not all participants maintained weight loss, and for regainers, some HRQOL and self-concept scores deteriorated, compared to their situation pre-programme. These negative effects are not described in other studies. Practice Implications: We encourage enhanced professional support for drop-outs and regainers, and we recommend ongoing, open-ended programmes to better retain and support adolescents and their families. Our findings indicate this would improve intervention outcomes for the entire group.

Cognition, health-related quality of life, and mood in children and young adults diagnosed with a glioneuronal tumor in childhood

AimsThe aim of this study was to investigate long-term cognitive outcome, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and psychiatric symptoms in children and young adults diagnosed with a glioneuronal tumor in childhood. MethodsTwenty-eight children and adolescents (0–17.99years) with a minimum postoperative follow-up time of five years were eligible for the study; four persons declined participation. A cross-sectional long-term follow-up evaluation was performed using the following study measures: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV), Reys Complex Figure Test (RCFT), Short Form 36 version 2 (SF-36v2), Short Form 10 (SF-10), Quality of Life in Epilepsy 31 (QOLIE-31), Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) or Beck Youth Inventory Scales (BYI), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Historical WISC-III and RCFT data were used to compare cognitive longitudinal data. ResultsMean follow-up time after surgery was 12.1years. Sixty-three percent (15/24) were seizure-free. Despite a successive postoperative gain in cognitive function, a significant reduction relative to norms was seen in the seizure-free group with respect to perceptual reasoning index (PRI), working memory index (WMI), and full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ). Seizure freedom resulted in acceptable HRQoL. Thirty-two percent and 16% exceeded the threshold level of possible anxiety and depression, respectively, despite seizure freedom. ConclusionAlthough lower than in corresponding reference groups, cognitive outcome and HRQoL are good provided that seizure freedom or at least a low seizure severity can be achieved. There is a risk of elevated levels of psychiatric symptoms. Long-term clinical follow-up is advisable.

Anxiety and depression in adolescents with ADHD and autism spectrum disorders; correlation between parent- and self-reports and with attention and adaptive functioning

Background: Adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at high risk of anxiety and depression. This is important to identify in the clinical assessment to understand its impact.Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the correlation between parent- and self-reports of anxiety and depression in adolescents with ADHD or ASD, as well as the correlation with adaptive functioning and performance on an attention test.Method: A total of 65 adolescents with an ADHD diagnosis (n = 24) or an ASD diagnosis (n = 41) filled out Beck Youth Inventories of Emotional and Social Impairment (BYI) to assess depression and anxiety and completed a Continuous Performance Test (QbTest) measuring ADHD symptoms. Parents of the participants completed the internalizing domain in the Five to Fifteen questionnaire (FTF), measuring symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS) about the adolescent’s adaptive functioning.Results: Approximately a third of the study group self-reported substantial internalizing mental symptoms not always recognized by parents, and not always obvious in adaptive function or performance at ADHD test. Correlations between BYI and FTF were low. The BYI depression inventory correlated negatively with VABS and positively with activity level in a subgroup medicated for ADHD. There was a stronger correlation between girls BYI and FTF results as compared with boys.Conclusions: The results highlight the need for identification of anxiety and depression, using both self- and parent report. Present anxiety and depression symptoms do not seem to affect the clinical assessment of ASD and ADHD.

A validation study of the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire, Danish version

IntroductionThe Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (MFQ) was developed to measure depressive symptoms in children and adolescents. It includes a child self-report part and a parent report on child part. The MFQ has been validated and proven clinical useful in several countries.ObjectivesTo validate the MFQ in a population of Danish children and adolescents.AimsThere is a need of a standardized questionnaire for Danish children and adolescents tapping into affective symptoms. Before routine use the MFQ must have been validated in Denmark. This study examines the validity of MFQ in Danish children and adolescents.MethodsThe study included two samples of probands aged 8–18 years. A population-based sample of school children and their parents, and a clinical sample including two subsamples:– patients referred for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services with depressive symptoms;– in-patients at the paediatric department of a University Hospital.All included probands and their parents filled out the MFQ and the clinical samples in addition answered the depression section of the Beck Youth Inventories, and were interviewed using the depression part of “K-SADS-PL”.ResultsPreliminary results from both samples will be presented at the EPA 2017 in Florence.ConclusionsDepending on the results of this study, the MFQ might be used as a screening instrument and as a clinical tool to monitor depressive symptoms in Danish children and adolescents.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Impact of psychological health on peripheral endothelial function and the HPA-axis activity in healthy adolescents

