Child Psychopathology Research Articles

Multimodal neural correlates of childhood psychopathology.

Complex structural and functional changes occurring in typical and atypical development necessitate multidimensional approaches to better understand the risk of developing psychopathology. Here, we simultaneously examined structural and functional brain network patterns in relation to dimensions of psychopathology in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development dataset. Several components were identified, recapitulating the psychopathology hierarchy, with the general psychopathology (p) factor explaining most covariance with multimodal imaging features, while the internalizing, externalizing, and neurodevelopmental dimensions were each associated with distinct morphological and functional connectivity signatures. Connectivity signatures associated with the p factor and neurodevelopmental dimensions followed the sensory-to-transmodal axis of cortical organization, which is related to the emergence of complex cognition and risk for psychopathology. Results were consistent in two separate data subsamples and robust to variations in analytical parameters. Although model parameters yielded statistically significant brain-behavior associations in unseen data, generalizability of the model was rather limited for all three latent components (r change from within- to out-of-sample statistics: LC1within=0.36, LC1out=0.03; LC2within=0.34, LC2out=0.05; LC3within=0.35, LC3out=0.07). Our findings help in better understanding biological mechanisms underpinning dimensions of psychopathology, and could provide brain-based vulnerability markers.

Sex-specific maladaptive responses to acute stress upon in utero THC exposure are mediated by dopamine

Cannabis remains by far the most consumed illicit drug in Europe. The availability of more potent cannabis has raised concerns regarding the enhanced health risks associated with its use, particularly among pregnant women. Growing evidence shows that cannabis use during pregnancy increases the risks of child psychopathology. We have previously shown that only male rat offspring prenatally exposed to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a rat model of prenatal cannabinoid exposure (PCE), display a hyperdopaminergic phenotype associated with a differential susceptibility to acute THC- and stress-mediated effects on sensorimotor gating functions. Here, we explore the contribution of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, key regulator of body adaptive stress responses, to the detrimental effects of acute stress on ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons and sensorimotor gating function of PCE rats. We report a sex-dependent compromised balance in mRNA levels of genes encoding mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors in the VTA, alongside with stress-induced pre-pulse inhibition (PPI) impairment. Notably, VTA dopamine neuronal activity is causally linked to the manifestation of stress-dependent deterioration of PPI. Finally, pharmacological manipulations targeting glycogen-synthase-kinase-3-β signaling during postnatal development correct these stress-induced, sex-specific and dopamine-dependent disruption of PPI. Collectively, these results highlight the critical sex-dependent interplay between HPA axis and dopamine system in the regulation of sensorimotor gating functions in rats.

Behavioural Activation and Inhibition Systems of Fathers, Child Abuse and Childhood Psychopathology: The Mediating Role of Demographics

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to investigate the direct and indirect influences of fathers' behavioural activation/inhibition systems (BAS/BIS) on the abuse and psychopathology of their children about the mediating role of father and child demographics using a structural equation modelling (SEM) in maltreated children. The participants of this study were 384 abused children and their fathers who were selected by a random sampling method within a cross‐sectional study. A demographic questionnaire, the Behavioral Activation/Inhibition Systems scale (BAS/BIS), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire‐Short Form (CTQ‐SF) and the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment‐Teacher's Report Form (ASEBA‐TRF) were used for data collection. The fathers' BAS/BIS with the mediating role of father and child demographics altogether explained 54% of variations in the physical, sexual, emotional and neglect dimensions of child abuse, whereas fathers' BAS/BIS with the mediating role of father and child demographics explained 88.1% of variations in all subscales of psychopathology in maltreated children. This conceptual model shows the direct and indirect effects of fathers' BAS/BIS on child abuse and childhood psychopathology with the mediating role of demographic variables.

