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Viswanathan P, Kishore MT, Seshadri SP, V S B. Individual and environmental factors in internalizing disorders in children and adolescents. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 29:424-438. [PMID: 37233024 DOI: 10.1177/13591045231177367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Literature has emphasized the role of biopsychosocial factors in internalizing disorders; however, the role of developmental competencies of a child have not been explored much in this context. The current study aimed to understand the differences in developmental competencies, temperament, parenting practices and psychosocial adversities between children with and without internalizing disorders. METHOD The sample consisted of 200 children and adolescents aged seven to 18 years, with equal number of those with and without an internalizing disorder; and one of their parents. Psychopathology, temperament, interpersonal competence, emotion regulation, executive function, self-concept, adaptive behaviour, parenting practices, life events, family environment and abnormal psychosocial situations were measured using standardized tools. FINDINGS Discriminant analysis revealed that temperamental domains of sociability and rhythmicity, developmental competencies of adaptive behaviour and self-concept, parenting practices involving father's involvement and overall positive parenting differentiated the clinical and control groups better. Among psychosocial adversities, family environment domains of cohesion and organization, and subjective stress from life events and abnormal psychosocial situations were the most important discriminators. CONCLUSION The current study reveals that specific individual factors involving temperament and developmental competencies and environmental factors involving parenting practices and psychosocial adversities are significantly associated with internalizing disorders. This has implications for the mental health care of children and adolescents with internalizing disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poornima Viswanathan
- Jindal School of Psychology and Counselling, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, India
- Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India
| | - M Thomas Kishore
- Department of Clinical Psychology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bangalore, India
| | - Shekhar P Seshadri
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bangalore, India
| | - Binu V S
- Department of Biostatistics, NIMHANS, Bangalore, India
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Chaki HB, Faran Y. The Effect of Family Characteristics on the Functioning of a Child with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder in Bedouin Society in Israel. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06255-z. [PMID: 38356022 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06255-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by difficulties in communication and social-emotional interaction. It is associated with an increase of parental stress and poor family functioning, both of which are harmful for a child's functioning and adaptive behavior. An important source of support to parents are grandparents, especially in traditional populations. One such population is the Bedouin population. The present study tested the association between emotional support from mother and mother-in-law to the adaptive behavior of children with ASD, and whether this relation is serially mediated by family functioning and satisfaction in life as reported by Bedouin mothers of children with ASD. 100 mothers of children with ASD fulfilled a questionnaire about emotional support from their mothers and mother-in-law, family functioning, satisfaction in life and child's adaptive behavior. We found that indeed, family functioning and satisfaction in life serially mediated the relations between emotional support from mother and mother-in-law and child adaptive behavior. These findings indicate that intergenerational solidarity between women can improve not only the functioning of the nuclear family and wife's satisfaction with life, but also, indirectly, the adaptive behavior of a child with ASD. It highlights the importance of women solidarity, especially in traditional society, where women are kept marginal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hagar Binoun Chaki
- Faculty of Social Work, Ashkelon Academic College, 12 Ben-Tzvi St, Ashkelon, 78211, Israel.
