Self-reported Emotional Problems Research Articles

Twenty-year changes of adolescent mental health and substance use: a Finnish population-based time-trend study.

This time-trend study assesses changes in mental health and substance use among Finnish adolescents from 1998 to 2018. Representative samples of adolescents (N = 6,600) aged 13-16 years participated in school-based, almost identical cross-sectional studies in 1998 (n = 1,446), 2008 (n = 2,009), 2014 (n = 1,800) and 2018 (n = 1,345), respectively. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to assess mental health. When comparing mental health in the clinical range between 1998 and 2018, the main finding was the significant increase of emotional symptoms among females. The percentage of females in the clinical range increased from 17.5 to 30.1% during the twenty-year period. When psychopathology measures were analyzed as continuous variables, the finding of increased emotional problems was confirmed. The study clearly illustrates a linear trend, with a consistent increase in emotional problems among females and decrease in substance use among both genders. An alarming finding of steady increase of self-reported emotional problems indicates the importance of early detection and evidence-based interventions for adolescent with anxiety and depression to prevent adversities associated with these disorders.

Frequency Of Psychological Stress And Barriers To Accessing Mental Health Services For Leipzig Citizens Of Afghan And Iraqi Citizenship

Aim of the study was to report evidence on mental health needs and access to mental health and psychosocial support for Leipzig citizens of Afghan and Iraqi citizenship in the presence of mental stress and, above all, to identify barriers to access to care. All adults in Leipzig with Iraqi or Afghan citizenship, who were not born in Germany were contacted. Various instruments (PHQ-9, GAD-7, SSS-8, PCL-5/LEC-5) to screen for symptoms of depression, anxiety, somatization disorder or PTSD and one item for self-reported emotional problems were used. Questions on health care utilization and barriers to care followed. 51.4% screened positive in at least one of the tests and self-reported emotional problems. 38.2% of those in need of treatment did not seek help. Frequent reasons for not seeking help were, that the people wanted to solve the problem on their own or that the problem did not bother them very much. A lack of trust and understanding regarding the healthcare system and fear of discrimination and stigmatisation were also perceived as additional barriers to care. The study revealed a high percentage of mental health needs. This could be due to the high number of traumatic events and post-migration stressors. A longer period of residence in Germany and easier access to the public health system through the health insurance card could have encouraged the health care utilization. The treatment gap was caused by barriers to care such as a lack of knowledge or trust of the German health care system and fear of stigmatisation and discrimination. More information about access to care structures and more low-threshold services need to be implemented. These should be organised on an interdisciplinary basis and focus on culturally and racially sensitive care. Mental health awareness should be strengthened and under no circumstances should the access to care be restricted any further.

Association between Parent-Reported Executive Functions and Self-Reported Emotional Problems among Adolescent Offspring of Fathers with Alcohol-Dependence

Objectives To compare the executive functions in adolescents of fathers with alcohol dependence (AOFADs) with a control group of adolescents without a paternal history of alcohol dependence and examine the association between executive functioning problems and behavioral and emotional problems. Materials and Methods The study included 39 AOFADs and 45 adolescent offspring of fathers without a history of alcohol-use disorders, who were matched for age and sex. They were assessed using standardized measures of executive functions and emotional and behavioral problems. Statistical Analysis A comparison was made between the two groups about the parental report of adolescents' executive functions and adolescents' self-reported emotional and behavioral problems. ANCOVA was performed to understand the covariance of educational and socio-economic status on executive functions. Correlation between executive functions, emotional and behavioral problems, and the duration of father's alcohol dependence was examined with Spearman's rho. Results AOFAD group showed significant impairment on all subdomains of executive functions and emotional and behavioral disturbances ( p < 0.01) but not on the prosocial behavioral dimension ( p < 0.01). The group differences were independent of child's education and family income. Executive functional impairments positively correlated with psychopathology ( p < 0.01). Problems with executive functions and psychopathology correlated with the duration of the father's alcohol dependence. Conclusions AOFADs are at risk for executive function impairments which in turn are strongly associated with emotional and behavioral problems. The association is independent of child's education and family economic status. The duration of alcohol dependence in fathers is associated with these problems. It has implications for targeted interventions for both adolescents and families.

Smoking and loneliness in older adults: a population-based study in Campinas, São Paulo State, Brazil.

