Disorder Symptoms In Adolescents Research Articles

Persistent increased severity of cannabis use disorder symptoms in adolescents compared to adults: a one-year longitudinal study.

Adolescence is a developmental period characterised by increased vulnerability to cannabis use disorder (CUD). However, previous investigations of this vulnerability have relied on cross-sectional comparisons and lack a detailed assessment of cannabis quantity, a potentially important confounding factor. Here, we aimed to investigate the one-year course of CUD in adolescents compared to adults who currently use cannabis, adjusting for a comprehensive measure of cannabis quantity. Data are from a one-year observational longitudinal study (CannTeen) of adolescents and adults who currently used cannabis regularly with five waves of assessment at 3-monthly intervals, based in London, UK. Participants were n = 70 adults (26-29, 45.7% female), who did not regularly use cannabis when they were under age 18, and n = 76 adolescents (16-17, 50.0% female). The exposure was adolescent (compared to adult) frequent cannabis use. The primary outcome was CUD symptoms measured using the cannabis use disorder identification test revised (CUDIT-R) at five time points. Models were adjusted for cannabis quantity using mean weekly standard THC units (one unit = 5mg THC). Other covariates included gender, and whether each session occurred before or during the COVID-19 pandemic. In models adjusted for pre-registered covariates, adolescents scored 3.7 points higher on the CUDIT-R compared to the adult group across the 5 assessment waves (3.66 95% CIs 1.99, 5.34). There was also evidence of a linear reduction in symptoms over time in both groups (-0.47, 95%CIs -0.67, -0.27). Adolescents had persistently increased CUD symptoms compared to adults across the 12-month period. This association was robust after adjusting for the quantity of cannabis consumed and other covariates.

Understanding eating disorder symptoms in adolescents: testing a cognitive-behavioural model of eating disorders in a community sample

ABSTRACT Clinical perfectionism, self-esteem, mood intolerance, and interpersonal difficulties are associated with eating disorder symptoms in clinical samples. The aim of the current study was to test a model including clinical perfectionism, self-esteem, mood intolerance, and interpersonal difficulties to understand eating disorder symptoms in an adolescent community sample. Adolescents (N = 446, M age = 16.25 years, SD = 1.64; 74.2% female) completed measures of clinical perfectionism, self-esteem, mood intolerance, interpersonal difficulties, and eating disorder symptoms. Path analysis indicated clinical perfectionism, self-esteem, mood intolerance, and interpersonal difficulties were all directly associated with symptoms of eating disorders, and that clinical perfectionism was indirectly associated with eating disorders through self-esteem, mood intolerance, and interpersonal difficulties. The results indicate the cognitive-behavioural model of eating disorders can be applied to adolescents in the community with symptoms of eating disorders. Directional causality between constructs should be established to understand whether increased clinical perfectionism, and reduced self-esteem, mood intolerance, and interpersonal difficulties are vulnerabilities to the development and maintenance of eating disorders.

Prevalence and Correlates of Eating Disorder Symptoms in Adolescents with Bipolar I Disorder.

Objective: To investigate the prevalence and correlates of eating disorder symptoms in adolescents with bipolar I disorder (BP I). Methods: We retrospectively collected a DSM-IV-TR-based diagnostic assessment of 179 adolescents with BP I and evaluated clinical variables in those with and without eating disorder symptoms. For comparison, we retrospectively evaluated eating disorder symptoms in adolescents with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Results: Thirty-six percent of adolescents with BP I experienced lifetime eating disorder symptoms; among comorbid adolescents, 74% reported eating disorder cognitions and 40% reported symptoms related to bingeing, 25% purging, and 17% restricting. BP I adolescents with (vs. without) eating disorder symptoms had higher Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised scores (40.5 vs. 34.5; p < 0.001; effect size = 0.59) and were more likely to be female (75% vs. 45%; p < 0.001; odds ratio = 3.8). There were no differences in Young Mania Rating Scale scores (p = 0.70); lifetime presence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (p = 0.86) and alcohol (p = 0.59) or substance (p = 0.89) abuse/dependence symptoms; age of BP I onset (p = 0.14); inpatient hospitalization status at baseline (p = 0.53); presence of lifetime inpatient hospitalization (p = 0.64) or suicide attempt (p = 0.35); seriousness of suicidality (p = 0.86); body mass index (p = 0.48); and second-generation antipsychotic (SGA; p = 0.32) or non-SGA mood stabilizer (p = 0.09) use. Eating disorder cognitions (rather than behaviors) were higher in the GAD group (58%) compared with the BP I group (27%; p = 0.004). Limitations: A retrospective study is subject to recall bias and limits our understanding of the temporal relationship between eating disorder and mood symptoms. Conclusions: Eating disorder symptoms are frequently comorbid in adolescents with BP I. The comorbidity is associated with more severe depression but does not confer a more severe illness course.

