Youth Version Research Articles

Emotional Intelligence May Be Associated with Some Forms of Creative Potential

The current study examined the relationship between creative potential, estimated with tests of divergent thinking (DT), and emotional intelligence (EI). Previous research has hinted at a relationship, but the EI–DT relationship may differ as a function of the tasks and the specific components of EI. With this in mind, the present investigation compared two DT tests (Social Games vs. Titles Games) and examined whether or not the Interpersonal and Intrapersonal subscales of EI were more associated with DT than the Adaptability and Stress Management EI subscales. The youth version of the Bar-On Emotional Quotient Inventory (EQ-i: YV) was used to measure EI. The measure of EI and the two DT tests were administered to 244 male and female gifted (N = 125) and nongifted (N = 119) high school students in Saudi Arabia. The first objective was to examine whether the EI–DT relationship differs based on the nature of the task of the two DT tests used in the current study (Social Games vs. Titles Games). The second objective was to test whether the Interpersonal and Intrapersonal subscales of EI are more associated with DT than the Adaptability and Stress Management EI subscales. Canonical correlation analysis showed that the relationship between the Social Games test and EI was stronger than the relationship between the Titles Games test and EI. Two path analyses were run: one for the total sample and the second for the gifted sample. The likelihood ratio test showed that the Social Games test was more associated with EQ-i subscales than the Titles Games test for both samples. As expected, the Inter- and the Intrapersonal subscales of the EQ-i were more highly related to Social Games fluency and originality scores compared with the Stress Management and Adaptability subscales. Limitations and future directions are discussed.

Functional outcomes in children and adolescents with neurodisability accessing music therapy: A scoping review.

To determine the evidence for functional outcomes experienced by a population with paediatric neurodisability (such as acquired brain injury, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injury, and other neurological disorders), who access music therapy through neurorehabilitation services across the rehabilitation spectrum. Using scoping review methodology of the JBI and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), a systematic search was conducted across eight databases and expert knowledge users were consulted. Articles were screened by title and abstract, and data from eligible studies were categorized using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Children and Youth version (ICF-CY). From 1726 records identified, 53 eligible primary sources were included in the synthesis. Most literature (n = 30) related to children and adolescents with an acquired or traumatic brain injury. Physical functionwas the most frequently reported outcome across sources(n = 27), followed by communication (n = 25), social (n = 22), cognitive (n = 17), emotional (n = 13), psychological (n = 13), behavioural (n = 8), and sensory (n = 5). Evidence for functional outcomes experienced by children and adolescents accessing music therapy as part of their neurorehabilitation is limited. More than half of the included sources were clinical descriptions with small samples. High-quality studies involving children, adolescents, families, and interprofessional teams are needed to identify the most effective music therapy methods and techniques for functional outcomes in paediatric neurodisability.

Why Can’t My Child Play Too? Current Challenges of Public Playgrounds for Children with Disabilities.

Current Australian legislation promotes playground inclusion for all children, and playgrounds serve as local, safe, and vital spaces for children of all ages to play. The World Health Organisation International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, Children and Youth Version states that play is a key activity to engage children with disability in various areas of their lives, and there is no doubt that playgrounds can promote community and social engagement for all children. Consequently, accessible playgrounds are important because they can offer motor, psychological, and social skill development in a fun-filled environment. Nonetheless, some children encounter challenges in playground settings. Surprisingly, very little research has been conducted in Australia on the experiences of children with disabilities in public playgrounds. According to the National Autism Strategy announced by the Australian Government in 2022, there is a growing number of Australians on the autism spectrum. For many individuals with an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), life outcomes in education, health, and family functioning are worse than they should be. Consequently, while this paper addresses a general perspective of inclusive playground experience for children with disabilities, there is also a focus on the experiences of children with ASD in playgrounds. As a result, this literature review begins with an introduction to the prevalence of autistic spectrum disorder and its associated characteristics. It presents existing research on play, examining various playground factors that impact the experiences of children with disabilities, including ASD. In addition, the role of parents/carers in influencing the outdoor experiences of children with disability is also explored. In conclusion, this paper summarises key findings and proposes relevant research questions to address these gaps.