This study aims to analyze the relationship between social isolation and loneliness with smoking in older adults. This is a cross-sectional, population-based study performed with 986 individuals aged 60 years or older. Data were collected from the Health Survey of the Municipality of Campinas (ISACamp 2014/2015), state of São Paulo, Brazil. We estimated the prevalence of smoking and smoking cessation according to independent variables and tested the associations using the chi-square test, considering a 5% significance level. Adjusted prevalence ratios were calculated using simple and multiple Poisson regression. Smoking and smoking cessation were not associated with most variables that indicate objective social isolation. "Often or always" loneliness was related to a higher prevalence of smoking (PR = 2.25; 95%CI: 1.38-3.66) whereas loneliness accompanied of self-reported emotional problems or common mental disorders was strongly associated with smoking and with lower smoking cessation (PR = 6.24; 95%CI: 1.37-28.47 and PR = 0.46; 95%CI: 0.28-0.77, respectively). These findings indicate that loneliness is a psychosocial aspect related to tobacco use which hinders smoking cessation in older adults, emphasizing the importance of emotional problems in this association.

Changes in emotional problems, hyperactivity and conduct problems in moderate to late preterm children and adolescents born between 1958 and 2002 in the United Kingdom.

Preterm birth is a risk factor for the development of emotional and behavioural problems in childhood and adolescence. Given the substantial improvements in neonatal care across decades, it has been expected that the difference in emotional problems, hyperactivity, and conduct problems between moderate to late preterm (MLPT) and full term (FT) children and adolescents have declined in recent years. Data from four UK population-based studies were used: The National Child Development Study (NCDS; 1958), the British Cohort Study (BCS70; 1970), the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC, 1991-1992) and the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS; 2000-2002). Emotional problems, hyperactivity and conduct problems were assessed with mother-reports in early childhood (5-7years), late childhood (10-11years) and adolescence (14-16years). Furthermore, emotional problems were self-reported in adolescence in BCS70, ALSPAC and MCS. In the most recent cohort, the MLPT group had higher mother-reported emotional problems than those born FT in late childhood and adolescence, whereas there were no differences in self-reported emotional problems in adolescence. Regarding mother-reported hyperactivity symptoms, the MLPT group had higher scores than the FT group in the two most recent cohorts in late childhood and in the most recent cohort in adolescence. Regarding mother-reported conduct problems, MLPT children had significantly higher scores than the FT children in the oldest and in the most recent cohort in late childhood. On the other hand, in adolescence, MLPT children had significantly lower scores in conduct problems in comparison to FT children in the cohort born in 1991-1992. Mother-reported emotional problems and hyperactivity symptoms of those born MLPT have increased from the birth years 1958 to 2000-2002 during late childhood and adolescence, whereas self-reported emotional problems were similar in MLPT and FT groups during adolescence from 1970 to 2000-2002. Findings are less consistent regarding conduct problems. The current findings highlight the importance of raising the awareness of teachers about the association between MLPT birth and behavioural and emotional problems in late childhood and adolescence to prevent the long-term negative outcomes associated with the sequalae of MLPT birth.

Journal Digest: Sertraline &amp; Depression; Cognitive Therapy &amp; Pregnancy; Clozaphine &amp; Schizofrenia; Despair &amp; Negative outcome; LGBTQ Teens &amp; Bullying; Exposure Therapy &amp; Drug Craving

Journal Digest: Sertraline &amp; Depression; Cognitive Therapy &amp; Pregnancy; Clozaphine &amp; Schizofrenia; Despair &amp; Negative outcome; LGBTQ Teens &amp; Bullying; Exposure Therapy &amp; Drug Craving

Agreement and Discrepancy on Emotional and Behavioral Problems Between Caregivers and HIV-Infected Children and Adolescents From Uganda.

