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Segre G, Clavenna A, Roberti E, Scarpellini F, Cartabia M, Pandolfini C, Tessarollo V, Costantino I, Bonati M. Pediatrician and parental evaluation of child neurodevelopment at 2 years of age. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:137. [PMID: 38388376 PMCID: PMC10882900 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04616-2] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The early identification of infants with a risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in the first few years of life is essential for better developmental outcomes. Screenings should be carried out by combining the family pediatricians' and parents' perspectives, the two fundamental sources of information on children's health. The present study has three aims: (a) to test the feasibility of parent-report instruments to detect warning signs in their children's development; (b) to ascertain whether there is an agreement between the family pediatricians' (FP) clinical judgments of warning signs and the parental perceptions; (c) to determine whether there is a link between parents' distress and child development. METHODS Within the NASCITA birth cohort, in addition to the family pediatrician's clinical evaluation with routine tools, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised (M-CHAT-R) was completed by parents to assess the child's language, social skills, behavior, and sensory areas. Parents were also asked to complete the Parenting Stress Index, Short Form (PSI-SF) to verify the magnitude of stress in the parent-child system. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the association between child and parental characteristics and the presence of warning signs. RESULTS The follow-up assessment was completed for 435 infants: 69 (15.8%) presented warning signs: 43 in the pediatrician's assessment and 36 in the M-CHAT-R (10 in both). A total of 16 children (14 with warning signs) received a diagnosis after a specialist evaluation. Being male (OR 2.46, 95%CI: 1.23-4.91) and having sleep disorders (OR 2.43, 95% CI 1.17-5.04) was associated with a greater likelihood of warning signs in the multivariate analysis, while reading aloud was a protective factor (not exposed versus exposed (OR = 3.14; 95% CI 1.60-6.17). For 73 children (18.4%), at least one parent tested positive for PSI-SF. An increased prevalence of parental distress was observed in children with warning signs (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.27-4.37). CONCLUSIONS Integrating physician and parental perspectives during well-child visits and in clinical practice appears feasible and can improve the identification of children at risk of developmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Segre
- Laboratory of Epidemiology of Developing Age, Department of Medical Epidemiology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milan, 20156, Italy
| | - Antonio Clavenna
- Laboratory of Epidemiology of Developing Age, Department of Medical Epidemiology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milan, 20156, Italy
| | - Elisa Roberti
- Laboratory of Epidemiology of Developing Age, Department of Medical Epidemiology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milan, 20156, Italy
| | - Francesca Scarpellini
- Laboratory of Epidemiology of Developing Age, Department of Medical Epidemiology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milan, 20156, Italy
- Centro Psicodiagnostico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Cartabia
- Laboratory of Epidemiology of Developing Age, Department of Medical Epidemiology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milan, 20156, Italy
| | - Chiara Pandolfini
- Laboratory of Epidemiology of Developing Age, Department of Medical Epidemiology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milan, 20156, Italy
| | - Valeria Tessarollo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Costantino
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bonati
- Laboratory of Epidemiology of Developing Age, Department of Medical Epidemiology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, Milan, 20156, Italy.
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Palmieri R, Albano V, Guerriero S, Craig F, La Torre F, Filoni S, Sardella D, Petruzzelli MG, Lecce P, De Giacomo A. Beyond Diagnosis: Preliminary Study of Impact on Children and Parents in Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis-Associated Uveitis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:275. [PMID: 38337791 PMCID: PMC10855410 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14030275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic diseases are a growing problem for global health due to the large number of people they involve, the repercussions they have on the mental and physical well-being of those affected, and the costs to society. Particularly, chronic illnesses of childhood have important psychological implications, not only for affected children but also for their parents. Among these pathologies, neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and uveitis associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA-U) may affect mental and physical health, emotions, memory, learning, and socializing. This study evaluates the psychological and behavioral/emotional impact of NDDs and JIA-U on children and parents. Specifically, 30 children with active JIA-U and 30 children with NDDs and their parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Parent Stress Index-Short Form (PSI) questionnaires. Children with NDDs have statistically significant differences in all the emotional and behavioral variables compared to JIA-U children, and parents of children with NDDs experience an increased stress load compared to parents of children with JIA-U. This study emphasizes the wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges that parents face with NDDs. This study emphasizes that parents of children with NDDs not only experience higher levels of stress compared to parents of normally developing children but also experience higher levels of stress compared to parents of children with potentially debilitating chronic diseases such as JIA-U.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Palmieri
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.S.); (M.G.P.); (P.L.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Valeria Albano
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (V.A.); (S.G.)