| | - Yifat Faran
- Faculty of Social Work, Ashkelon Academic College, 12 Ben-Tzvi St, Ashkelon, 78211, Israel
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Chladek M, Burbridge C, Gibbons E, Willgoss T, Smith J, Clinch S. Qualitative Exploration in Exit Interviews of Changes Observed in Clinical Trials for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder Without Intellectual Disability. Patient Relat Outcome Meas 2023; 14:313-335. [PMID: 38027417 PMCID: PMC10676099 DOI: 10.2147/prom.s385682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To explore, from the perspective of Study Partners (SPs; eg, caregivers) of clinical trial participants with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), any changes experienced in socialization and communication over the clinical trial, how these changes manifested, and the impact these changes had on the autistic individual, the SP, and family. This helps interpret whether changes in trial outcomes were meaningful. Patients and Methods Interviews were conducted with the SPs of individuals with ASD, without intellectual disability, from 2 clinical trials: 86 children (aged 5-12 years) or adolescents (aged 13-17 years) who took part in the aV1ation trial (83.7% male), and 41 adults (aged 18+ years) who took part in the V1aduct trial (80.5% male). The primary endpoint for both trials was change from baseline in the VinelandTM-II two-domain composite, consisting of the mean of the Socialization and Communication domains. In these interviews the participants verbally indicated level of change for each of these key domains on 7-point change scales. Results Improvements in the Socialization domain enabled greater awareness of the feelings of others and allowed for stronger empathy and kindness. Improvements in the Communication domain allowed for the autistic individual to be better at listening and better at self-expression. Together, changes in these two domains, which were considered most important, allowed for richer, deeper relationships. Study Partners noted that improvements in these domains allowed for better integration within the family unit, decreased stress, and increased optimism about the autistic individual's future. Conclusions The impacts of changes in either domain were synergistic, combining together to create positive experiences which in turn led to further positive impacts in other skills. These qualitative insights provide context to the changes that were observed during the clinical trial and captured using the VinelandTM-II, illustrating the meaning of these changes to the individuals with ASD without intellectual disability and their families, and the impact that they have on people's everyday lives and overall health-related quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Chladek
- Clinical Outcome Assessments, Clinical Outcomes Solutions LLC, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Claire Burbridge
- Clinical Outcome Assessments, Clinical Outcomes Solutions Ltd, Folkestone, Kent, UK
| | - Elizabeth Gibbons
- Clinical Outcome Assessments, Clinical Outcomes Solutions Ltd, Folkestone, Kent, UK
| | - Tom Willgoss
- Patient Centered Outcomes Research, Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Janice Smith
- Global Development, Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Susanne Clinch
- Patient Centered Outcomes Research, Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK
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Clinch S, Hudgens S, Gibbons E, Willgoss T, Smith J, Polek E, Burbridge C. Quantitative and Qualitative Exploration of Meaningful Change on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (Vineland™-II) in Children and Adolescents with Autism Without Intellectual Disability Following Participation in a Clinical Trial. Patient Relat Outcome Meas 2023; 14:337-354. [PMID: 38027418 PMCID: PMC10675867 DOI: 10.2147/prom.s385542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The VinelandTM Adaptive Behavior Scale is often used in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) trials. The Adaptive Behavior Composite Score (VABS-ABC) is the standardized overall score (the average of the Socialization, Communication and Daily Living skills domains), and the standardized 2-Domain Composite Score (VABS-2DC) is a novel outcome measure (average of the Socialization and Communication domains). A within-person meaningful change threshold (MCT) has not been established for the VABS-2DC. This paper presents a quantitative and qualitative interpretation of what constitutes a meaningful change in these scores to individuals with ASD without Intellectual Disability (ID; IQ≥70) and their families, as reported by their study partners (SPs). Participants and Methods Data were obtained from the aV1ation clinical trial in children and adolescents with ASD and associated exit interviews. The intent-to-treat (ITT) clinical trial population included 308 individuals with autism (85.4% male; average age: 12.4 years [standard deviation (SD)=2.97]); 124 in the child cohort (aged 5 to 12 years; average age: 9.4 years [SD=1.86]), and 184 in the adolescent cohort (aged 13 to 17 years; average age: 14.5 years [SD=1.39]). Study partners of 86 trial participants were included in the Exit Interview Population (EIP): participants represented were 83.7% male, average age: 12.3 years [SD=2.98]). Anchor and distribution-based methods were used to estimate within-person change to support a responder definition, to aid interpretation of the clinical trial data; qualitative data were used to contextualize the meaning of changes observed. Results A within-person MCT range of 4 to 8 points was proposed for both VABS-ABC and VABS-2DC, which was associated with at least a 1-point improvement on 4 different anchors. Evidence for this within-person MCT was further supported by qualitative data, which suggested any change was considered meaningful to the individual with ASD, as reported by their SP, no matter what the magnitude. Conclusion A change in standardized score of 4 to 8 points constitutes a within-person MCT on both VABS-ABC and novel VABS-2DC in those with ASD and no ID. A change of this, or more, was reported by the SPs in this trial to be meaningful and highly impactful upon the individuals with ASD and their family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Clinch