A pilot feasibility and acceptability trial of an internet indicated prevention program for perfectionism to reduce eating disorder symptoms in adolescents

PurposePerfectionism is a transdiagnostic risk factor for eating disorders. Treating perfectionism can reduce symptoms of eating disorders. No research has examined an indicated prevention trial using internet-based Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy for Perfectionism (ICBT-P) in adolescent girls at elevated risk for eating disorders. Our aim was to conduct a preliminary feasibility trial using a co-designed ICBT-P intervention. It was hypothesised that a higher proportion of participants in the ICBT-P condition would achieve reliable and clinically significant change on perfectionism, eating disorders, anxiety and depression, compared to waitlist control.MethodsTwenty-one adolescent girls with elevated symptoms of eating disorders (M age = 16.14 years) were randomised to a 4-week online feasibility trial of a co-designed ICBT-P prevention program or waitlist control. Qualitative surveys were used to gain participant perspectives.ResultsThe ICBT-P condition had a higher proportion of participants achieve reliable change and classified as recovered on perfectionism and symptoms of eating disorders and anxiety, compared to waitlist control. Qualitative findings indicated that 100% of participants found the program helpful.ConclusionThe results indicate ICBT-P is a feasible and acceptable program for adolescent girls with elevated eating disorder symptoms. Future research is required to examine outcomes in a randomised controlled trial.Level of evidenceLevel III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case–control analytic studies.Trial registration numberThis trial was prospectively registered with Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12620000951954P) on 23/09/2020.

Emotional and Behavioral Impairment and Comorbid Eating Disorder Symptoms in Adolescents with Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The current study aims to assess the psychological conditions of Italian adolescents with obesity seeking an in-hospital multidisciplinary body weight reduction program, by exploring their psychological adjustment, emotional states, and co-occurring eating disorder symptoms. Methods: The study involved ninety-two consecutive Italian adolescents with obesity (31 males, 61 females), with a mean age ± SD: 16.4 ± 1.1 years and body mass index (BMI): 38.3 ± 6.04 kg/m2). The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and Eating Attitude Test-26 (EAT-26) were used for the evaluations. Differences between genders, degrees of obesity (Group 1 = BMI SDS 2-2.99 and Group 2: BMI SDS > 3), and those with or without eating disorder symptoms (Group 1: EAT-26 ≤ 20 and Group 2: EAT-26 > 20) were explored. Results: The results showed that females reported higher scores on the Emotional Symptoms, Prosocial Behaviors, Total Difficulties, and Total Impact subscales of the SDQ, the BDI, both subscales of the STAI, and the Bulimia subscales of the EAT-26 than males, independently from the degrees of obesity. Participants with eating disorder symptoms (Group 2: EAT-26 > 20) showed higher scores on the Emotional Symptoms and Total Difficulties subscales of the SDQ, the BDI, and both subscales of the STAI than those of Group 1 (EAT-26 ≤ 20). Conclusions: The study explores the psychological conditions of adolescents with obesity. The results can inform appropriate treatment approaches for the management of obesity in developmental age groups, which not only take into account the medical and physical aspects of obesity, but also the behavioral, emotional, and social difficulties expressed by adolescents, in addition to specific eating disorder symptoms.

The roles of extraversion and neuroticism in the relationship between childhood adversity and adolescent substance misuse.

Although the influences of extraversion and neuroticism on the relationship between childhood adversity and substance misuse have been considered in adults, they are not yet clear and have not been examined among adolescent samples. This study sought to investigate the relationship between childhood adversity and adolescent substance misuse, alongside the influences of extraversion and neuroticism, using data from a longitudinal birth cohort study. Statistical analyses were performed on a longitudinal dataset provided by the Christchurch Health and Development Study (CHDS). After controlling for confounds, childhood adversity was a significant predictor of substance use disorder symptoms in adolescence. Moderation analyses showed that experiences of childhood adversity were most strongly associated with adolescent substance use disorder symptoms at higher levels of extraversion and at higher levels of neuroticism. Among adolescents who have experienced childhood adversity, extraversion and neuroticism may be risk factors for substance use disorder. By encouraging professionals to target adolescent substance misuse intervention and prevention approaches towards those who have experienced childhood adversity and are high in extraversion and/or neuroticism, these findings may help to diminish the prevalence of adolescent substance misuse and improve the health of adolescents.