Early childhood psychopathology and parental mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: the effects of pandemic restrictions on 0- to 3-year-olds

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic placed many restrictions on families and affected the mental health of parents and children. The present study examines how the restrictions imposed during the pandemic and parental mental health affect early childhood psychopathology.MethodFrom September 2019 to December 2021, the Outpatient Department of Family Therapy at the Institute for Psychosocial Prevention, Heidelberg surveyed a clinical sample of 249 families who sought consultation for early childhood psychopathology. Early childhood psychopathology in children aged 0–3 years was assessed using the German Questionnaire for Crying, Feeding and Sleeping and the German version of the Child Behavior Checklist 1½–5. The Patient Health Questionnaire provided information on parental depressiveness and generalized anxiety. At the same time, the Stringency Index as part of the Oxford Coronavirus Government Response Tracker indicated the severity of COVID restrictions in Germany.ResultsDependent comparisons did not reveal significant differences in the infants' regulatory problems (n = 165, mean age = 8 months) during the lockdown compared to reopening phases. However, older children (n = 84, mean age = 25 months) exhibited more behavioral problems during lockdowns compared to reopening phases (Cohen's d = 0.32, p = .04). Subsequent regression analyses confirmed a slight increase in behavioral problems only among children aged 1.5–3 years (p = .047, R2 = .08), but did not indicate any increase in parental mental health problems when more restrictions were in place. However, parental depressiveness had a strong independent effect on early childhood psychopathology. A hierarchical regression analysis indicated that psychopathology in children aged 1.5–3 years is best explained by female child gender, high parental depressiveness, and more severe restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic (p < .001, R2 = .17) whereas early childhood psychopathology in infants aged 0-1.5 years is more prevalent in younger and male children with parents experiencing higher levels of depressiveness (p < .001, R2 = .26).DiscussionThe study found no increase in infant regulatory disorders or parental depressiveness and generalized anxiety during the pandemic. However, older children exhibited more behavioral problems during more severe pandemic restrictions. The study supports the provision of parent-child support during crises and beyond, as early childhood psychopathology was strongly associated with parental depressiveness.

Assessing Whether Negative Parenting Cognitions Bias Parent Report of Preschoolers' Externalizing Symptoms: A Regularized Moderated Non-Linear Factor Analysis Approach.

Parent report is frequently used to assess children's psychopathology, however, researchers have expressed concerns about the validity of parent reports. Some parental characteristics, attitudes, or beliefs may systematically bias a parent's report of their child's behaviors and functioning. Informed by social information processing models of parenting risk, parents with more difficulties reflecting on and interpreting their children's behavior may be at risk for less accurate reports. The present study conducted two regularized moderated non-linear factor analyses with LONGSCAN data to examine how parents' self-reported negative parenting cognitions were associated with structural parameters of parent-reported child aggression and attention problems. While differential item functioning (DIF) was present on the aggression and attention problems subscales as a function of negative parenting cognitions, the DIF was small in magnitude, inconsistent in directionality and did not significantly alter factor-level parameters. Negative parenting cognitions did demonstrate a small but significant negative impact on all latent externalizing factors (aggression and attention problems), such that caregivers with fewer negative parenting cognitions endorsed fewer items, and this was associated with a lower mean of each latent variable. Given that accounting for DIF did not contribute to meaningful differences in impact parameters or improve criterion validity, findings suggest that the aggression and attention subscales are functionally invariant to negative parenting cognitions, suggesting that externalizing symptoms can be reliability compared across parents of varying parenting cognitions.

Parental depressive symptoms and child psychopathology: Effects of parenting‐specific emotion regulation and emotion socialization

AbstractObjectiveThe study explores the associations among parental depressive symptoms, child symptoms of psychopathology, emotion socialization (ES), and parenting‐specific emotion regulation (ER) using a novel measure, the Regulating Emotions in Parenting Scale (REPS).BackgroundThere is a notable correlation between parental depressive symptoms and symptoms of psychopathology in children. Empirical studies have also observed a correlation in the intergenerational patterns of ER, as well as their relations to ES. Investigating these relations in nonclinical samples is vital for understanding these risk factors and how they relate to child mental health.MethodThe study sample was comprised of n = 315 mothers and fathers and used a cross‐sectional design. Assessments were conducted on parental depressive symptoms, child psychopathology, ES, and parenting‐specific ER (REPS).ResultsOur findings revealed that parental depressive symptoms were significantly associated with all ER strategies in the parenting context. These ER strategies, in turn, were related to unsupportive ES practices, which were further related to child psychopathology. Parenting‐specific ER strategies and parents' supportive ES had a significant indirect effect on the association between parental depressive symptoms and child psychopathology. However, only indirect effects through unsupportive ES and suppression and rumination were significant, not adaptive ER.ConclusionsThe study's cross‐sectional correlations provide support for the role of parenting‐specific ER as it relates to ES, parental, and child psychopathology.ImplicationsFindings imply that how parents regulate their emotions during parenting significantly affects their ability to engage in supportive ES practices, but replication in a longitudinal framework is warranted.