- Patient Centered Outcomes Research, Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Stacie Hudgens
- Quantitative Sciences, Clinical Outcomes Solutions, LLC, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Elizabeth Gibbons
- Clinical Outcome Assessments, Clinical Outcomes Solutions Ltd, Folkestone, Kent, UK
| | - Tom Willgoss
- Patient Centered Outcomes Research, Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Janice Smith
- Global Development, Roche Products Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Ela Polek
- Quantitative Sciences, Clinical Outcomes Solutions Ltd, Folkestone, Kent, UK
| | - Claire Burbridge
- Clinical Outcome Assessments, Clinical Outcomes Solutions Ltd, Folkestone, Kent, UK
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Li S, Chen Z, Yong Y, Xie J, Li Y. Effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy-based interventions for improving the psychological health of parents of children with special health care needs: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Compr Psychiatry 2023; 127:152426. [PMID: 37757593 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2023.152426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the effectiveness of ACT-based interventions on improving the mental health of parents of children with SHCN compared to active/inactive controls and to investigate the characteristics/components of the effective interventions in the included studies. METHODS Eight databases were searched from inception to 14 February 2023. We included all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of ACT-based interventions for parents of children with SHCN published in English or Chinese journals and dissertations reporting at least one parental mental health outcome postintervention. RESULTS Fourteen RCTs were included. The results indicated significant improvements of ACT-based interventions in the stress (Hedges' g = -0.36), depressive symptoms (g = -0.32), anxiety (g = -0.29), distress (g = -0.29), psychological flexibility (g = 0.51), mindful awareness/mindfulness abilities (g = 0.41), and confidence/self-efficacy (g = 0.30) of parents, as well as in the emotional and behavioural problems (EBP; g = -0.39) of their children with SHCN postintervention, with moderate to high certainty of evidence. Furthermore, the optimal components of ACT-based interventions, including the intervention approaches (ACT combined with another parenting technique/program), active participants (only involving parents), delivery mode (in-person) and format (group-based format), and desirable number of sessions (4-8 sessions), were identified to inform the design of future interventions/studies. CONCLUSION This review highlights the positive effects of ACT-based interventions on mental health, psychological flexibility, mindful awareness/mindfulness abilities, and confidence/self-efficacy in parents and EBP in children with SHCN. Since group-based ACT combined with a parenting technique/program was identified as the optimal effective strategy, its effects could be further examined in larger-scale RCTs with parents and children with SHCN with diverse ethnic and sociodemographic characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sini Li
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Zengyu Chen
- The Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yijing Yong
- Cognition and Human Behaviour Key Laboratory of Hunan Province, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jiao Xie
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China..
| | - Yamin Li
- Clinical Nursing Teaching and Research Section, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China; The Xiangya Nursing School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Feng Y, Li Y, Zhou X, Qin X, Deng T, Liu S, Zhang L. Predictors of posttraumatic growth in 475 Chinese parents of children newly diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. J Pediatr Nurs 2023; 73:e469-e476. [PMID: 37867033 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2023.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine the predictive effects of children's symptom severity, rumination, parental self-efficacy, and social support on posttraumatic growth (PTG) in parents of autistic children. DESIGN AND METHODS Parents (n = 475) completed the demographic questionnaire, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, Autism Behavior Checklist, Event Related Rumination Inventory, Parenting Sense of Competence, and Social Support Rating Scale in a cross-sectional survey conducted in a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou, China, between September 2019 and January 2021. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using SPSS version 25.0. RESULTS The PTG score was positively associated with rumination (r = 0.325, P < 0.05), parental self-efficacy (r = 0.219, P < 0.05), and social support (r = 0.374, P < 0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that household income (β = 0.095, P < 0.05), intrusive rumination (β = -0.100, P < 0.05), deliberate rumination (β = 0.391, P < 0.001), subjective support (β = 0.239, P < 0.001), and children's daily living skills deficiencies as perceived by parents (β = 0.107, P < 0.05) significantly predicted PTG, accounting for 33.3% of the variance [F(P) = 13.444, P < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS Psychosocial factors (rumination and subjective support) are essential to facilitate PTG in parents whose children are newly diagnosed with autism. PRACTICE AND IMPLICATIONS With the consideration of different sociodemographic features, clinicians and researchers are encouraged to explore cognitive-based psychosocial interventions targeting parents' psychological growth and parenting training programs targeting autistic children's self-care ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongshen Feng