6 Months After the Great Earthquake: 2023 Turkey Earthquake News and its Impact on Anxiety Levels and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms in Adolescents

Giriş: Depremler ve oluşturduğu etkiler küresel sağlık sorunlarına neden olmaktadır. Kaygı ve travma sonrası stres bozukluğu depremlerin ardından görülen en yaygın olumsuz psikolojik tepki olarak kabul edilmektedir. Bu araştırmada deprem haberlerinin ergenlerde kaygı ve travma sonrası stres bozukluğu belirtileriyle ilişkisi ve bu ilişkiye aracılık eden risk faktörlerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Yöntem: Kesitsel-tanımlayıcı modeldeki bu çalışma, depremden altı ay sonra Türkiye'nin doğusunda yer alan bir bölgedeki lise öğrencileriyle yürütülmüştür. Küme örnekleme yöntemiyle yüz yüze görüşme tekniğinin kullanıldığı araştırmaya 487 ergen katılmıştır. Kaygının travma stres belirtileri üzerindeki rolünü değerlendirmek amacıyla yapısal eşitlik modeli analizi kullanılmıştır. Bulgular: Ergenlerin kaygı ve travma sonrası stres belirtileri puanlarının orta düzeyde olduğu belirlenmiştir. Kaygının travma sonrası stres belirtilerini etkilediği, kronik veya psikiyatrik hastalığı olanların, daha önce enkaz altında kalan veya yaralanan herhangi bir yakını olanların, sürekli olarak deprem olacağı endişesi taşıyanların, depremle ilgili haber veya yayınları izleyenlerin kaygı ve travma sonrası stres puanları yüksek bulunmuştur. Sonuç: Uygun olmayan haber içerikleri ve yayınların çocuk ve ergenleri etkileyebileceği unutulmamalıdır. Ebeveynlerin özellikle deprem sonrası haber kanalları ve sosyal medyada çocuklarının izlediği içerikleri kontrol etmesi önemlidir. Doğal afetlerden etkilenen ergenlere, özellikle kaygı ve travma sonrası stres belirtileri gibi ruhsal problemler açısından yüksek risk taşıyanlara, bireyselleştirilmiş ve uygun psikososyal müdahaleler verilmelidir.

Early childhood appetitive traits and eating disorder symptoms in adolescence: a 10-year longitudinal follow-up study in the Netherlands and the UK

Obesity and eating disorders commonly co-occur and might share common risk factors. Appetite avidity is an established neurobehavioural risk factor for obesity from early life, but the role of appetite in eating disorder susceptibility is unclear. We aimed to examine longitudinal associations between appetitive traits in early childhood and eating disorder symptoms in adolescence. In this longitudinal cohort study, we used data from Generation R (based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands) and Gemini (based in England and Wales). Appetitive traits at age 4-5 years were measured using the parent-reported Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire. At age 12-14 years, adolescents self-reported on overeating eating disorder symptoms (binge eating symptoms, uncontrolled eating, and emotional eating) and restrictive eating disorder symptoms (compensatory behaviours and restrained eating). Missing data on covariates were imputed using Multivariate Imputation via Chained Equations. Ordinal and binary logistic regressions were performed in each cohort separately and adjusted for confounders. Pooled results were obtained by meta-analyses. Sensitivity analyses were performed on complete cases using inverse probability weighting. The final study sample included 2801 participants from Generation R and 869 participants from Gemini. Pooled findings after meta-analyses showed that higher food responsiveness in early childhood increased the odds of binge eating symptoms (odds ratio [OR]pooled 1·47, 95% CI 1·26-1·72), uncontrolled eating (1·33, 1·21-1·46), emotional eating (1·26, 1·13-1·41), restrained eating (1·16, 1·06-1·27), and compensatory behaviours (1·18, 1·08-1·30) in adolescence. Greater emotional overeating in early childhood increased the odds of compensatory behaviours (1·18, 1·06-1·33). By contrast, greater satiety responsiveness in early childhood decreased the odds of compensatory behaviours in adolescence (0·89, 0·81-0·99) and uncontrolled eating (0·86, 0·78-0·95) in adolescence. Slower eating in early childhood decreased the odds of compensatory behaviours (0·91, 0·84-0·99) and restrained eating (0·90, 0·83-0·98) in adolescence. No other associations were observed. In this study, higher food responsiveness in early childhood was associated with a higher likelihood of self-reported eating disorder symptoms in adolescence, whereas greater satiety sensitivity and slower eating were associated with a lower likelihood of some eating disorder symptoms. Appetitive traits in children might be early neurobehavioural risk factors for, or markers of, subsequent eating disorder symptoms. MQ Mental Health Research, Rosetrees Trust, ZonMw.