Background and aimsThe development of adolescence psychological health over a 3-year period and its relationship to peripheral endothelial function and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)-axis activity were examined in a cohort of healthy adolescents in a longitudinal study. MethodsA total of 162 adolescents (94 females) participated in both baseline (mean age 14.5 ± 1 years) and three-year follow-up studies. Psychological health was evaluated by self-report using the Beck Youth Inventories of Emotional and Social Impairment and the psychosomatic problem scale. Peripheral endothelial function was assessed using a peripheral artery tonometry device. The HPA-axis activity measured as cortisol awakening response (CAR) was assessed only at follow-up by collecting two saliva samples, immediately after awakening and 15 min later. Physical activity, smoking and parental education were assessed by questionnaires. ResultsAdolescents reported increased depression and decreased anger over three years, while only females reported increased psychosomatic complaints. Reduced peripheral endothelial function was associated with high level of anger (β = −0.332, p = 0.018) and disruptive behaviour (β = −0.390, p = 0.006) over three years in males, but not in females, after adjusting for covariates. Blunted cortisol awakening response was associated with high level of anxiety (β = −0.235, p = 0.017), depression (β = −0.203, p = 0.038), anger (β = −0.185, p = 0.048), and low level of self-concept (β = 0.289, p = 0.002) after adjusting for covariates. ConclusionsHigh level of negative emotions during adolescence may have adverse effects on peripheral endothelial function and the regulation of the HPA-axis activity, while high level of self-concept might be protective.

Factorial structure of the Resiliency Scale for Children and Adolescents (RSCA) among incarcerated male adolescent offenders

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the factor structure of the Resiliency Scales for Children and Adolescents (RSCA, Prince-Embury, 2006, 2007) and to provide supporting evidence that this is a psychometrically sound measure for practitioners and researchers to use to assess resilience in incarcerated male adolescent offenders in the UK.Design/methodology/approachConfirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to determine if the factor structure could be replicated among incarcerated male adolescent offenders. Concurrent validation of the measure was also conducted, utilising the Beck Youth Inventory, second edition (BYI-II-II; Beck et al., 2005).FindingsCFA of the RSCA was unable to confirm the structure of the measure at an item level, therefore parcelling techniques were utilised similarly to Prince-Embury and Courville (2008), using the subscales for the factors as indicators for the factors. While a three-factor model was found to be an acceptable fit to the data, there was also some support for a two-factor model. Despite this, there was more statistical support for the three-factor model and arguments are made for retaining this structure. Expected associations between the three subscales of sense of mastery, sense of relatedness and emotional reactivity were found with the Beck Youth Inventory demonstrating support for the concurrent validity of the measure in incarcerated male adolescent offenders.Practical implicationsThis paper provides support for the internal structure of the RSCA with incarcerated male adolescent offenders within the UK, although some caution should be used when interpreting scores from the subscales. The findings suggest that the RSCA can be utilised by practitioners to identify young people who may benefit from additional support and also in assessment and treatment/intervention planning. This may be particularly useful when practitioners wish to explore the potential protective nature of resilience.Originality/valueThe current study is the first of its kind to formally explore the factor structure of the RSCA with incarcerated male adolescent offenders.

Integrating opioid overdose prevention in the emergency department

The aim of this study was to investigate long-term cognitive outcome, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and psychiatric symptoms in children and young adults diagnosed with a glioneuronal tumor in childhood.Twenty-eight children and adolescents (0–17.99 years) with a minimum postoperative follow-up time of five years were eligible for the study; four persons declined participation. A cross-sectional long-term follow-up evaluation was performed using the following study measures: Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-IV) or Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV), Reys Complex Figure Test (RCFT), Short Form 36 version 2 (SF-36v2), Short Form 10 (SF-10), Quality of Life in Epilepsy 31 (QOLIE-31), Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale (HADS) or Beck Youth Inventory Scales (BYI), and Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale. Historical WISC-III and RCFT data were used to compare cognitive longitudinal data.Mean follow-up time after surgery was 12.1 years. Sixty-three percent (15/24) were seizure-free. Despite a successive postoperative gain in cognitive function, a significant reduction relative to norms was seen in the seizure-free group with respect to perceptual reasoning index (PRI), working memory index (WMI), and full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ). Seizure freedom resulted in acceptable HRQoL. Thirty-two percent and 16% exceeded the threshold level of possible anxiety and depression, respectively, despite seizure freedom.Although lower than in corresponding reference groups, cognitive outcome and HRQoL are good provided that seizure freedom or at least a low seizure severity can be achieved. There is a risk of elevated levels of psychiatric symptoms. Long-term clinical follow-up is advisable.