Oral Health and Quality of Life in People with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

This article delves into the intricate relationship between oral health, quality of life, and behavioral characteristics in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Background/Objectives: Autism has been associated with various challenges, and this study seeks to elucidate the impact of ASD on oral health outcomes and overall well-being. The research focuses on assessing overall oral health by evaluating various parameters, such as the condition of lips, tongue, gums and tissues, natural teeth, dentures, oral hygiene, and dental pain in individuals with ASD. Additionally, the study explores the influence of age, sex, and certain variables, like basic daily living skills on oral health practices, aiming to identify potential correlations between these factors and oral health outcomes. Methods: We employed standardized instruments to quantitatively measure and analyze the impact of oral health status on the overall quality of life experienced by individuals with ASD. Results: The study found a statistically significant positive association between oral health, measured by the Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT), and quality of life, as indicated by EuroQol 5-Dimensions Youth version (EQ-5D-Y) total scores (β = 0.13045, p = 0.00271). This suggests that better oral health is linked to higher quality of life. When adjusting for age and sex in a multiple linear regression model, the association remained significant but with a slightly reduced effect size (β = 0.10536, p = 0.0167). Age also showed a marginally significant positive association with quality-of-life scores. ANOVA results indicated that participants with advanced oral health status reported significantly higher quality-of-life scores than those with poorer oral health (p = 0.00246). The study also found that intelligence quotient (IQ) does not substantially influence dental health status, while the "Autonomy" subscale of the EQ-5D-Y is positively related to the OHAT. Conclusions: Unhealthy oral conditions significantly impact the overall quality of life in individuals with ASD. Therefore, it is crucial to include regular dental assessments and treatments in therapeutic protocols for patients with ASD.

Adolescents with Elevated Psychopathic Traits are Associated with an Increased Risk for Premature Mortality.

The mortality rate among adolescents has been steadily increasing in recent years. Researchers have previously identified forms of externalizing psychopathology measured during adolescence associated with an increased risk for premature mortality, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), substance use disorders (SUDs), oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder (CD). The current study investigated whether additional personality traits (i.e., adolescent psychopathic traits, assessed via the Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version [PCL:YV]) were also associated with premature mortality risk among maximum-security incarcerated adolescents (N = 332). During a follow-up period ranging from 10 to 14 years, premature mortality was observed in n = 33 participants (9.94%), a mortality rate nearly ten times higher than population norms. We observed that adolescents scoring the highest on PCL:YV total scores exhibited significantly higher rates of premature mortality compared to adolescents scoring lower on PCL:YV total scores via Fisher's exact tests. Additionally, through univariate Cox proportional hazard regression analyses, PCL:YV total, Factor 2 (measuring lifestyle/behavioral and antisocial/developmental psychopathic traits), Facet 1 (measuring interpersonal psychopathic traits), and Facet 3 (measuring lifestyle/behavioral psychopathic traits) scores were associated with faster time to premature mortality. In supplemental analyses performed, we observed that adolescents meeting criteria for externalizing psychopathology (i.e., ADHD, SUDs, ODD, and CD) did not exhibit higher rates of premature mortality compared to control participants. The current study therefore identifies additional maladaptive personality traits to consider in relation to premature mortality risk (i.e., psychopathic traits) among a high-risk sample of incarcerated adolescents.

Re-Examining the Predictive Validity and Establishing Risk Levels for the Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression: Youth Version.

The Dynamic Appraisal of Situational Aggression: Youth Version (DASA:YV) is a brief instrument, most often used by nurses and was specifically designed to assess risk of imminent violence in youth settings. To date, it has been recommended that DASA:YV scores are interpreted in a linear manner, with high scores indicating a greater level of risk and therefore need more assertive and immediate intervention. This study re-analyses an existing data set using contemporary robust data analytic procedures to examine the predictive validity of the DASA:YV, and to determine appropriate risk bands. Mixed effect logistic regression models were used to determine whether the DASA:YV predicted aggression when the observations are correlated. Two approaches were employed to identify and test novel DASA:YV risk bands, where (1) three risk bands as previously generated for the adult DASA were used as a starting point to consider recategorising the DASA:YV into three risk bands, and (2) using a decision tree analysis method known as Chi-square automated interaction detection to produce risk bands. There was no statistically significant difference between a four and three category of risk band. AUC values were 0.85 for the four- and three-category options. A three-category approach is recommended for the DASA:YV. The new risk bands may assist nursing staff by providing more accurate categorisation of risk state. Identification of escalation in risk state may prompt early intervention, which may also prevent reliance on the use of restrictive practices when young people are at risk of acting aggressively.