Using machine learning to derive neurobiological subtypes of general psychopathology in late childhood.

Traditional mental health diagnoses rely on symptom-based classifications. Yet this approach can oversimplify clinical presentations as diagnoses often do not adequately map onto neurobiological features. Alternatively, our study used structural imaging data and a semisupervised machine learning technique, heterogeneity through discriminative analysis, to identify neurobiological subtypes in 9- to 10-year-olds with high psychopathology endorsements (n = 9,027). Our model revealed two stable neurobiological subtypes (adjusted Rand index = 0.38). Subtype 1 showed smaller structural properties, elevated conduct problems and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, and impaired cognitive performance compared to Subtype 2 and typically developing youth. Subtype 2 had larger structural properties, cognitive abilities comparable to typically developing youth, and elevated internalizing symptoms relative to Subtype 1 and typically developing youth. These subtypes remained stable in their neurobiological characteristics, cognitive ability, and associated psychopathology traits over time. Taken together, our data-driven approach uncovered evidence of neural heterogeneity as demonstrated by structural patterns that map onto divergent profiles of psychopathology symptoms and cognitive performance in youth. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Implications of respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) inertia for child psychopathology: Direct effect and interaction with between-task RSA reactivity.

Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) inertia is the temporary dependency of RSA levels between consecutive epochs, which captures the epoch-to-epoch stickiness of RSA reactivity. Previous studies examining the developmental function of between-task RSA reactivity have yielded mixed findings and have often overlooked RSA reactivity within the task. The present study examined whether RSA inertia during a stress task was associated with subsequent changes in child psychopathology symptoms. To have a comprehensive understanding of the function of RSA reactivity, we tested whether RSA inertia interacted with between-task RSA reactivity to jointly predict changes in child psychopathology symptoms. Eighty-nine middle-to-high income Chinese parent-child dyads were recruited. Children (Mage = 8.77 years, SD = 1.80 years, 41 girls) participated in a 2-min resting phase and then a 4-min stress task (a public speaking task), during which RSA was continuously recorded in the lab. Parents (Mage = 39.27 years, SD = 3.53 years, 67 mothers) reported on children's psychopathology symptoms in the lab and again 9 months later. Children with heightened RSA inertia tended to exhibit increased externalizing symptoms 9 months later. Moreover, RSA inertia interacted with between-task RSA reactivity to predict subsequent changes in externalizing symptoms. Children with the combination of lower RSA inertia and larger between-task RSA decreases had the lowest externalizing symptoms, suggesting an adaptive RSA reactivity pattern. Heightened within-task RSA inertia as well as reduced between-task RSA reactivity may help to identify children at risk for subsequent psychopathology symptoms, aiding in early intervention efforts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

State-level variation in the prevalence of child psychopathology symptoms in the US: Results from the ABCD study

ObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of clinically meaningful youth mood, anxiety, behavioral, and attention symptoms across US states. MethodData are drawn from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study baseline wave, which included 11,876 children ages 9–10. Statistical weighting strategies generated projected state-specific prevalence estimates for the 17 states where ABCD collected data based on state socio-demographics. Twenty dimensions of mental health were assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist using recommended cut-scores to assess clinical and sub-threshold symptoms. ResultsPsychopathology symptom prevalence varied by state and outcome. Projected prevalence of internalizing problems ranged from 11.0% [95% CI: 9.8%, 12.2%; Oklahoma] to 7.9% [95% CI: 6.9%, 9.0%; Maryland] across states. Projected prevalence of externalizing problems ranged from 6.9% [95% CI: 6.1%, 7.8%; South Carolina] to 4.5% [95% CI: 3.7%, 5.4%; California]. Regions with high symptoms included sections of the South (e.g., Oklahoma, South Carolina) and Vermont. Conduct problems had the most variability across states (i.e., greatest state-level prevalence 91% higher than the lowest). Attention problems had the least variability across states (greatest state-level prevalence 26% higher than the lowest). ConclusionsClinically meaningful psychopathology symptoms are common in children across the US, with substantial state-level variability in prevalence. Understanding variability in the prevalence of psychopathology symptoms across the US can help to inform resource allocation to increase the availability of youth mental health services.