Measures of Anxiety Disorder Symptoms in Adolescents

Measures of Anxiety Disorder Symptoms in Adolescents

Indicators of quality of life, anxiety-depressive symptoms and severity of dysmenorrhea in adolescent girls with peritoneal endometriosis during conservative therapy for a year

Introduction. Delayed diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis lead to impaired quality of life and pain chronification in young female patients.Aim. To study indicators of quality of life, anxiety, depression and pain syndrome in adolescents with peritoneal endometriosis (PE) over a one-year period of conservative therapy.Materials and methods. A total of 45 girls aged 13 to 17 years with a confirmed diagnosis of PE were enrolled in a prospective longitudinal study. Pain syndrome (VAS, McGill Pain Questionnaire), anxiety-depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)), quality of life indicators (SF-36) were assessed before and after one year of treatment in female patients (dienogest administered continuously, NSAIDs and drotaverine for immediate pain relief only).Results. One year of therapy resulted in a significant decrease in the severity of dysmenorrhea and chronic pelvic pain, gastrointestinal symptoms and dysuria, daily activity and productivity impairment (p &lt; 0.001) in girls with PE. In addition, the study demonstrated decreased indicators of anxiety and depressive disorders (BDI depression, HADS anxiety and depression, STAI reactive and personal anxiety (p &lt; 0.001)) and an improvement in quality-of-life indicators (physical and psychological component, average index (p &lt; 0.001)). There was a declining trend in blood hormone and inflammation test results within the reference range during treatment. The estradiol level has been shown to be a risk factor for high levels of affective disorder symptoms in adolescents with PE: STAI reactive anxiety (p = 0.046), HADS anxiety and depression (p = 0.044 and 0.033, respectively).Conclusion. The one-year therapy of PE in adolescents (dienogest administered continuously, a combination of NSAIDs and drotaverine in pain syndrome only) was associated with significantly improved quality of life, decreased severity of anxietydepressive disorders and pain, which confirms the need to start therapy when symptoms of the disease begin to show them-selves in adolescence.

Unravelling the intricacies between gaming motivations and internet gaming disorder symptoms in adolescents: a network analysis of 2-year healthy and deteriorating transition profiles

BackgroundThe increasing prevalence of internet gaming disorder (IGD) among adolescents has become a global concern, while gaming plays a large role in many adolescents’ lives. While prior research emphasised the significance of investigating IGD through an etiological lens, the interconnections between diverse gaming motivations and IGD symptoms in adolescents remain inadequately understood. This study explored the associations between distinct gaming motivations and IGD symptoms by conducting network analysis in adolescents.MethodsData from a two-year longitudinal school-based survey (N = 2148) was utilized. LPA was used to offer a straightforward and interpretable solution for identifying adolescents with two-year healthy and deteriorating transitions of IGD profiles. Subsequently, we conducted a network analysis to explore and compare the associations between gaming motivations and IGD symptoms in adolescents with two-year healthy transition profiles and deteriorating transition profiles.ResultsThree profiles were delineated: ‘low IGD’ (T1: n = 808, 37.62%; T2: n = 731; 34.03%), ‘middle IGD’ (T1: n = 1063, 49.49%; T2: n = 1103, 51.35%), and ‘severe IGD’ (T1: n = 277, 12.89%; T2: n = 314, 14.62%), classifying adolescents with healthy transitions and those with deteriorating transitions. Three gaming motivations (i.e., ‘Daily entertainment’, ‘I am good at it’, and ‘Improvement of ability and mindset’) were identified as protective motivations. Two others, ‘Enjoy being in the gaming world’ and ‘Preoccupation’, were identified as bridge nodes in adolescents with deteriorating transitions. Three core nodes (i.e., ‘Sense of victory’, ‘Enjoy being in the gaming world’, and ‘Sense of achievement’) were identified in both adolescents with healthy profile transitions and deteriorating transitions.ConclusionFindings suggest that not all gaming motivations contribute to the development of IGD in adolescents. Adolescents with deteriorating transitions showed specific gaming motivation and IGD symptom that is closely connected. Future interventions should consider corresponding gaming motivation when addressing IGD among adolescents.