| | - Silvana Guerriero
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, Institute of Ophthalmology, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (V.A.); (S.G.)
| | - Francesco Craig
- Department of Cultures, Education and Society (DICES), University of Calabria, 87036 Cosenza, Italy;
| | - Francesco La Torre
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Rheumatology Center, “Giovanni XXIII”, Pediatric Hospital, Via Giovanni Amendola 207, 70126 Bari, Italy;
| | - Serena Filoni
- I.R.C.C.S. Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy;
| | - Dario Sardella
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.S.); (M.G.P.); (P.L.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Maria Giuseppina Petruzzelli
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.S.); (M.G.P.); (P.L.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Paola Lecce
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.S.); (M.G.P.); (P.L.); (A.D.G.)
| | - Andrea De Giacomo
- Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience Department (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.S.); (M.G.P.); (P.L.); (A.D.G.)
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Alsaad AJ, Al Khamees MM, Alkadi AN, Alsaleh MA, Alshairdah AS, Alessa ZA. Factors associated with the prevalence of depression and anxiety among parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders in Saudi Arabia. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:2320. [PMID: 37996799 PMCID: PMC10668396 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17228-9] [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: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a group of conditions that include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorders, specific learning disorders, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and other disorders. Raising a child with an NDD can be difficult because it affects the social lives of the parents and their relationships. It also requires the parents to develop another set of skills to deal with their child. These factors increase their risk of depression and anxiety. AIM To measure the prevalence rates of depression and anxiety among parents of children with different NDDs, compare the rates between mothers and fathers, and measure the relevant associated factors. METHODOLOGY This study was a prospective, qualitative, cross-sectional, anonymous questionnaire-based study. The participants were 416 parents of children with NDDs in Saudi Arabia. The sample size was determined using the Richard Geiger equation with a 5% margin of error, a 95% confidence level, and a 50% response distribution. The screening was performed using a validated Arabic version of the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7). These are short and understandable screening tools that assist in identifying and grading the severity of depression and anxiety symptoms. The participants were reached by distributing the questionnaire to parents who followed up with Saudi NDD-related associations, clinics, and psychiatric clinics from November 20 to May 8, 2022. The data were collected, reviewed, and then entered into SPSS 21. RESULTS In total, 416 parents of children with NDDs in Saudi Arabia participated in the study. We demonstrated that 85.1% of parents of children with NDDs had depression and that 85.8% had anxiety. Mothers and fathers had similar rates of depression and anxiety. No significant difference was found between the type of NDD and rates of depression and anxiety in parents. CONCLUSION Children with NDDs affect their parents' mental health in terms of increased rates of depression and anxiety. This increase is not correlated with a specific etiology. Healthcare professionals who care for children with NDDs should also assess parental mental health and seek an early diagnosis of mental illness to ensure that the appropriate interventions are provided for parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali J Alsaad
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, College of Medicine King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | - Majd A Alsaleh
- College of Medicine King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Zahra'a A Alessa
- College of Medicine King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia
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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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de Miguel L, Ballester P, Egoavil C, Sánchez-Ocaña ML, García-Muñoz AM, Cerdá B, Zafrilla P, Ramos E, Peiró AM. Pharmacogenetics May Prevent Psychotropic Adverse Events in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Observational Pilot Study. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1496. [PMID: 37895967 PMCID: PMC10610471 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Up to 73% of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) currently have prescriptions for psychotropic drugs. This is explained by a higher prevalence of medical and psychiatric chronic comorbidities, which favors polypharmacy, increasing the probability of the appearance of adverse events (AEs). These could be a preventable cause of harm to patients with ASD and an unnecessary waste of healthcare resources. OBJECTIVE To study the impact of pharmacogenetic markers on the prevention of AE appearance in a population with ASD and ID. METHODS This is a cross-sectional, observational study (n = 118, 72 participants completed all information) in the ASD population. Sociodemographic and pharmacological data were