Child and adolescent sleep disturbances and psychopathology in a mental health clinic sample

IntroductionChildren and adolescents treated in specialty mental health services are more likely to have sleep disturbances than those without mental health problems. Few studies have investigated the relationship between sleep and psychopathology in broad clinical samples of children. We examined the relationship between sleep disturbance and age on internalizing and externalizing psychopathology in a sample who sought treatment at children's mental health centers.MethodsSecondary data analyses were completed on a sample of children (N = 13,472; aged 4 to 18; 55% male) from 39 children's mental health agencies in Ontario, Canada, who completed a semi-structured assessment, the interRAI Children and Youth Mental Health (ChYMH). A split-half sample approach was utilized (S1 n = 6,773, S2 n = 6,699). Hierarchical regressions examined the effects of sleep disturbances (i.e., difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, night waking, bedtime resistance, falling asleep during the day) on internalizing and externalizing symptoms, above and beyond established child- (i.e., age, sex, sensory sensitivity, pain) and family-level variables (family functioning, caregiver distress, parenting strengths). Age was tested as a moderator for sleep disturbances on both outcome variables.ResultsOverall, 6.7% of children had clinically significant sleep disturbance scores (≥10 out of 16) on the interRAI ChYMH. In both samples, sleep disturbances predicted internalizing (S1 ΔR2 = 10%, S2 ΔR2 = 10%) and externalizing symptoms (S1 ΔR2 = 2%, S2 ΔR2 = 1%), above and beyond child and family variables. Age moderated the relationship between sleep disturbances and internalizing symptoms (S1 ß = 0.07; S2 ß = 0.07; ΔR2 = 0.004 in both samples), but not externalizing symptoms; sleep disturbance was more strongly related to internalizing symptoms amongst adolescents (ß = 0.98) than children (ß = 0.62).DiscussionThe relationship between sleep and internalizing symptoms appears to change as children move through development. Further, sleep was a stronger predictor of internalizing problems in adolescents than children, suggesting an additional focus of clinician efforts in this age group. These findings strengthen the importance of routine assessment of sleep, as is done with the interRAI ChYMH.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Multidimensional Assessment of Parenting Scale in LGBTQIA+ Parents.

In LGBTQIA+ adults, 36% are parents, but there are a limited number of parenting scales that have undergone psychometric evaluation in LGBTQIA+ parents. This study assessed the Multidimensional Assessment of Parenting Scale (MAPS) in LGBTQIA+ parents, addressing a gap in parenting scales considering both positive and negative aspects for this group. Our study includes two racially and ethnically diverse national samples of parents (n = 2,299, mean age = 37.05 years, 32.84% LGBTQIA+). We explored measurement invariance between LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ parents. The analysis revealed a modest fit for configural and metric invariance, indicating the MAPS structure and item loadings were consistent across groups, although scalar invariance was only partially supported. Subscales showed good internal consistency for both parent groups. Importantly, following false discovery rate corrections, interactions between LGBTQIA+ status and specific MAPS subscales (supportiveness, physical control) were significantly, but differentially, related to various child psychopathology dimensions, suggesting parenting impacts may differ for LGBTQIA+ families. These findings underscore the importance of including LGBTQIA+ perspectives in parenting research to develop tailored interventions that address their unique strengths and challenges. Acknowledging and supporting the diverse experiences of LGBTQIA+ parents can enhance targeted resources and interventions, contributing to better outcomes for all families.

Prevalence and correlates of emotion dysregulation among children and adolescents in Lebanon: results from a National Survey