Childhood hyperactivity, eating behaviours, and executive functions: Their association with the development of eating-disorder symptoms in adolescence

BackgroundCross-sectional studies have shown that hyperactivity and impaired executive functioning are associated with symptoms of eating disorders in adolescence and adulthood. Whether hyperactivity and executive functions in early life can prospectively predict the emergence of eating disorder symptoms in adolescence remains unknown. The present study relies on a longitudinal design to investigate how hyperactivity at age 3, eating behaviours at age 3.5 and cognition at ages 3–6 were associated with the development of eating-disorder symptoms from 12 to 20 years old.MethodsUsing archival data collected since 1997 from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development cohort (N = 2, 223), we used Latent Curve Models to analyse predictors of youth’s trajectories of eating-disorder symptoms at four timepoints.ResultsA quadratic (curvilinear) trajectory of eating-disorder symptoms was found to be most representative of the data. Higher hyperactivity at age 3 was associated with higher levels of eating-disorder symptoms at age 12, and this association was partially mediated by higher levels of overeating and cognitive inflexibility in childhood. Cognitive inflexibility in childhood also mediated the association between hyperactivity at age 3 and increases in eating-disorder symptoms during adolescence. Furthermore, working memory was indirectly related to eating-disorder symptoms via the mediational role of cognitive flexibility.ConclusionsHyperactivity, overeating, cognitive inflexibility, and working memory early in life might precede the onset of eating-disorder symptoms in adolescence. Early behavioural and cognitive screening may help to identify children who are most at risk for eating disorders. This, in turn, could guide preventive interventions.

A - 136 Association of Pre-Injury Anxiety and Oculomotor Symptoms Following Concussion among Adolescents.

To investigate the utility of demographic risk factors and post-concussion oculomotor symptoms to identify adolescents with anxiety panic disorder symptoms. Participants included 124 patients (63 male) aged 10 to 18 (M = 14.4, SD = 2.3) within 2-30days of injury (M = 9.3, SD = 6.3) who presented to a concussion specialty clinic between 2017-2018. All participants completed the Screening for Child Anxiety Related Disorders (SCARED-C) to evaluate pre-injury anxiety as well as the Vestibular/Ocular Motor Screening (VOMS) as part of standard clinical care. A backward logistic regression (LR) was employed to determine the utility of symptom provocation on oculomotor components of the VOMS (i.e., smooth pursuits, horizontal saccades, vertical saccades, and near point of convergence) and demographic risk factors (i.e., history of anxiety or depression and gender) to identify adolescents with panic disorder symptoms on the SCARED-C. The LR model was statistically significant (χ2 (6) = 26.8, p < 0.001) and explained 32.0% of the variance. The model correctly classified 84.7% of cases with high specificity = 0.97 but low sensitivity = 0.27. Variables retained in the model included provocation of dizziness during vertical saccades (OR = 1.85, p = 0.016), self-reported history of depression (OR = 7.34, p = 0.032), and sex (i.e., female; OR = 5.45, p = 0.009). The results indicate that symptom provocation on oculomotor components of the VOMS (i.e., dizziness during vertical saccades), sex, and self-reported history of depression diagnosis are modest predictors of panic disorder symptoms in adolescents. Clinicians should consider these symptoms when interpreting symptoms post-injury.