gathered. The Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser Scale (UKU Scale) was used to identify AEs related to the use of psychotropic medication. Polymorphisms of DOP2, ABCB1, and COMT were genotyped and correlated with the AE to find candidate genes. Furthermore, a review of all medications assessed in a clinical trial for adults with autism was performed to enrich the search for potential pharmacogenetic markers, keeping in mind the usual medications. RESULTS The majority of the study population were men (75%) with multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy, the most frequently prescribed drugs were antipsychotics (69%); 21% of the participants had four or more AEs related to psychotropic drugs. The most common were "Neurological" and" Psychiatric" (both 41%). Statistical analysis results suggested a significant correlation between the neurological symptoms and the DOP2 genotype, given that they are not equally distributed among its allelic variants. The final review considered 19 manuscripts of medications for adults with ASD, and the confirmed genetic markers for those medications were consulted in databases. CONCLUSION A possible correlation between neurologic AEs and polymorphisms of DOP2 was observed; therefore, studying this gene could contribute to the safety of this population's prescriptions. The following studies are underway to maximize statistical power and have a better representation of the population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura de Miguel
- Pharmacogenetic Unit, Clinical Pharmacology Department, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), General University Hospital of Alicante, c/Pintor Baeza, 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Chemical Safety Unit, Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Pura Ballester
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Campus de los Jerónimos, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Cecilia Egoavil
- Pharmacogenetic Unit, Clinical Pharmacology Department, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), General University Hospital of Alicante, c/Pintor Baeza, 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, 03010 Alicante, Spain
| | - María Luisa Sánchez-Ocaña
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Campus de los Jerónimos, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Ana María García-Muñoz
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Campus de los Jerónimos, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Begoña Cerdá
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Campus de los Jerónimos, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Pilar Zafrilla
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nutrition, Campus de los Jerónimos, Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), Guadalupe, 30107 Murcia, Spain
| | - Enrique Ramos
- Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Chemical Safety Unit, Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
| | - Ana M. Peiró
- Pharmacogenetic Unit, Clinical Pharmacology Department, Alicante Institute for Health and Biomedical Research (ISABIAL), General University Hospital of Alicante, c/Pintor Baeza, 12, 03010 Alicante, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology and Chemical Safety Unit, Institute of Bioengineering, Miguel Hernández University, Avda. de la Universidad s/n, 03202 Elche, Spain
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Dr. Balmis General University Hospital, 03010 Alicante, Spain
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Yamazaki M, Kawase T, Hino-Fukuyo N, Morimoto T, Metoki H, Takahashi H, Fukuchi N, Takanashi Y, Ohta N. Functional hearing loss and developmental imbalances. Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2023; 173:111700. [PMID: 37633125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2023.111700] [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: 05/30/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Functional hearing loss (FHL) is a disorder in which there are abnormal values on a hearing test, despite the absence of organic abnormalities in the peripheral and central auditory pathways. Here, we examined the developmental characteristics of FHL and the importance of intervention by analyzing the clinical characteristics of children with this disorder. METHODS We retrospectively examined 16 patients assessed under a diagnosis of FHL. After interventions such as psychological counseling by our pediatrics and psychiatry departments, we compared the clinical profiles of patients in which hearing was "improved/normalized" and "unimproved". RESULTS Fourteen patients visited a pediatrician and two chose not to do so. A discrepancy between the maximum and minimum values of the four index scores was observed in all patients in which WISC-IV (the fourth version of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children) was performed (n = 12). The discrepancy between the verbal comprehension index (VCI) and perceptual reasoning index (PRI) was significantly greater in "unimproved" patients than in "improved/normalized" patients. Hearing improved, or was normalized, after intervention in six of 16 patients. CONCLUSIONS Developmental imbalances were suspected in all 12 children who visited a pediatrician and completed the WISC-IV. Cooperation with pediatricians, psychiatrists, and other health professionals is desirable in supporting patients diagnosed with FHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muneharu Yamazaki
- Division of Otolaryngology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan.