Background: HIV-infected children and adolescents (CA-HIV) face significant mental health challenges related to a broad range of biological and psychosocial factors. Data are scarce on the agreement and discrepancy between caregivers and CA-HIV regarding emotional and behavioral problems (EBPs) in CA-HIV. Objectives: We determined agreement between self- versus caregiver- reported EBPs and describe factors associated with informant discrepancy among caregiver–youth dyads who participated in the “Mental health among HIV-infected CHildren and Adolescents in KAmpala and Masaka, Uganda” (CHAKA) study. Methods: In a cross-sectional sample, caregiver-reported EBPs were assessed with the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory-5 (CASI-5), and self-reported problems were evaluated with the Youth Inventory-4 (YI-4) in 469 adolescents aged 12–17 years and the Child Inventory-4 (CI-4) in 493 children aged 8–11 years. Adolescents were questioned about experiences of HIV stigma. Caregiver psychological distress was assessed with the Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20). Linear regression models were applied to identify variables associated with discrepancy scores. Results: Self-reported emotional problems (EPs) were present in 28.8% of adolescents and 36.9% of children, and 14.5% of adolescents self-reported behavioral problems (BPs). There was only a modest correlation (r ≤ 0.29) between caregiver- and CA-HIV-reported EBPs, with caregivers reporting more EPs whereas adolescents reported more BPs. Informant discrepancy between adolescents and caregivers for BPs was associated with adolescent age and caregiver’s employment and HIV status. Among adolescents, EP discrepancy scores were associated with adolescent’s WHO HIV clinical stage, caregiver level of education, and caregivers caring for other children. Among children, EP discrepancy scores were associated with child and caregiver age, caregiver level of education, and caregiver self-rated health status. HIV stigma and caregiver psychological distress were also associated with discrepancy, such that adolescents who experienced HIV stigma rated their EPs as more severe than their caregivers did and caregivers with increased psychological distress rated EBPs as more severe than CA-HIV self-rated. Conclusions: EBPs are frequently endorsed by CA-HIV, and agreement between informants is modest. Informant discrepancy is related to unique psychosocial and HIV-related factors. Multi-informant reports enhance the evaluation of CA-HIV and informant discrepancies can provide additional insights into the mental health of CA-HIV.

Caregivers’ resilience in mild and moderate Alzheimer's disease

Objectives: To investigate the resilience of caregivers of people with mild and moderate Alzheimer’s disease (PwAD) and the related sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.Methods: Cross-sectional assessment of dyads of PwAD and family caregivers (N = 106). Caregivers were assessed for resilience, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, quality of life, burden and cognition. PwAD were assessed for severity of dementia, cognition, neuropsychiatric symptoms, functionality, quality of life and awareness of disease.Results: Most of the caregivers (51.1%) reported emotional problems (symptoms of anxiety, stress and depression). In both mild (p < 0.05) and moderate (p < 0.05) PwAD groups, resilience was inversely related to self-reported emotional problems. There was not a significant difference between caregivers of mild and moderate PwAD resilience (p < 0.05). Upon analyzing the factors related to resilience, we found some differences between the groups of caregivers of mild and moderate PwAD. Neuropsychiatric symptoms of PwAD (p < 0.05) and caregiver’s depressive symptoms (p < 0.05) were related to resilience of caregivers of mild PwAD. In the moderate group, caregivers’ higher levels of quality of life (p < 0.05) and co-residing with PwAD (p < 0.05) were related to resilience.Conclusion: Caregivers’ resilience is driven by different factors according to disease severity. The findings suggest that resilience allows caregivers to manage and respond positively to stressful demands of care.

Caregiver and youth self-reported emotional and behavioural problems in Ugandan HIV-infected children and adolescents

IntroductionWe determined the prevalence of, and factors associated with, self-rated emotional and behavioural problems (EBPs) and assessed the agreement between self-rated and caregiver-rated EBPs in the ‘Mental health among HIV-infected Children and Adolescents (CA-HIV) in Kampala and Masaka, Uganda’ (CHAKA) study. Existing literature demonstrates that CA-HIV face increased mental health challenges related to a broad range of biological and psychosocial factors. There is scarce data on self-reported EBPs in CA-HIV.MethodsIn a cross-sectional sample, caregiver-reported EBPs were assessed with the Child and Adolescent Symptom Inventory-5 (CASI-5), and self-reported problems were evaluated with the Youth Inventory-4 (YI-4) in 469 adolescents aged 12–17 years and the Child Inventory-4 (CI-4) in 493 children aged 8–11 years. Logistic regression models were utilised to determine factors related to self-reported EBPs.ResultsSelf-reported emotional problems (EPs) were present in 28.8% of the adolescents and were associated with caregivers being separated and having a lower level of education. Among adolescents, 14.5% had self-reported behavioural problems (BPs), and these were associated with caregiver unemployment and food insecurity. Self-reported EPs were reported by 36.9% of children and were associated with rural study sites, having missed school and caregivers having a lower level of education. There was only modest agreement (maximum r = 0.29) between caregiver- and CA-HIV-reported EBPS, with caregivers reporting more EPs and adolescents reporting more BPs.ConclusionSelf-reported EBPs are frequently endorsed by CA-HIV, and these problems are related to unique psychosocial factors. Including CA-HIV, self-report measures can assist in identifying problems that caregivers may not be aware of, particularly BPs.