BackgroundData on Emotion Dysregulation among youth in Lebanon is scarce. Given that Emotion Dysregulation is associated with psychopathology and has a negative impact on youth outcomes, there is a need to better understand the prevalence, clinical and demographic correlates of Emotion Dysregulation.MethodsThis study is a secondary analysis of the Psychopathology in Children and Adolescents in Lebanon Study which recruited 1517 youth and one parent from a nationally representative sample. Participants completed The Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders, Mood and Feelings Questionnaire, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Peer Relations Questionnaire, Conflict Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ).Parents completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire-Dysregulation Profile was used to measure Emotion Dysregulation.ResultsThe prevalence of Emotion Dysregulation was 11.26% among children aged 5 to < 8 years, 9.40% among children aged 8 to < 12 years and 6.60% among those older than 12 years. Emotion Dysregulation was associated with psychopathology across age groups and a number of correlates were identified. In the final regression models, among children aged 5 to < 8 years; Emotion Dysregulation was associated with lower odds of father employment (OR = 0.235;CI[0.078,0.704]). For those aged 8 to < 12 years old, Emotion Dysregulation was associated with acceptable school performance (OR = 2.246,CI[1.209,4.173]) as opposed to a good school performance, having a chronic physical illness (OR = 2.962; CI [1.495,5.867)], and higher parental GHQ scores (OR = 1.034;CI [1.010,10.58)] indicating worse parental mental health. Adolescents aged 12 years and older who screened positive for Emotion Dysregulation were more likely to be younger (OR = 0.688, CI[0.527,0.899]), be a bully (OR = 2.467;CI[1.036,5.875] and to have higher parental CBQ scores (OR = 1.092;CI [1.011,1.180]), indicating worse parent-child conflict. Youth who screened positive for emotion dysregulation were more likely to seek psychiatric care than their counterparts who screen negative for emotion dysregulation.ConclusionAge, school performance, parental mental health, parental conflict, chronic physical illness and bullying emerge as important correlates of Emotion Dysregulation. Findings add to the limited data on Emotion Dysregulation in Lebanon and the region and are a first step towards developing intervention and prevention strategies.

More adverse childhood experiences are associated with increased social thinning and severe psychological distress

Adverse childhood experiences have been linked to psychopathology due to reduced social networks or social thinning. However, evidence of the temporal associations between adverse childhood experiences, social networks, and psychopathology was lacking, as few studies assessed social networks repeatedly. Further, their underlying neurocognitive and biological mechanisms related to hypervigilance and inflammation remain unclear. This study aimed to clarify these associations using a three-wave population-based cohort study during the COVID-19 pandemic (n = 465), where we leveraged repeated social network assessments. Self-reported questionnaires assessed adverse childhood experiences, social network size and diversity, psychological distress, and hypervigilance regarding COVID-19. Blood tests were conducted to measure inflammation markers. Individuals with more adverse childhood experiences demonstrated lesser increases in their social networks than those without adverse childhood experiences. Decreased network sizes were associated with severe psychological distress, but this association did not remain after adjusting for baseline distress. On the other hand, reduced network diversities were associated with increased psychological distress. We did not find any paths through hypervigilance regarding COVID-19 and inflammation that explain associations between adverse childhood experiences, social thinning, and psychological distress. These findings emphasize the significant social network changes in the associations between adverse childhood experiences and psychopathology.

Investigating cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between brain structure and distinct dimensions of externalizing psychopathology in the ABCD sample.

Externalizing psychopathology in childhood is a predictor of poor outcomes across the lifespan. Children exhibiting elevated externalizing symptoms also commonly show emotion dysregulation and callous-unemotional (CU) traits. Examining cross-sectional and longitudinal neural correlates across dimensions linked to externalizing psychopathology during childhood may clarify shared or distinct neurobiological vulnerability for psychopathological impairment later in life. We used tabulated brain structure and behavioural data from baseline, year 1, and year 2 timepoints of the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD; baseline n = 10,534). We fit separate linear mixed effect models to examine whether baseline brain structures in frontolimbic and striatal regions (cortical thickness or subcortical volume) were associated with externalizing symptoms, emotion dysregulation, and/or CU traits at baseline and over a two-year period. The most robust relationships found at the cross-sectional level was between cortical thickness in the right rostral middle frontal gyrus and bilateral pars orbitalis was positively associated with CU traits (β = |0.027-0.033|, pcorrected = 0.009-0.03). Over the two-year follow-up period, higher baseline cortical thickness in the left pars triangularis and rostral middle frontal gyrus predicted greater decreases in externalizing symptoms ((F = 6.33-6.94, pcorrected = 0.014). The results of the current study suggest that unique regions within frontolimbic and striatal networks may be more strongly associated with different dimensions of externalizing psychopathology. The longitudinal findings indicate that brain structure in early childhood may provide insight into structural features that influence behaviour over time.

Behaviour and Psychopathology in Preschool Children with William Syndrome and the Effects of Age, Sex and Cognition.