| | - Tetsuaki Kawase
- Division of Otolaryngology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan
| | - Naomi Hino-Fukuyo
- Division of Pediatrics, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Morimoto
- Division of Pediatrics, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan
| | - Hirohito Metoki
- Division of Public Health, Hygiene and Epidemiology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Takahashi
- Division of Ophthalmology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan
| | - Naru Fukuchi
- Division of Psychiatry, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Takanashi
- Division of Otolaryngology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan
| | - Nobuo Ohta
- Division of Otolaryngology, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Japan
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Pham C, Thomson S, Chin ST, Vuillermin P, O'Hely M, Burgner D, Tanner S, Saffery R, Mansell T, Bong S, Holmes E, Sly PD, Gray N, Ponsonby AL. Maternal oxidative stress during pregnancy associated with emotional and behavioural problems in early childhood: implications for foetal programming. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3760-3768. [PMID: 37845496 PMCID: PMC10730421 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02284-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Childhood mental disorders, including emotional and behavioural problems (EBP) are increasingly prevalent. Higher maternal oxidative stress (OS) during pregnancy (matOSpreg) is linked to offspring mental disorders. Environmental factors contribute to matOSpreg. However, the role of matOSpreg in childhood EBP is unclear. We investigated the associations between (i) matOSpreg and offspring EBP; (ii) social and prenatal environmental factors and matOSpreg; and (iii) social and prenatal factors and childhood EBP and evaluated whether matOSpreg mediated these associations. Maternal urinary OS biomarkers, 8-hydroxyguanosine (8-OHGua; an oxidative RNA damage marker) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG; an oxidative DNA damage marker), at 36 weeks of pregnancy were quantified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in a population-derived birth cohort, Barwon Infant Study (n = 1074 mother-infant pairs). Social and prenatal environmental factors were collected by mother-reported questionnaires. Offspring total EBP was measured by Child Behavior Checklist Total Problems T-scores at age two (n = 675) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire Total Difficulties score at age four (n = 791). Prospective associations were examined by multivariable regression analyses adjusted for covariates. Mediation effects were evaluated using counterfactual-based mediation analysis. Higher maternal urinary 8-OHGua at 36 weeks (mat8-OHGua36w) was associated with greater offspring total EBP at age four (β = 0.38, 95% CI (0.07, 0.69), P = 0.02) and age two (β = 0.62, 95% CI (-0.06, 1.30), P = 0.07). Weaker evidence of association was detected for 8-OHdG. Five early-life factors were associated with both mat8-OHGua36w and childhood EBP (P-range < 0.001-0.05), including lower maternal education, socioeconomic disadvantage and prenatal tobacco smoking. These risk factor-childhood EBP associations were partly mediated by higher mat8-OHGua36w (P-range = 0.01-0.05). Higher matOSpreg, particularly oxidant RNA damage, is associated with later offspring EBP. Effects of some social and prenatal lifestyle factors on childhood EBP were partly mediated by matOSpreg. Future studies are warranted to further elucidate the role of early-life oxidant damage in childhood EBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Pham
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Sarah Thomson
- Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Sung-Tong Chin
- Australian National Phenome Centre, Health Futures Institute, Harry Perkins Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Peter Vuillermin
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
- Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Martin O'Hely
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - David Burgner
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Samuel Tanner
- Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Toby Mansell
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Sze Bong
- Australian National Phenome Centre, Health Futures Institute, Harry Perkins Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Elaine Holmes
- Australian National Phenome Centre, Health Futures Institute, Harry Perkins Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Peter D Sly
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
- Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD, 4101, Australia
| | - Nicola Gray
- Australian National Phenome Centre, Health Futures Institute, Harry Perkins Institute, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Anne-Louise Ponsonby
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Florey Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
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9
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Fitneva SA, Corbett BA, Prasad AN. Psychosocial correlates of neurodevelopmental disabilities in 2- to 3-year-olds. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 146:109370. [PMID: 37556967 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109370] [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: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Canada's National Longitudinal Study of Children and Youth survey data provide insights into chronic health conditions in children. Children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDD) are at increased risk for adverse behavioral outcomes. METHODS We examined data from 3 cycles of Canada's National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth for the presence of epilepsy (Epi), cerebral palsy (CP), and intellectual disability (ID) in 2- to 3-year-olds. We then examined the relationship of NDD to composite measures of behavior: hyperactivity-inattention (HI), prosocial behaviors (PS), emotional disorder-anxiety (EA), physical aggression oppositional behavior (AO), and separation anxiety (SA). RESULTS There were 15 children with Epi, 25 with CP and 28 with ID in a sample of 10,879, which represented a population of 756,848 2- to 3-year-old Canadian children. Comparison of mean scores of the NDD groups and controls (Welch's ANOVA), indicated statistically significant differences in HI, PS, EA, and SA at the p < 0.001 level. Post hoc analysis showed significant intergroup differences. Children with epilepsy did not differ from controls on any of the behavioral measures. However, in comparison to controls, children with intellectual disability had higher EA and SA scores and lower PS scores, and those with cerebral palsy had lower PS scores. CONCLUSIONS Children with NDD show differences in behavioral outcomes at a very early age when compared with controls. Screening for these behaviors and early intervention programs may help avoid longer term psychiatric comorbidity associated with these disabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bradley A Corbett