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yongmei Li
- Child Development Behavior Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Lingnan Hospital, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Xuezhen Zhou
- Nursing department, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510200, China
| | - Xiuqun Qin
- Child Development Behavior Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Lingnan Hospital, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Tao Deng
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shaofei Liu
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Lifeng Zhang
- School of Nursing, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Lee JH, Lee TS, Yoo SY, Lee SW, Jang JH, Choi YJ, Park YR. Metaverse-based social skills training programme for children with autism spectrum disorder to improve social interaction ability: an open-label, single-centre, randomised controlled pilot trial. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 61:102072. [PMID: 37483546 PMCID: PMC10359727 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterised by abnormalities in social interactions and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Children with high-functioning ASD (HFASD), lack social communication skills, do not interact with others, and lack peer relationships. We aimed to develop, and evaluate the feasibility of, a metaverse-based programme to enhance the social skills of children with HFASD. Methods This open-label, single-centre, pilot parallel randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted on boys aged 7-12 years with HFASD. Children were recruited from a treatment centre for children with HFASD in Korea or by self-referral through online community webpages for the parents of children with HFASD. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) by a blinded researcher to receive either four weeks of a metaverse-based social skills training programme or a control group. Randomisation was stratified by age (children aged 7-9 and 10-12 years) using permuted blocks (block size 4). The metaverse-based social skills training programme was delivered via the metaverse platforms (Roblox) and Zoom. Children in the intervention group completed the metaverse-based social skills training programme at home for four weeks. The intervention consisted of four sessions, one session per week, for 60 min each. The control group did not receive any interventions. The primary outcome measure was the median change in the Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2) scores from pre-to post-intervention. SRS-2 is an assessment tool used to confirm the effectiveness of social interactions. Higher scores indicate lower social functioning. The trial is registered with CRIS Registration Number; KCT0006859. Findings Between February 14, 2022, and March 31, 2022, 20 participants were enrolled. Overall, 15 children (median [Interquartile range (IQR)] age, intervention group: 9.0 [8.0-10.0]; control group: 8.5 [8.0-10.0]) participated in the programme. The intervention group included nine participants (60%), and the control group included six participants (40%). The SRS-2 total scores for the intervention group decreased from baseline 96.0 (IQR: 74.0-112.0) to post-intervention 85.0 (IQR: 84.0-103.0). The group median difference in SRS-2 scores between the intervention and control groups was 11.5 (95% CI: 8.5-14.0), with a further reduction in the intervention group. Similar trends were seen for social cognition (group median difference, 95% CI: 2.0, 1.0-4.0), social communication (group median difference, 95% CI: 2.0, 1.0-4.0), and autistic mannerism (group median difference, 95% CI: 4.0, 1.0-5.0). There were no adverse events related to study participation. Interpretation The findings of this feasibility study suggest that children with HFASD can potentially be familiarised, through metaverse-based programmes, with real-life social situations to improve sociality and reduce emotional and behavioural problems. Such interventions could be delivered at home and possibly be extended to target groups that have difficulty in interacting with peers offline. Funding The Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation grant, via the Ministry of Science and ICT of the South Korean Government.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo Hyun Lee
- Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Tae Seon Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Center for Medical Education, Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Japan
| | - Su Young Yoo
- DoBrain Co., Ltd., Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Digital Health, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Woo Lee
- Graduate School of Information and Communication Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Ji Hye Jang
- Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Yu Rang Park
