Parental threats and adolescent depression: The role of emotion dysregulation

Emotional Dysregulation and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms: Which Interaction in Adolescents and Young Adults? A Systematic Review

Emotional dysregulation (ED) has recently been conceptualized as a transnosographic entity in major mental disorders, and increasing evidence has suggested association between ED and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), though the nature of this association is unclear. The aim of the present review was to examine the possible interplay between ED and trauma exposure in the literature, as well as a possible role for the comorbidity of PTSD or PTSS in adolescents and young adults. In particular, we explored whether ED may represent a risk factor for PTSD or, conversely, a consequence of traumatic exposure. This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Embase). The 34 studies included showed a wide heterogeneity in terms of the populations selected and outcomes examined. Most studies used the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and examined the relationship between ED, trauma, and psychopathological manifestations after the occurrence of trauma, with a focus on child abuse. Although current data in the literature are heterogeneous and inconclusive, this research highlights the role of ED as a mechanism that may mediate vulnerability to PTSD, but also as a predictor of severity and maintenance of typical, atypical, or associated PTSD symptoms, suggesting prevention programs for PTSD and other mental disorders should support the development of emotion regulation strategies.

The longitudinal relationship between bullying victimization and depressive symptoms for middle school students: A cross-lagged panel network analysis

BACKGROUND

Previous research about the relationship between bullying victimization and adolescent depressive symptoms was mostly based on latent variable modeling. This study, instead, applied item-level analysis to explore the cross-sectional relationship and longitudinal development between bullying victimization and adolescent depressive symptoms with network models.

METHODS

This study used Olweus Bully/Victim Questionnaire and Children's Depression Inventory to collect data. A total of 1911 middle school students (55.2 % female; Mage = 12.98 ± 0.60 at T1) completed measures on four occasions at 6-month intervals. Nine network analysis models were employed to better understand the relationship between variables.

RESULTS

(1) "Being threatened or intimidated" was the most influential bullying behavior within bullying victimization items; (2) "being excluded", "being spoken ill of" and "negative mood" were the bridge items between bullying victimization and adolescent depressive symptoms; (3) the most influential bullying victimization item on adolescent depressive symptoms was "being robbed or blackmailed" for short-term development and "being excluded" for long-term development. While the most affected depressive symptom by bullying victimization was "anhedonia" for short-term development and "negative mood" for long-term development.

LIMITATIONS

Self-report measure is adopted for all variables in the study, and there may be some deviation. Due to the questionnaires, the items of bullying behaviors and depressive symptoms included in the network analysis are limited.

CONCLUSIONS

From the item level, this study found more specific relationships between bullying victimization and adolescent depressive symptoms. These findings highlight depressed mood and anhedonia are depressive symptoms that should be more paid attention to in clinical intervention for bullying victims.

Depression in adolescence: a review

Background

Depression is a common mental health disease, especially in mid to late adolescence that, due to its particularities, is a challenge and requires an effective diagnosis. Primary care providers are often the first line of contact for adolescents, being crucial in identifying and managing this pathology. Besides, several entities also recommend screening for depression on this period. Thus, the main purpose of this article is to review the scientific data regarding screening, diagnosis and management of depression in adolescence, mainly on primary care settings.

Main body

Comprehension of the pathogenesis of depression in adolescents is a challenging task, with both environmental and genetic factors being associated to its development. Although there are some screening tests and diagnostic criteria, its clinical manifestations are wide, making its diagnosis a huge challenge. Besides, it can be mistakenly diagnosed with other psychiatric disorders, making necessary to roll-out several differential diagnoses. Treatment options can include psychotherapy (cognitive behavioural therapy and interpersonal therapy) and/or pharmacotherapy (mainly fluoxetine), depending on severity, associated risk factors and available resources. In any case, treatment must include psychoeducation, supportive approach and family involvement. Preventive programs play an important role not only in reducing the prevalence of this condition but also in improving the health of populations.

Conclusion

Depression in adolescence is a relevant condition to the medical community, due to its uncertain clinical course and underdiagnosis worldwide. General practitioners can provide early identification, treatment initiation and referral to mental health specialists when necessary.