- Richard Ivey School of Business, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Asuri N Prasad
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Dept. of Pediatrics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
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10
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Boulton KA, Guastella AJ, Hodge MA, Demetriou EA, Ong N, Silove N. Mental health concerns in children with neurodevelopmental conditions attending a developmental assessment service. J Affect Disord 2023; 335:264-272. [PMID: 37119867 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.04.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023]
Abstract
Children with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs) experience co-occurring mental health concerns. Little research has examined mental health symptoms in children attending developmental assessment services. This study profiled mental health symptoms in children with NDCs attending a hospital-based diagnostic service for their first diagnostic assessment. Participants were 232 children aged 1.96-17.51 years. Mental health concerns were assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), a caregiver-rated, questionnaire-based assessment of behavioural and emotional difficulties. Subclinical or clinically elevated internalising, externalising and total scores on the CBCL were reported in over one third of children. These increased prevalence rates remained after excluding items specifically relating to neurodevelopmental concerns. More school-aged females reported elevated internalising problems, relative to males (67 % vs 48 %). The number of diagnoses impacted symptoms, with children who received two or more DSM-5 diagnoses showing a greater rate of subclinical or clinically elevated scores, relative to children who received one DSM-5 diagnosis. Our findings demonstrate that children attending developmental assessment services have considerable mental health needs. It is critical that mental health concerns are identified and addressed in children when they first present to developmental assessment services, and that service providers are equipped to provide appropriate resources and pathways to ongoing care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsie A Boulton
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia.
| | - Adam J Guastella
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Marie-Antoinette Hodge
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Eleni A Demetriou
- Clinic for Autism and Neurodevelopment (CAN) research, Brain and Mind Centre, Children's Hospital Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Australia; Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Natalie Ong
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Natalie Silove
- Child Development Unit, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia; Child Neurodevelopment and Mental Health Team, Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Australia
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11
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Abed LG, Abed MG, Shackelford TK. Saudi Arabian Perceptions of Childhood Anxiety, Parental Communication, and Parenting Style. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11081142. [PMID: 37107977 PMCID: PMC10137887 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11081142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Parenting communication and parenting style, including expressions of fear, worry, and threat, may contribute to children's anxiety and apprehension. This study examined the degree to which perceptions of parental communication (both verbal and nonverbal) and parenting style are linked with childhood anxiety. This is among the first studies to investigate these relationships in a Saudi Arabian context. We employed a sample of 121 Saudi adults who completed questionnaires measuring perceptions of 2 parenting styles (authoritative and authoritarian), parental anxiety, and childhood anxiety. Parental communication elements such as shouting, criticism, facial expression, and body expressions were included among assessments of perceived parental anxiety, authoritative style, and authoritarian style. The results indicated that perceptions of childhood anxiety were positively associated with parental anxiety but not consistently associated with other assessed variables. This research addressed perceptions of parental communication and parenting style in the development of childhood anxiety, extending upon previous research on Western samples to a Middle Eastern sample residing in Saudi Arabia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lowai G Abed
- Department of Communication and Public Relations, College of Communication and Media, University of Jeddah, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohaned G Abed
- Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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12