The nature of language impairments in children with cerebral palsy: A scoping review protocol

BACKGROUND: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) frequently experience language impairments which can significantly affect their communication effectiveness, academic progress and social participation. Research describing language impairments in children with CP is limited, which has direct repercussions for accurate diagnosis; and timely assessment and treatment of communication skills. OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the profile of language impairments in children with CP. This review seeks to describe language impairments in children with CP. Methods or tools that assess or measure language in children with CP will also be reported. METHODS: This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for scoping reviews. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) will be used to guide reporting. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability & Health- Child & Youth Version (2007) will be used as the conceptual framework to classify the nature of impairments. Studies that identify language impairments in children with CP (0–18 years) since the 1980s will be included. Seven relevant electronic databases and a targeted sample of the grey literature without any language restrictions will be searched. Two independent reviewers will assess articles for eligibility and three independent reviewers will extract relevant data. CONCLUSIONS: This scoping review will provide important evidence on, and describe the nature of language impairments in children with CP. It will identify language assessment tools used in diagnosing impairments in children with CP. The findings will help to inform current clinical practice, and guide future directions in research.

Transitioning between the EQ-5D youth and adult descriptive systems in a group of adolescents

PurposeTo investigate whether the same health state results in the same distribution of responses on the EQ-5D youth and adult descriptive systems.MethodsAdolescents aged 13–18 years with a range of health conditions and from the general school going population were recruited in South Africa (ZA) and Ethiopia (ET). In ZA participants completed the English EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-Y-3L and EQ-5D-5L in parallel. Whereas in ET participants completed the Amharic EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D-Y-5L in parallel. Analysis aimed to describe the transition between youth and adult instruments and not differences between countries.ResultsData from 592 adolescents completing the EQ-5D-3L, EQ-5D-Y-3L and EQ-5D-5L (ZA) and 693 completing the EQ-5D-5L and EQ-5D-Y-5L (ET) were analysed. Adolescents reported more problems on the youth versions compared to the adult version for the dimension of mental health. 13% and 4% of adolescents who reported no problems on the EQ-5D-3L and EQ-5D-5L reported some problems on the EQ-5D-Y-3L respectively. This was less notable with transition between the five level versions with 4% of adolescents reporting more problems on the EQ-5D-Y-5L than the EQ-5D-5L. Very few adolescents reported severe problems (level 3 on the EQ-5D-3L or EQ-5D-Y-3L and level 4 and level 5 on the EQ-5D-5L or EQ-5D-5L) thus there was little variation between responses between the versions. In ZA, discriminatory power, measured on the Shannon’s Index, was higher for Y-3L compared to 3L for pain/discomfort (ΔH′=0.11) and anxiety/depression (ΔH′=0.04) and across all dimensions for Y-3L compared to 5L. Similarly, in ET discriminatory power was higher for Y-5L than 5L (ΔH′ range 0.05–0.09). Gwet’s AC showed good to very good agreement across all paired (ZA) 3L and (ET) 5L dimensions. The summary score of all EQ-5D versions were able to differentiate between known disease groups.ConclusionDespite the overall high levels of agreement between EQ-5D instruments for youth and for adults, they do not provide identical results in terms of health state, from the same respondent. The differences were most notable for anxiety/depression. These differences in the way individuals respond to the various descriptive systems need to be taken into consideration for descriptive analysis, when transitioning between instruments, and when comparing preference-weighted scores.

Psychopathic Traits in Adult versus Adolescent Males: Measurement Invariance across the PCL-R and PCL:YV.

Both the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) and the Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version (PCL:YV), respectively, are established instruments for assessment of psychopathy and development of psychopathic propensity. To reliably compare scores from both instruments, measurement invariance must be established. The current study involved a combined sample of 1091 male participants (adults = 813; adolescents = 278) from correctional facilities in New Mexico. An exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM) framework was used to test for measurement invariance. The four-factor ESEM model demonstrated good fit for the combined and individual samples. Results from the multiple group ESEM provide evidence for generally strong invariance, with equivalent factor loadings and thresholds. Adolescents exhibited decreased latent interpersonal traits but increased latent features on other PCL factors (affective, lifestyle, and antisocial) compared to adults. Findings suggest that the four-factor model and the measurement of psychopathic traits remain consistent across age groups. Implications of the findings within research and clinical contexts are discussed.