Heightened Olfactory Sensitivity in Young Females with Recent-Onset Anorexia Nervosa and Recovered Individuals.

IntroductionOlfaction may be related to food restriction and weight loss. However, reports regarding olfactory function in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) have been inconclusive.ObjectiveCharacterize olfactory sensitivity and identification in female adolescents and young adults with first-episode AN and young females recovered from AN.MethodsWe used the Sniffin’ Sticks Odor Threshold Test and Odor Identification Test to assess 43 participants with first-episode AN, 27 recovered participants, and 39 control participants. Participants completed the Importance of Olfaction questionnaire, the Beck Youth Inventory and the Eating Disorder Inventory. We also conducted a psychiatric diagnostic interview and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule with participants.ResultsBoth clinical groups showed heightened olfactory sensitivity. After excluding participants with depression, participants with first-episode AN identified more odors than recovered participants.ConclusionHeightened olfactory sensitivity in AN may be independent of clinical status, whereas only individuals with current AN and without depression show more accurate odor identification.

Adaptation of Stirling children’s well-being scale (SCWBS) in Bangladesh context

The purpose of this study was to adapt Stirling Children’s Well-Being Scale (SCWBS) for measuring well-being of children of Bangladesh. Data were collected from 238 students, ages between 10 to 16 years of three different schools of Dhaka city. Psychometric properties were measured through Cronbach’s alpha (0.746), split-half (0.782), test-retest (0.791), which were satisfactory, respectively at 0.05, 0.05, and 0.01 level of significance. The demonstration of construct validity with Beck Self-Concept Inventory for Youth (BSCI-Y) and Beck Anxiety Inventory for Youth (BAI-Y) (two subtests of Adapted Bangla Beck Youth Inventories of Emotional and Social Impairment Scale) were 0.668 and –0.350, respectively, and item-total correlation (0.258 to 0.451) was also satisfactory. Thus psychometric results support that Bangla SCWBS is suitable for use in Bangladesh context. Mental health professionals can use Bangla SCWBS as a useful tool to assess changes in children’s wellbeing from a positive psychological perspective.&#x0D; Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 25(2): 161-167, 2016 (July)

Experiences among children and adolescents of living with spina bifida and their visions of the future

Purpose Transitioning to independence may be problematic for persons with spina bifida (SB). Experiences of young persons with SB may provide insights into this group’s needs for support. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate children’s and adolescents’ experiences of living with SB, their social and emotional adjustment, and their thoughts about becoming independent adults. Method Semi-structured interviews were conducted with young persons with SB (N = 8, age range 10–17 years). Social and emotional problems were assessed using Beck Youth Inventories. The interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. Results Three main themes were found: being a person with SB; everyday living as a person with SB; and preparing for life as an adult with SB. Indications of emotional and social problems were most prominent among participants with milder physical disability. Conclusions The findings indicate that young persons with SB may overestimate their independence. Other potentially problematic areas were lack of motivation, planning and preparedness for becoming independent. Research on transition to independence in this group should consider assistance at an early age in planning and executing strategies for independence. In addition, the potentially difficult situation for young persons with mild SB should be investigated further.Implications for rehabilitationChildren and adolescents with spina bifida might lack the motivation and skills for planning their future and health care programmes should therefore include preparations for life as an adult.Clinical assessment of the level of independence should specifically distinguish between the activities they know how to do and what tasks they actually execute independently.Routine follow-ups should include screening for problems with social and emotional adjustment.Be aware of a potential condition-severity paradox whereby those with less severe impairment might have an increased risk of developing symptoms of social and emotional problems.