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Severo M, Ventriglio A, Bellomo A, Iuso S, Petito A. Maternal perinatal depression and child neurocognitive development: A relationship still to be clarified. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1151897. [PMID: 37020735 PMCID: PMC10067625 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1151897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy frequently is associated with emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression. Perinatal depression has an incidence of around 12%. Only recently researcher put the attention on the effects of pre- and postpartum psychopathology on infant neurocognitive development. Neurobiology studies indicate that perinatal maternal depression can significantly affect the structure and function of children's prefrontal cortex and modulate the development of cognitive abilities from intrauterine life. On the topic, the scientific literature appears ambiguous, reporting mixed results. Some studies have found no significant differences in developmental outcomes between prenatal and postpartum exposure to maternal depression, others have suggested a greater burden of depression in pregnancy than in postpartum, and still others have emphasized the role of chronicity of symptoms rather than the period of onset. Few studies have examined the effects of different developmental trajectories of maternal depression on children's neurocognitive outcomes. The assessment of maternal health has for years been limited to postpartum depression often neglecting the timing of onset, the intensity of symptoms and their chronicity. These aspects have received less attention than they deserve, especially in relation to the effects on children's neurocognitive development. The aim of this Perspective was to highlight inconsistencies and gaps that need to be filled in the approach to the study of this problem. Given the wide heterogeneity of data in the current literature, further studies are needed to clarify these interactions. This Perspective provides an overview of current progress, future directions, and a presentation of the authors' views on the topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melania Severo
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Ventriglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonello Bellomo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Salvatore Iuso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Annamaria Petito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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13
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Smirni D, Smirni P, Lavanco G, Caci B. Premorbid Personality Traits as Risk Factors for Behavioral Addictions: A Systematic Review of a Vulnerability Hypothesis. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:467. [PMID: 36980025 PMCID: PMC10047899 DOI: 10.3390/children10030467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
The debate on personality structure and behavioral addictions is an outstanding issue. According to some authors, behavioral addictions could arise from a premorbid personality, while for others, it could result from a pathological use of technological tools. The current study aims to investigate whether, in the latest literature, personality traits have been identified as predictors of behavioral addictions. A literature search was conducted under the PRISMA methodology, considering the most relevant studies of the five-factor model from the past 10 years. Overall, most studies on addiction, personality traits, and personality genetics proved that behavioral addiction may be an epiphenomenon of a pre-existing personality structure, and that it more easily occurs in vulnerable subjects with emotional instability, negative affects, and unsatisfactory relationships with themselves, others, and events. Such neurotic personality structure was common to any addictive behavior, and was the main risk factor for both substance and behavioral addictions. Therefore, in clinical and educational contexts, it becomes crucial to primarily focus on the vulnerability factors, at-risk personality traits, and protective and moderating traits such as extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness to experience; meanwhile, treatment of behavioral addictions is frequently focused on overt pathological behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Smirni
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Pietro Smirni
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Lavanco
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Barbara Caci
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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14
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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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15
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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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16
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Xiao N, Shinwari K, Kiselev S, Huang X, Li B, Qi J. Effects of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2630. [PMID: 36767996 PMCID: PMC9915993 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become a critical public health issue that affects more than 78 million people. In many recent studies, the authors have demonstrated that equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAATs) can substantially improve the social and behavioral skills of children with ASD. However, the qualities of the studies differ, and some authors reached opposite conclusions. In this review, we systematically and objectively examined the effectiveness of EAATs for people with ASD, combining both qualitative and quantitative methods. We searched five databases (PubMed, Scopus, ERIC, ProQuest, and MEDLINE) and added relevant references, and we identified 25 articles for data extraction and analysis. According to our results, EAAT programs can substantially improve the social and behavioral functioning and language abilities of children with ASD. However, among the subdomains, the results were inconsistent. According to the meta-analyses, there were considerable improvements in the social cognition, communication, irritability, and hyperactivity domains, but not in the domains of social awareness, mannerisms, motivation, lethargy, stereotypy, or inappropriate speech. Moreover, there was a lack of sufficient comparative data to conclude that EAAT programs lead to substantial improvements in motor and sensory functioning. In addition, among the included studies, we noted the indicator of whether EAAT programs decreased parental stress and improved family functioning, and although there were four articles in which the researchers considered this aspect, we were unable to draw any conclusions because of the insufficient data and conflicting descriptive evidence. However, we need to consider the improvement in parental mental health as a factor in the effectiveness of this complementary intervention. We hope that in future studies, researchers will focus on family functioning and conduct more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with blinded assessments using different scales and measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningkun Xiao
- Department of Psychology, Institution of Humanities, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg 620075, Russia