Parent and caregiver report questionnaires for children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities: a systematic review

Objectives Parent and caregiver questionnaires are important outcome measures in education, clinical and research practice with children with intellectual disabilities. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review aimed to provide an overview of freely available caregiver report questionnaires, identified from five databases (Cinahl, Embase, Eric, PsycINFO and PubMed). Questionnaires were categorised following inductive analyses, and subscales were conceptually mapped using constructs and definitions from the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health-Children and Youth version (ICF-CY). Results 3406 records were identified leading to the inclusion of 34 caregiver report questionnaires on the impact of having, or caring for a child with, intellectual disabilities. Freely available questionnaires published in English after 2000 were eligible; screening tools, interviews and surveys were excluded. Questionnaire outcome goals were categorised to: ‘behaviour’, ‘impact of the child with intellectual disabilities on others/impact of others on the child with intellectual disabilities’, ‘cognitive and adaptive functioning’ and ‘quality of life’. From the questionnaires, 152 subscales were identified and conceptually mapped using constructs from the ICF-CY. Conclusions Most questionnaires focused on individual child behaviours, with gaps identified in consideration of environmental factors. Future studies should analyse the psychometric properties of available questionnaires to promote evidence-based practices.

The Westerman Aboriginal Symptom Checklist – Youth Version: national data from a clinical sample of Aboriginal youth

ABSTRACT Objectives To produce national clinical norms for WASC-Y, examine the internal consistency of the WASC-Y scales, compare scores from a clinical sample with previously published community sample data, and test the degree to which other scales predict the Suicide Scale. Method We analysed WASC-Y data from 1226 Aboriginal youth who had presented to mental health services between 2007 and 2022 and compared their scores to the original community norms. Results Our sample shows a higher level of mental health risk than does the normative sample that varied according to gender. We found high levels of suicidal behaviour in the clinical sample: 41.5% admitted to thoughts of suicide and 25.0% reported one or more suicide attempts. One in 23 reported a high likelihood that they would attempt suicide again. Knowing someone who has suicided was associated with higher Suicide Risk. Linear modelling showed that Suicide Risk is predicted by a combination of all other WASC-Y scales and gender, with females at higher risk than males. There is emerging evidence that Cultural Resilience provides some mitigation of Suicide Risk. Conclusions Our data provide the first culturally and psychometrically valid national mental health profile of Aboriginal youth accessing mental health services, including separate clinical norms for males and females. Aboriginal youth present with serious levels of suicide and mental health risk that urgently require improved access to clinically and culturally competent services. Our findings provide evidence of construct validity, in that scale scores showed meaningful associations with each other and with other variables in expected ways.

Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome-Clinical Interview (CDS-CI): Psychometric support for caregiver and youth versions.

Cognitive disengagement syndrome (CDS), formerly termed sluggish cognitive tempo, is a set of symptoms characterized by excessive daydreaming, mental confusion, and slowed behavior/thinking. CDS is distinct from symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other psychopathologies and uniquely associated with functional impairment. However, despite significant progress in developing and evaluating rating scale measures of CDS, no clinical interview of CDS exists with established psychometric properties that can facilitate a multimethod approach assessing CDS. Accordingly, the present study evaluated the psychometric properties of the semistructured Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome-Clinical Interview (CDS-CI). The CDS-CI and the ADHD inattention (ADHD-IN) and hyperactive-impulsivity (ADHD-HI) modules from the Kiddie Schedule of Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children (K-SADS) were administered to a sample of early adolescents (N = 341, ages 10-12 years) and their caregivers. Adolescents and caregivers also completed rating scale measures of CDS and ADHD symptoms. The CDS-CI demonstrated high internal consistency and interrater reliability. CDS-CI scores showed excellent same-source discriminant validity from K-SADS, ADHD-IN, and ADHD-HI scores and encouraging convergent and discriminant validity with rating scale measures, especially for caregivers. Above and beyond K-SADS, ADHD-IN, and ADHD-HI scores, higher parent and adolescent CDS-CI scores were both significantly associated with greater functional impairment. A threshold of ≥ 6 out of 15 symptoms was selected as an initial threshold for determining clinically elevated CDS using the CDS-CI. Findings provide psychometric support for the CDS-CI as a tool in the multimethod assessment of CDS. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Supplemental Material for Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome–Clinical Interview (CDS-CI): Psychometric Support for Caregiver and Youth Versions

Supplemental Material for Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome–Clinical Interview (CDS-CI): Psychometric Support for Caregiver and Youth Versions

The Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Form of the Epilepsy Disclosure Scale—Youth and Parent Versions