- Department of Biomedical Systems Informatics, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Cano-Villagrasa A, Moya-Faz FJ, Cortés-Ramos A, López-Zamora M. Emotional and behavioral alterations and their relationship with executive functioning in the pediatric population with autism spectrum disorder and epilepsy: a comparative study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1219177. [PMID: 37457105 PMCID: PMC10348750 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1219177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The pediatric population with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and epilepsy presents behavioral and emotional alterations that hinder their correct developmental maturation as well as their integration in different contexts such as school, family or social. This population shows atypical behavioral and emotional patterns, with difficulties in emotional regulation, understanding of emotions, aggressiveness, or low frustration tolerance. They also present alterations in executive functions, which significantly influence the emotional and behavioral characteristics of this population. Research suggests that epilepsy worsens the emotional, behavioral, and executive functioning status. Objective To explore differences in behavioral, emotional, and executive functioning profile in individuals with a diagnosis of ASD, epilepsy, and ASD with epilepsy. Method In this quasi-experimental and cross-sectional study, a total of 170 participants were selected and distributed into three groups: a group of participants with ASD, a group with epilepsy, and a group of participants with ASD and epilepsy. The SENA, BASC-3, and ENFEN tests were administered to verify the behavioral, emotional, and executive functioning profile in the three groups. Results The results indicate that individuals diagnosed with ASD and epilepsy present greater emotional, behavioral, and executive functioning alterations compared to those who only present ASD or epilepsy. Conclusion Individuals with ASD and epilepsy present significant alterations in emotional, behavioral, and executive functioning processes, which hinder their adaptation to different contexts, as well as decreasing their quality of life and that of their family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Cano-Villagrasa
- Health Sciences PhD Program, Departamento de Psicología Básica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Murcia UCAM, Murcia, Spain
- Universidad Internacional de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Moya-Faz
- Cátedra Psicogeriatría, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - Antonio Cortés-Ramos
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Miguel López-Zamora
- Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, Facultad de Psicología y Logopedia, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
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Pastorino GMG, Marino M, Aiello S, D’Auria R, Meccariello R, Santoro A, Viggiano A, Operto FF. COVID-19 Pandemic: 1-Year Follow-Up in Children and Adolescents with Neuropsychiatric Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3924. [PMID: 36900934 PMCID: PMC10001828 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few studies have focused on the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health. The objective of our work was to evaluate the changes in emotional and behavioral symptoms in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders and the impact on parenting stress 1 year after the first national lockdown. METHODS We enrolled 369 patients aged 1.5-18 years of age referred to the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit of the University Hospital of Salerno (Italy) by their parents. We asked their parents to complete two standardized questionnaires for the assessment of emotional/behavioral symptoms (Child Behavior CheckList, CBCL) and parental stress (Parenting Stress Index, PSI) prior to the pandemic (Time 0), during the first national lockdown (Time 1) and after 1 year (Time 2), and we monitored the changes in symptoms over time. RESULTS After 1 year from the start of the first national lockdown, we found a significant increase of internalizing problems, anxiety, depression, somatization, and social and oppositional-defiant problems in older children (6-18 years), and a significant increase of somatization, anxiety problems, and sleep problems in younger children (1.5-5 years). We also observed a significant relationship between emotional/behavioral symptoms and parental stress. CONCLUSION Our study showed that parental stress levels increased compared to the pre-pandemic months and continues to persist over time, while internalizing symptoms of children and adolescents showed a significant worsening during 1 year follow-up from the first COVID-19 lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marianna Marino
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Salvatore Aiello
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Raffaella D’Auria
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Rosaria Meccariello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università di Napoli Parthenope, Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonietta Santoro
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Francesca Felicia Operto
- Dipartimento di Medicina, Chirurgia e Odontoiatria “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, Via S. Allende, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