The current study compared the prevalence of cognitive and psychopathological impairments among 24 preschool children with Williams syndrome (WS) (aged 2.20 to 5.97years) and 53 controls without WS and screened for developmental or psychological diagnoses (aged 2.21 to 5.89years) matched on chronological age and sex distribution. Associations between sex, chronological age, early development and psychopathology were also investigated. The Child Behavior Checklist-Preschool Version (CBCL) and the Mullen Scales of Early Learning were administered. Higher reported rates of Attention Problems, Emotional Reactivity, Somatic Complaints, Withdrawal, Affective Problems and Total Problems were found in preschool children with WS. There were no significant group differences in prevalence rates of all other CBCL domains. Attention Problems were the most prevalent psychopathology in preschool children with WS (33% falling in the clinically significant range), followed by Affective Problems (29% in clinically significant range), then Anxiety Problems (17%) or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Problems (17%). Among children without WS, the highest prevalence rates of psychopathology were for Attention Problems (4% falling in the clinically significant range), Aggressive Behaviour (4%), Sleep Problems (4%) and Oppositional Defiant Problems (4%). There were no significant associations between sex or chronological age and CBCL-reported psychopathology for either group. In addition, there were no significant relationships between CBCL ratings and verbal ability, nonverbal ability or overall developmental level in either group. Findings highlight variations in the pattern of psychopathology among preschool children with WS compared to those without WS, which needs to be considered in clinical management and future research.

The developmental and dynamic relationship between psychopathology and psychotic-like experiences trajectories in children and adolescents

BackgroundThe previous cross-sectional and prospective studies have reported that psychopathology was associated with the occurrence of psychotic-like experiences (PLEs). However, few of these studies have examined this longitudinal association considering the different developmental trajectories of PLEs, as well as the growth or changes of psychopathology over time. MethodsFour waves PLEs and psychopathology assessments from Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study were used. The latent class growth modeling (LCGM) and latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) was used to assess latent PLEs class (group) and time-varying psychopathology, respectively. Lastly, the multinomial logistic regression model was used to examined the dynamic and developmental relationship between intercept/slope in psychopathology and different PLEs trajectories. ResultsThree PLEs trajectory classes were confirmed: low decreasing PLEs (84.7 %), persistent PLEs (7.01 %) and high decreasing PLEs trajectories (8.29 %). We also found that the intercept of anxious/depressed problems and total problems scales and the slope of social problems were associated with the persistent PLEs trajectory compared with the low decreasing PLEs trajectories, indicating both the early onset and the growth of psychopathology over time are needed to be clinical attention. LimitationsThe CBCL as the sole outcome measure for psychopathology and a widely acknowledged definition for PLEs is lacking. We lacked the mechanisms underlying the current results. ConclusionThese longitudinal and dynamic results suggest that future intervention studies aimed at preventing the transition from persistent PLEs to psychotic disorders can focus on both the early onset and the growth of psychopathology over time.

Parental psychopathology and offspring anxiety disorders in childhood and adolescence: A Finnish nationwide register study

BackgroundResearch suggests an association between parental psychiatric disorders and offspring anxiety disorders, yet comprehensive studies are limited. This study aims to investigate the associations between various parental psychiatric disorders and anxiety disorders in their offspring. MethodUsing Finnish register data, this nested case-control study analyzed 867,175 singleton live births from 1992 to 2006, identifying 21,671 cases of anxiety disorders diagnosed between 1998 and 2016. Matched with four controls each (n = 72,414) based on age and biological sex, the study adjusted for demographic and prenatal factors using conditional logistic regression models to calculate odds ratios (aORs). ResultsThere was a significant association between parental psychiatric disorders and increased risk of anxiety disorders in offspring. The risk was notably higher when both parents had psychiatric disorders (aOR = 5.04; 95 % CI, 4.70‐5.39; p < .001). Maternal psychiatric disorders were strongly associated with offspring anxiety than paternal disorders (aOR 1.52; 95 % CI 1.43–1.61; p < .001). This association was consistent regardless of timing of parental diagnosis. Significant associations were observed between any parental psychiatric disorder and increased risks in offspring for specific phobia, social phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety, and panic disorder. Maternal psychiatric disorders showed elevated risk for panic disorder and social phobia among girls and separation anxiety and generalized anxiety among boys. ConclusionThe findings emphasize the significant impact of parental psychiatric health on offspring anxiety disorders, highlighting the influence of genetic and environmental factors. Addressing parental mental health is crucial in preventing childhood anxiety disorders.

Testing a Conceptual Model of Early Adversity, Neural Function, and Psychopathology: Protocol for a Retrospective Observational Cohort Study.