AbstractAlthough explaining epilepsy is a separate source of stress for children with epilepsy and their parents, studies evaluating the disclosure of epilepsy by patients and their parents are insufficient. The aim of this study was to test the validity and reliability of the Turkish form of the “Epilepsy Disclosure Scale (EDS)—Youth and Parent Versions,” which measures the concealment/disclosure of epilepsy by youth patients with epilepsy and their parents. The population of the study consisted of 126 children who were diagnosed with epilepsy and who were between the ages of 8 to 18 and their parents (63 children and 63 parents) who applied to two hospitals pediatric neurology. Both scales consist of six items. When the scale was adapted, language, content, structural, and reliability analyses were conducted. The factor loads varied between 0.78 and 0.88 and contributed 71.99% to the total variance in the Youth Version. In the Parent Version, they varied between 0.79 and 0.88 and contributed 67.09% to the total variance. The Cronbach's α coefficients of the youth and parent versions of the scale were calculated as 0.92 in the youth version and 0.90 in the parent version. The Composite Reliability Index of the youth version was 0.94, and that of the parent version was 0.92. It was concluded that all statistical studies in the study were compatible with the original scale and that it could be applied to children with epilepsy between the ages of 8 to 18 and their parents in Turkish society.

The Utility of Expert-Rated and Self-Report Assessments of Youth Psychopathic Traits for Predicting Felony Recidivism Among Formerly Incarcerated Youth

Psychopathic traits assessed with expert-rated instruments are well-established predictors for both general and violent felony recidivism outcomes in adjudicated youth. However, it is not clear whether self-report assessments of psychopathic traits show similar predictive value. The current study evaluated both expert-rated (i.e., the Hare Psychopathy Checklist: Youth Version [PCL:YV]) and self-report measures (i.e., the Childhood Psychopathy Scale, Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits, Antisocial Process Screening Device, and the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory) assessing youth psychopathic traits for predicting general and violent felony recidivism among formerly incarcerated high-risk male adolescents ( n = 275). Scores on both expert-rated and self-report instruments were significantly associated with a shorter time to felony rearrest into early adulthood (with an average follow-up window of 11 years). However, the expert-rated PCL:YV, but not self-report measures, provided significant utility for predicting violent felony arrest. These results suggest that in general, youth psychopathic traits, regardless of the specific instrument used, are predictors of general felony rearrest outcomes, while the expert-rated PCL:YV alone provides utility for predicting the most severe crimes (i.e., violent felonies). The strengths and limitations of the assessment modalities are discussed.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of soft bandage and immediate discharge versus rigid immobilization in children with distal radius torus fractures.

The aim of this trial was to assess the cost-effectiveness of a soft bandage and immediate discharge, compared with rigid immobilization, in children aged four to 15 years with a torus fracture of the distal radius. A within-trial economic evaluation was conducted from the UK NHS and personal social services (PSS) perspective, as well as a broader societal point of view. Health resources and quality of life (the youth version of the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D-Y)) data were collected, as part of the Forearm Recovery in Children Evaluation (FORCE) multicentre randomized controlled trial over a six-week period, using trial case report forms and patient-completed questionnaires. Costs and health gains (quality-adjusted life years (QALYs)) were estimated for the two trial treatment groups. Regression was used to estimate the probability of the new treatment being cost-effective at a range of 'willingness-to-pay' thresholds, which reflect a range of costs per QALY at which governments are typically prepared to reimburse for treatment. The offer of a soft bandage significantly reduced cost per patient (saving £12.55 (95% confidence interval (CI) -£5.30 to £19.80)) while QALYs were similar (QALY difference between groups: 0.0013 (95% CI -0.0004 to 0.003)). The high probability (95%) that offering a bandage is a cost-effective option was consistent when examining the data in a range of sensitivity analyses. In addition to the known clinical equivalence, this study found that the offer of a bandage reduced cost compared with rigid immobilization among children with a torus fracture of the distal radius. While the cost saving was small for each patient, the high frequency of these injuries indicates a significant saving across the healthcare system.

A Comparison of the Functioning and Disability Levels of Children With Hemiplegic and Diplegic Cerebral Palsy Based on ICF-CY Components.