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Operto FF, Labate A, Aiello S, Perillo C, de Simone V, Rinaldi R, Coppola G, Pastorino GMG. The Ketogenic Diet in Children with Epilepsy: A Focus on Parental Stress and Family Compliance. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15041058. [PMID: 36839414 PMCID: PMC9958546 DOI: 10.3390/nu15041058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of our study was to evaluate parental stress after 6 and 12 months of a ketogenic diet, considering demographic and clinical variables (epilepsy type, epilepsy duration, seizure number, antiseizure medications, comorbidities, efficacy, and adverse events). (2) Methods: We consecutively enrolled 36 children aged between 3 and 10 years who had been diagnosed with various types of drug-resistant epilepsy and who were in therapy with a ketogenic diet for better seizure control. A standardized neuropsychological questionnaire (Parenting Stress Index-PSI) was administered to the parents evaluating parental stress at baseline (T0), after 6 (T1) months, and after 12 months (T2). (3) Results: After 6 and 12 months of dietary treatment, Parental Distress and Total Stress mean scores were statistically significantly increased. Post hoc analysis showed no significant changes in the scores between T0 and T1, although there was a significant increase between T1 and T2. We did not find statistically significant relationships between parental stress and the other variables considered. (4) Conclusions: The ketogenic diet can be challenging for parents and can affect the perception of parental stress, especially in the long term. Parents may feel inadequate in their role; therefore, they should be helped and encouraged through additional supports in order to maximize the adherence to diet therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Odontoiatry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-347-174-5041
| | - Angelo Labate
- Neurophysiopatology and Movement Disorders Clinic, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Aiello
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Odontoiatry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | - Cristina Perillo
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Odontoiatry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | - Valeria de Simone
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Odontoiatry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | - Rosetta Rinaldi
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Odontoiatry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Odontoiatry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Odontoiatry, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy
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Adolescents with Neuropsychiatric Disorders during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Focus on Emotional Well-Being and Parental Stress. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10122368. [PMID: 36553892 PMCID: PMC9778093 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10122368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Introduction: The aim of our research was to explore emotional/behavioral changes in adolescents with neuropsychiatric conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic, and parental stress levels through a standardized assessment, comparing the data collected before and during the first months of lockdown. Moreover, an additional goal was to detect a possible relationship between emotional/behavioural symptoms of adolescents and the stress levels of their parents. (2) Methods: We enrolled 178 Italian adolescents aged between 12-18 that were referred to the Child Neuropsychiatry Unit of the University Hospital of Salerno with different neuropsychiatric diagnoses. Two standardized questionnaires were provided to all parents for the assessment of parental stress (PSI-Parenting Stress Index-Short Form) and the emotional/behavioral problems of their children (Child Behaviour Check List). The data collected from questionnaires administered during the six months preceding the pandemic, as is our usual clinical practice, were compared to those recorded during the pandemic. (3) Results: The statistical comparison of PSI and CBCL scores before/during the pandemic showed a statistically significant increase in all subscales in the total sample. The correlation analysis highlighted a significant positive relationship between Parental Stress and Internalizing/Externalizing symptoms of adolescent patients. Age and gender did not significantly affect CBCL and PSI scores, while the type of diagnosis could affect behavioral symptoms and parental stress. (4) Conclusions: our study suggests that the lockdown and the containment measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic could have aggravated the emotional/behavioral symptoms of adolescents with neuropsychiatric disorders and the stress of their parents. Further studies should be conducted in order to monitor the evolution of these aspects over time.
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12
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Gonçalves de Oliveira Cruz AV, Góes Gonçalves R, Nunes L, Douglas Quaresma de Oliveira J, Lima Monteiro ES, Soares Eneias I, Guilherme Lima TC, Duarte Ferreira L, Souza Neri E, da Cunha Pena JL, Célis de Cárdenas AM, Côrtes Volpe MI, Filgueiras de Assis Melo MV, Rinaldi A, Pinheiro Barcessat AR. Neuro Postural Optimization Neuromodulation Treatment of Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyer Technology on Stress and Quality of Life in Institutionalized Children in a Capital City of the Brazilian Amazon. Cureus 2022; 14:e26550. [PMID: 35815301 PMCID: PMC9256006 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.26550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The deviation from perfect bilateral symmetry is defined as fluctuating asymmetry (FA) and is a common phenomenon among living organisms. This deviation from perfection is thought to reflect the environmental pressures experienced during development and, therefore, the FA represents an epigenetic measure of the environmental stress, which affects all living beings from conception, progressively affecting all aspects of life. Rinaldi and Fontani hypothesized that the FA morpho-functional changes are originated by an adaptive motor behavior