Understanding early risk factors for eating disorder symptoms in adolescence: the role of body dissatisfaction, negative emotional reactivity and self-esteem at age 10–11 years

ABSTRACT Objective Risk factors associated with eating disorders (EDs) have been widely studied, although previous research has been limited to largely cross-sectional data or understanding risk factors in adult populations. Little is therefore known about the role of risk factors in early adolescence for the subsequent development of ED symptoms in adolescence. Method The present study examined factors identified in transdiagnostic models of EDs, in a sample of 2,372 adolescents who participated in Waves 3, 4 and 7 of the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. The present study examined the association between body dissatisfaction, negative emotional reactivity and self-esteem in adolescents aged 10–11, and probable ED status measured via self-report at age 16–17, while adjusting for confounders measured at age 8–9 years. Results Negative reactivity and self-esteem at age 10–11 years were not significantly associated with ED status at age 16–17. Body dissatisfaction was associated with a decreased likelihood of meeting probable ED status at age 16–17, however this effect was small and likely not clinically significant, with only 2% of variance in probable ED status accounted for by body dissatisfaction. Conclusion Findings of the study suggest that transdiagnostic models of EDs may not capture the key risk factors for EDs in early adolescence.

Attention deficit hyperactivity and oppositional defiant disorder symptoms in adolescence and risk of substance use disorders-A general population-based birth cohort study.

Externalizing symptoms are associated with risk of future substance use disorder (SUD). Few longitudinal studies exist using general population-based samples which assess the spectrum of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms. We aimed to study the associations between adolescent ADHD symptoms and subsequent SUD and additionally examine whether the risk of SUD is influenced by comorbid oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) symptoms. The Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 was linked to nationwide health care register data for incident SUD diagnoses until age 33 years (n = 6278, 49.5% male). ADHD/ODD-case status at age 16 years was defined using parent-rated ADHD indicated by Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD symptoms and Normal Behaviors (SWAN) questionnaire with 95% percentile cut-off. To assess the impact of ODD comorbidity on SUD risk, participants were categorized into four groups based on their ADHD/ODD case status. Cox-regression analysis with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to study associations between adolescent ADHD/ODD case statuses and subsequent SUD. In all, 552 participants (8.8%) presented with ADHD case status at the age of 16 years, and 154/6278 (2.5%) were diagnosed with SUD during the follow-up. ADHD case status was associated with SUD during the follow-up (HR = 3.84, 95% CI 2.69-5.50). After adjustments for sex, family structure, and parental psychiatric disorder and early substance use the association with ADHD case status and SUD remained statistically significant (HR = 2.60, 95% CI 1.70-3.98). The risk of SUD remained elevated in individuals with ADHD case status irrespective of ODD symptoms. ADHD in adolescence was associated with incident SUD in those with and without symptoms of ODD. The association of ADHD and SUD persisted even after adjustment for a wide range of potential confounds. This emphasizes the need to identify preventative strategies for adolescents with ADHD so as to improve health outcomes.

Prevalence and associated factors of eating disorder symptoms in adolescents: a cross-sectional school-based study

PurposeTo estimate the prevalence of eating disorder symptoms and associated factors in adolescents between 14 and 17 years old.MethodsThe data were obtained from a cross-sectional school-based study with 782 adolescents from public schools in Caxias do Sul, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in 2016. The Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26) was used to investigate eating disorder symptoms. The chi-square test and Poisson regression with robust variance were performed to estimate the prevalence ratios and associations between the outcome and the variables of interest.ResultsThe prevalence of eating disorder symptoms was around 56.9% among adolescents and more prevalent in females. A significant association was found between eating disorders and female gender, mothers who did not study or had an incomplete elementary school, and body image dissatisfaction. To adolescents dissatisfied with being overweight, the prevalence was more than three times higher than that observed among those who did not report such dissatisfaction.ConclusionThe presence of eating disorder symptoms was associated with female gender, maternal education, and body image dissatisfaction. The results show the need to identify early signs and symptoms related to changes in eating behavior and non-acceptance of their bodies in a population especially concerned with their physical appearance.

Social rejection sensitivity and its role in adolescent emotional disorder symptomatology

BackgroundMost emotional disorders first emerge during adolescence, a time characterized by heightened sensitivity to social information, especially social rejection. Social rejection sensitivity (SRS), then, may be a promising intervention target.MethodsTo explore this, 357 participants (M (SD) age = 19.40 (4.18), 63% female) completed self-report measures of SRS, its proposed antecedent, perceived parenting style, its proposed behavioral correlate, negative interpretation bias, and its proposed clinical correlate, emotional disorder symptoms. Participants additionally completed a single session of a social interpretation bias modification task, the ambiguous social scenarios task (ASST).ResultsSRS was associated with perceived parental rejection, while controlling for other types of maladaptive parenting. SRS partially accounted for variance in the relationship between perceived parental rejection and emotional disorder symptomatology, as well as the relationship between negative interpretation bias and emotional disorder symptoms. Learning rates (i.e., change in reaction time across the task) on the ASST differed as a function of age and SRS, such that younger participants with higher SRS showed the slowest rate of learning. Moreover, individual differences in SRS accounted for the magnitude of change in negative interpretation bias before and after the ASST. Individuals with greater SRS showed less change in interpretation bias.ConclusionsSRS appears strongly associated with emotional disorder symptoms in adolescents. Importantly, SRS was associated with the malleability of negative interpretation bias, which may help account for the mixed findings on the effectiveness of interpretation-bias-modification-paradigms in adolescents.