Emotional problems among recent immigrants and parenting status: Findings from a national longitudinal study of immigrants in Canada.

The present study examined predictors of emotional problems amongst a nationally representative cohort of recent immigrants in Canada. Specifically, the effects of parenting status were examined given the association between parenting stress and mental health. Data came from the Longitudinal Survey of Immigrants to Canada (N = 7055). Participants were recruited 6-months post landing (2001–2002) and followed up at 2 and 4 years. Self-reported emotional problems over time were considered as a function of parenting status (Two Parent, Lone Parent, Divorced Non-Parent, Non-Divorced Non-Parent) and sociodemographic characteristics. Odds of emotional problems were higher among Two Parent, OR = 1.12 (1.01, 1.24), Lone Parent, OR = 2.24 (1.75, 2.88), and Divorced Non-Parent, OR = 1.30 (1.01, 1.66) immigrants compared to Non-Divorced Non-Parents. Visible minority status, female gender, low income, and refugee status were associated with elevated risk. Findings reveal that immigrant parents are at risk for emotional health problems during the post-migration period. Such challenges may be compounded by other sociodemographic risk.

Children of divorce-coping with divorce: A randomized control trial of an online prevention program for youth experiencing parental divorce.

Evaluate an online coping skills program to prevent mental health problems in children and adolescents from divorced or separated families. Children ages 11-16 (N = 147) whose families had filed for divorce were recruited using public court records. Participants were blocked by risk-score and randomly assigned to either a control (Internet self-study condition, Best of the Net (BTN) or the experimental intervention, Children of Divorce-Coping With Divorce (CoD-CoD), a 5-module highly interactive online program to promote effective coping skills. Program effects were tested on measures of children's self-reported coping and parent and youth reports of children's mental health problems. Significant main effects indicated that youth in CoD-CoD improved more on self-reported emotional problems relative to BTN youth (d = .37) and had a lower rate of clinically significant self-reported mental health problems (OR = .58, p = .04). A significant Baseline × Treatment interaction indicated that the 55% of youth with highest baseline problems improved more than those in BTN on their self-report of total mental health problems. A significant interaction effect indicated that CoD-CoD improved youth coping efficacy for the 30% of those with the lowest baseline coping efficacy. For the 10% of youth with lowest parent-reported risk at baseline, those who received BTN had lower problems than CoD-CoD participants. CoD-CoD was effective in reducing youth-reported mental health problems and coping efficacy particularly for high risk youth. Parent-report indicated that, relative to BTN, CoD-CoD had a negative effect on mental health problems for a small group with the lowest risk.

Psychological Adjustment in Adolescents with Vision Impairment

The present study compared psychological adjustment of 158 adolescents with vision impairment and 158 sighted adolescents with a matched-pair design using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Adolescent self-reports and teacher reports on emotional problems, peer problems, and total difficulties showed higher scores in students with vision impairment than in sighted students. However, the size of between-group differences was small, and adolescents who are blind and their peers with low vision showed similar levels of psychological adjustment. In addition, older students reported more emotional problems than younger students. Furthermore, differences between self-reported emotional problems of students with and without vision impairment were stronger in older participants. In both groups, girls showed more emotional problems and less conduct problems than boys. We conclude that most students with vision impairment are well adjusted but a minority may benefit from psychological interventions.

Predictors and protective factors for adolescent Internet victimization: results from a 2008 nationwide Danish youth survey

To examine the rate of Internet victimization in a nationally representative sample of adolescents aged 14-17 and to analyze predictors and protective factors for victimization. Data were collected for 3707 pupils in Danish schools in 2008, using a multimedia computer-based self-interviewing programme. Family characteristics, alcohol and drug abuse, exposure to physical/sexual abuse, emotional problems, social conduct and own risky Internet behaviour were included in the analyses. Any online victimization was reported by 27% of the adolescents, most frequently a rumour spread online (9% of boys and 15% of girls) and sexual solicitation (5% of boys and 16% of girls). Parental surveillance of adolescents' Internet use significantly reduced their risk of online victimization. Roughly half of the adolescents had met Internet acquaintances face to face, with few instances resulting in forced sex (five boys and nine girls). Female gender, parental physical violence, previous exposure to sexual abuse, alcohol abuse in the family, self-reported emotional problems and antisocial behaviour and high Internet use were all weakly and risky online behaviour strongly associated with online victimization. Danish adolescents are generally aware of the principles of 'safe chatting'; however, online harassment is relatively frequent, but offline victimization based on Internet acquaintances is rare.