Early adversity, broadly defined as a set of negative exposures during childhood, is extremely common and increases risk for psychopathology across the life span. Previous research suggests that separate dimensions of adversity increase risk through developmental plasticity mechanisms shaping unique neurobiological pathways. Specifically, research suggests that deprivation is associated with deficits in higher order cognition, while threat is associated with atypicality in fear learning and emotion dysregulation. However, most of this research has been conducted in adolescent and adult samples, long after exposure to adversity occurs and far from periods of peak developmental plasticity. The Wellness Health and Life Experiences (WHALE) study examines the neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms by which deprivation, threat, and unpredictability increase risk for psychopathology in early childhood (age 4-7 years) directly following periods of peak developmental plasticity. The objective of this study is to describe the study rationale and aims, the research design and procedures, and the analytical plan to test the study hypotheses. This is a retrospective cohort study that examines associations between exposure to deprivation and threat and their hypothesized neurobiological mechanisms, how these neurobiological mechanisms link early adversity and psychopathology, and associations between unpredictability, reward learning, and psychopathology. The sample was a convenience sample of children (aged 4-7 years) and their families, identified through flyers, email blasts to listserves, school-based advertising, and involvement in community events. Data were collected during a home visit, a subsequent laboratory visit, and a final neuroimaging visit. Planned analyses include linear regression, path analyses, and functional magnetic resonance imaging analyses to explore the role of neural function in the association between early adversity and psychopathology. Participants (N=301) have been recruited into the study, and data collection has commenced. The expected results will be available in 2024. The findings of this study will help elucidate the neurobiological mechanisms by which early adversity increases risk for psychopathology in early childhood. This study represents the earliest test of an influential theory of biological embedding of early adversity. DERR1-10.2196/59636.

Impact of alexithymia, speech problems and parental emotion recognition on internalizing and externalizing problems in preschoolers.

Alexithymia, characterized by difficulty identifying and describing emotions and an externally oriented thinking style, is a personality trait linked to various mental health issues. Despite its recognized importance, research on alexithymia in early childhood is sparse. This study addresses this gap by investigating alexithymia in preschool-aged children and its correlation with psychopathology, along with parental alexithymia. Data were analyzed from 174 parents of preschoolers aged 3 to 6, including 27 children in an interdisciplinary intervention program, all of whom attended regular preschools. Parents filled out online questionnaires assessing their children's alexithymia (Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire-Parent Report) and psychopathology (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire), as well as their own alexithymia (Perth Alexithymia Questionnaire) and emotion recognition (Reading Mind in the Eyes Test). Linear multivariable regressions were computed to predict child psychopathology based on both child and parental alexithymia. Preschool children's alexithymia could be predicted by their parents' alexithymia and parents' emotion recognition skills. Internalizing symptomatology could be predicted by overall child alexithymia, whereas externalizing symptomatology was predicted by difficulties describing negative feelings only. Parental alexithymia was linked to both child alexithymia and psychopathology. The findings provide first evidence of the importance of alexithymia as a possible risk factor in early childhood and contribute to understanding the presentation and role of alexithymia. This could inform future research aimed at investigating the causes, prevention, and intervention strategies for psychopathology in children.

Psychopathology in Infants, Toddlers, and Preschool Children with Nonsyndromic Clefts of the Lip and/or Palate: A Case-Control Study.

The aim of this study is to assess psychopathology and maternal interactions in infants, toddlers, and preschool children with nonsyndromic clefts of the lip and/or palate (NSCLP) and association of psychopathology with cleft-related factors and maternal interactions. Twenty-six children from 4 to 72 months of age with NSCLP, who were attending the Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Department were included as the case group. Fifty-two healthy children who were matched on age and sex with the case group were taken as controls. Children were assessed in aspects of psychiatric diagnosis, articulation, and development. Speech and language disorders (SLD) (P<0.001), disorders of affect (DA) (P=0.005), feeding behavior disorder (P=0.002), sleep-behavior disorder (SBD) (P=0.038), and disordered mother-child relationship (P<0.001) were more prevalent in children with NSCLP. Dental alignment (P=0.024), number of operations (P=0.006), and type of operations (P=0.012) were associated with DA. The children in the case group, who had disordered relationship with their mothers had significantly more SLD (P=0.036) and SBD (P=0.039). Children with NSCLP are at risk of developing psychopathology, especially SLD and DA. Maternal interactions and the above cleft-related factors and may be the target of interventions to prevent and treat psychiatric disorders in these children.