The Underlying Mechanisms in the Association Between Traumatic Brain Injury in Childhood and Conduct Disorder Symptoms in Late Adolescence

The present study examined i) the direct association between traumatic brain injury (TBI) in childhood and conduct disorder symptoms in adolescence, ii) whether this effect is mediated by impulsivity and/or callous unemotional traits (CU traits), and iii) whether these indirect effects are moderated by childhood family adversity and adolescent substance use. Utilising data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), participants with head injury information up to 12 years (4.5 years, 5.4 years, 6.5 years, 8.6 years, 11.7 years) were identified and categorised into a TBI (n = 409), orthopaedic injury (n = 1469) or non-injury group (n = 5685). Psychosocial factors such as impulsivity at 13 years, CU traits at 13 years, childhood family adversity (between birth to 4 years) and substance use at 14 years were collated for moderated mediation analyses. Conduct disorder symptoms were assessed at 16 years of age. TBI and conduct disorder symptoms were positively associated, and this association was mediated by impulsivity but not CU traits. The indirect effects were higher in magnitude for individuals with higher levels of childhood family adversity. Adolescent substance use was not found to moderate the indirect effects between TBI and conduct disorder symptoms. These results were specific to TBI individuals, and not in participants with orthopaedic injury and no reported injuries. Targeting impulsivity and early family adversity may alleviate the risk of conduct disorder symptoms following TBI in childhood. These findings have important implications for informing neuro-rehabilitative and preventative measures in clinical and community settings.

Maladaptive Schemas as An Explanation for Gender Differences in Eating Disorder Symptoms in Adolescents

The present study examined gender differences in early maladaptive schemas as an explanation for gender differences in the prevalence of eating disorder symptomatology. A total of 789 adolescents (406 boys and 383 girls) between 11 and 17 years of age (M = 14.51, SD = 1.59) completed both the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-8) to assess eating disorder symptomatology and the Brief Version of the Young Schema Questionnaire for Adolescents and Young Adults (YSQ-3-B) to assess early maladaptive schemas. The results showed that girls had higher early maladaptive schema scores compared to boys, particularly for the disconnection and rejection domain, the impaired autonomy and performance domain, and the other-directedness domain, partially explaining their higher eating disorder symptom scores. The findings of the study are discussed considering the social and patriarchal mandates that exist regarding gender.

Emotion regulation, perfectionism, and eating disorder symptoms in adolescents: the mediating role of cognitive eating patterns.

Poor emotion regulation, along with elevated perfectionism, is recognised as a risk factor for the development of eating disorder (ED) symptoms. Therefore, the aim of our study was to examine the relationship between emotion regulation difficulties and perfectionism with ED symptoms, while controlling for emotional eating, uncontrolled eating, and cognitive restraint as mediators. In total, 482 adolescents (246 girls and 236 boys; M = 15.00, SD = 0.31) participated in this study. Based on the participants' body height and weight measured by the medical team during their regular preventive health examinations, the body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Participants also answered the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale, Multidimensional Perfectionism Scale, Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire, and Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. According to the results obtained, adolescent girls in our sample reported more difficulties in emotion regulation, more uncontrolled and emotional eating, and more ED symptoms. A significant direct effect was found for difficulties in emotion regulation and ED symptoms but not for perfectionism. In addition, only emotional eating and cognitive restraint (not uncontrolled eating) mediated the relationship between difficulties in emotion regulation and perfectionism and ED symptoms. The results suggest that difficulties in emotion regulation may be more important than perfectionism in explaining ED symptoms in a sample of healthy adolescents. When adolescents experience problems in emotion regulation in combination with emotional or uncontrolled eating, they might be at a higher risk of experiencing concerns about weight and a variety of other ED symptoms, and this should be considered when planning preventive interventions for adolescents.