determined by functional alterations in the cerebellum and neural circuits, not caused by a lesion, but induced by the experienced environmental stress. They identified in the asymmetric activation of symmetrical muscle groups, detectable even in healthy subjects, the expression of the dysfunctional adaptation state of the subject and named this clinical semeiotic phenomenon functional dysmetria (FD). On these premises, they developed the radio electric asymmetric conveyer (REAC) technology, a neuromodulation technology aimed at optimizing the best neuro-psycho-motor strategies in relation to environmental interaction. Neuro postural optimization (NPO) is a neurobiological stimulation treatment administered with the REAC technology and it has been specifically studied to treat the state of dysfunctional adaptation that is revealed through the presence of FD. Aim The purpose of this study was to verify whether a single administration of the REAC NPO treatment can trigger the improvement of the capacity of stress management and the quality of life in a population of children housed in a group home in Macapá, Brazil. Materials and methods The sample of this study consisted of nine children (six boys and three girls) in the age group of 6-11 years, which represented the totality of the children present in the structure. The children was investigated for the assessment of the presence of functional dysmetria and with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory TM 4.0 (PedsQL) before and one week after the administration of the REAC NPO. Results The stable disappearance of FD was found in all children at follow-up. In addition, improvements were found in stress management and quality of life, in the physical, emotional, social, and scholastic aspects evaluated with PedsQL. Conclusions It was seen that the REAC NPO neurobiological modulation treatment induced the stable disappearance of FD and triggered the initial improvement of neurophysical aspects also in a population of children housed in a group home in the Amazon region of Macapá, Brazil.
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Operto FF, Coppola G, Vivenzio V, Scuoppo C, Padovano C, de Simone V, Rinaldi R, Belfiore G, Sica G, Morcaldi L, D’Onofrio F, Olivieri M, Donadio S, Roccella M, Carotenuto M, Viggiano A, Pastorino GMG. Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Children and Adolescents with Neuropsychiatric Disorders: Emotional/Behavioral Symptoms and Parental Stress. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19073795. [PMID: 35409479 PMCID: PMC8997638 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19073795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the emotional and behavioral symptoms in minors with neuropsychiatric disorders and on parental stress through a standardized neuropsychological assessment, comparing the data collected before the pandemic with those collected during the lock-down. Another goal of our study was to analyze the relationship between parental stress and behavioral/emotional symptoms in children. Our study was conducted on 383 families of patients who had already been referred at the Child Neuropsychiatry Unit of the University Hospital of Salerno for different neuropsychiatric conditions. All the parents completed two neuropsychological standardized questionnaires for the assessment of parental stress (PSI—Parenting Stress Index-Short Form) and the emotional/behavioral problems of their children (Child Behaviour CheckList). The data collected during the pandemic were compared with those collected from questionnaires administered during the six months preceding the pandemic, as is our usual clinical practice. The comparison between the mean scores of PSI and CBCL before and after the pandemic showed a statistically significant increase in all subscales analyzed in the total sample. The correlation analysis showed significant positive relationship between the subscale Total Stress of PSI and the subscales Total Problems and Internalizing Problems of CBCL. Our study suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic and the corresponding measures adopted led to an increase in internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children and adolescents with neuropsychiatric disorder. Similarly, parental stress increased during COVID-19 and ahigher level of stress in parents can be related to the internalizing symptoms of their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Valentina Vivenzio
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Chiara Scuoppo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Chiara Padovano
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Valeria de Simone
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Rosetta Rinaldi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Gilda Belfiore
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Gianpiero Sica
- Azienda Sanitaria Locale Salerno, Via Nizza 146, 84124 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Lucia Morcaldi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Floriana D’Onofrio
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Miriam Olivieri
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Serena Donadio
- Department of Psychology, Educational and Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.D.); (M.R.)
| | - Michele Roccella
- Department of Psychology, Educational and Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy; (S.D.); (M.R.)
| | - Marco Carotenuto
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80100 Naples, Italy;
| | - Andrea Viggiano
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy; (G.C.); (V.V.); (C.S.); (C.P.); (V.d.S.); (R.R.); (G.B.); luciaa-@hotmail.it (L.M.); (F.D.); (M.O.); (A.V.); (G.M.G.P.)
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