We compared children with hemiplegic and diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) using the conceptual framework of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Child and Youth version (ICF-CY). We enrolled 42 children with CP aged 5 - 13 years old (M age = 9.57, SD = 2.8 years). We assessed their trunk control and dynamic balance with the Trunk Control Measurement Scale (TCMS) and the Timed Up and Go test (TUG), and we used ABILHAND-Kids and Assessment of Life Habits (Life-H) to assess their manual ability and participation with activities of daily living. We administered the European Child Environment Questionnaire (ECEQ) to identify relevant environmental factors. We employed structural equation modeling (SEM) to identify specific factors contributing to potential differences between these CP groups. Children with hemiplegic CP demonstrated significantly better outcomes in terms of trunk control, dynamic balance, and environmental factors compared to those with diplegic CP (p < .05). In contrast, children with diplegic CP demonstrated superior outcomes regarding manual ability, compared to those with hemiplegic CP (p < .001). In our structural equation models, trunk control strongly predicted both dynamic balance (0.75) and environmental factors (0.74). Moreover, the relationships between trunk control and participation in daily and social activities were 0.54 and 0.47, respectively. Impaired trunk control and dynamic balance were significant contributors to increased activity restrictions and environmental barriers in children with diplegic CP. This suggests that improving disability and functioning in children with diplegic CP requires a focus on trunk control training and dynamic balance exercises.

User satisfaction with child and adolescent mental health services: the association between user satisfaction and clinical outcomes

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine the association between user satisfaction and clinical outcomes with child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) from the perspective of young people and their parents. The evidence bases for CAMHS user satisfaction measures are limited, with few studies investigating the link between user satisfaction and clinical outcomes. In particular, the perspectives of young people are missing.MethodsThe parent and youth versions of the Experience of Service Questionnaire (ESQ), which evaluates the factors of general satisfaction (GS), satisfaction with care (SWC) and satisfaction with environment (SWE), were used to measure user satisfaction. The outcome measures were scores on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Children’s Global Assessment Scale (CGAS), and Health of the Nation Outcome Scales for Children and Adolescents (HoNOSCA). Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted on data collected from 233 young people and 495 parents who utilized CAMHS services.ResultsGS and SWC predicted outcomes for both young people (ΔR2 = 0.08, p <.05) and parents (ΔR2 = 0.01, p <.05), indicating that user satisfaction had a significant impact on clinical outcomes for CAMHS users. In addition, GS and SWC significantly predicted young people-reported outcomes in the interaction model (ΔR2 = 0.10, p <.05), while no significant association was found with parent-reported outcomes (ΔR2 = 0.02, p =.09).ConclusionUser satisfaction, particularly for young people, has a significant impact on clinical outcomes. The causal relationship between user satisfaction and mental health outcomes requires further study.

Early Predictors and Concurrent Correlates of Tonic and Phasic Irritability in Adolescence.

Irritability is a common presenting problem in youth mental health settings that is thought to include two components: tonic (e.g., irritable, touchy mood) and phasic (e.g., temper outbursts), each with unique correlates and outcomes, including later internalizing and externalizing problems, respectively. However, we are unaware of any studies of early predictors of tonic and phasic irritability. We utilized data from a longitudinal study of a community sample of 3-year-old children followed to age 15 (n = 444). We conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) of items from several self-report irritability measures at age 15, including the Affective Reactivity Index, the International Personality Item Pool, the Schedule for Non-Adaptive and Adaptive Personality Youth Version, and the Child Depression Inventory, and examined their early childhood predictors. The CFA identified dimensions consistent with tonic and phasic irritability. Tonic irritability at age 15 was uniquely associated with concurrent internalizing disorders and suicidal behavior while phasic irritability was uniquely associated with concurrent externalizing disorders. When adolescent tonic and phasic irritability were examined together, female sex and parental depressive and substance use disorders at age 3 uniquely predicted adolescent tonic irritability. Additionally, male sex, less parental education, greater laboratory-observed anger and impulsivity, ODD symptoms, higher irritability, and no parental substance use history at age 3 uniquely predicted adolescent phasic irritability. Youth-reported tonic and phasic irritability at age 15 appear to be distinguishable constructs with distinct concurrent correlates and early antecedents. Findings have important implications for research on the etiology of irritability and developing effective treatments.

Art Therapy for Adolescents With Depression: Feasibility and Acceptability Study in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

This study examines the feasibility and acceptability of manual-based phenomenological art therapy (PATd) as an intervention for adolescents with depression in child and adolescent psychiatry. Nine adolescents (13–17 years) underwent a 10-week utilizing the adapted youth version of PATd(y). Self-reported measurements were collected pre, during, and post-treatment. Results indicate adolescents’ acceptance, positive experiences, and satisfaction. The art therapists followed the PATd(y) methodology. Statistically significant improvement in depressive symptoms was observed after intervention. PATd(y) emerges as a promising therapy for adolescents with depression in child psychiatry, but caution is urged due to the limited participants, emphasizing the need for further empirical examination to fully understand the effects of PATd on adolescent depression.