| | - Khyber Shinwari
- Department of Immunochemistry, Institution of Chemical Engineering, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg 620075, Russia
| | - Sergey Kiselev
- Department of Psychology, Institution of Humanities, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg 620075, Russia
| | - Xinlin Huang
- Department of Psychology, Institution of Humanities, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg 620075, Russia
| | - Baoheng Li
- Engineering School of Information Technologies, Telecommunications and Control System, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg 620002, Russia
| | - Jingjing Qi
- Engineering School of Information Technologies, Telecommunications and Control System, Ural Federal University, Yekaterinburg 620002, Russia
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17
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Wilmot A, Hasking P, Leitão S, Hill E, Boyes M. Understanding Mental Health in Developmental Dyslexia: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1653. [PMID: 36674408 PMCID: PMC9864451 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Children with dyslexia are at elevated risk of internalising and externalising mental health concerns. Our aim was to scope the extent and nature of the literature investigating factors which may influence this association. We systematically searched the peer-reviewed and grey literature with no restrictions on the date. We included both qualitative and quantitative studies. Inclusion criteria included: (1) a focus on childhood (≤18 years) reading/learning difficulties; (2) internalising and/or externalising symptoms; and (3) a potentially modifiable third factor (e.g., self-esteem). Ninety-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. We organised the studies according to individual, family, and community-level third factors. Whilst a range of third factors were identified, relatively few researchers tested associations between the third factor and mental health in the context of dyslexia. Furthermore, there was a focus on primary rather than secondary school experience and a reliance, in many cases, on teacher/parent perspectives on children's mental health. Future researchers are encouraged to explore links between socio-emotional skills, coping strategies, school connectedness, and mental health in the context of dyslexia. Research of this nature is important to assist with the identification of children who are more (or less) at risk of mental health concerns and to inform tailored mental health programs for children with dyslexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne Wilmot
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
| | - Penelope Hasking
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
| | - Suze Leitão
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Hill
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Allied Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
| | - Mark Boyes
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin School of Population Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin enAble Institute, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
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18
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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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19
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Ozbaran NB, Ozyasar SC, Dogan N, Kafali HY, Isik E, Satar A, Kose S, Atik T, Cogulu O. Evaluation of social cognition, autistic traits, and dysmorphology in comorbid specific learning disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022; 27:991-1005. [PMID: 35658687 DOI: 10.1177/13591045221095428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Research on areas such as social cognition, autistic traits, and minor physical anomalies in comorbid Specific Learning Disorder (SLD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is limited. In this study, we compared these areas in children aged between 8 and 14 with comorbid SLD and ADHD and their typically developed peers. Emotion recognition and social cognition were evaluated by Faces Test, Reading the Mind in the Eyes Test, Comprehension Test, and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale. Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire and Social Responsiveness Scale were used for screening of autism spectrum disorder in children. Furthermore, autistic traits in parents were measured by Autism-Spectrum Quotient. The MPAs of all the subjects were determined by pediatric geneticists. We detected that children with comorbid SLD and ADHD performed worse than controls in all social cognition tests and maternal AQ score had a strong correlation with the Faces Test, DERS, and SRS scores. Also, the total ASSQ score in the comorbid SLD and ADHD group was significantly higher than controls. Finally, MPAs were significantly more frequent in the comorbid SLD and ADHD group. Impairment in social cognition and evaluation of autistic traits and dysmorphology in children with comorbid SLD and ADHD may provide useful information on neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazli Burcu Ozbaran
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, 60521Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Senay Celenay Ozyasar
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 233010Adiyaman Education and Research Hospital, Adiyaman, Turkey
| | - Nurhak Dogan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, 60521Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Helin Yilmaz Kafali
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 536164Ministry of Health Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Esra Isik
- Subdivision of Pediatric Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, 60521Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Satar
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Ardahan State Hospital, Ardahan, Turkey
| | - Sezen Kose
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, 60521Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Tahir Atik
- Subdivision of Pediatric Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, 60521Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Cogulu
- Subdivision of Pediatric Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, 60521Ege University, Izmir, Turkey
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Pham C, Bekkering S, O'Hely M, Burgner D, Thomson S, Vuillermin P, Collier F, Marx W, Mansell T, Symeonides C, Sly PD, Tang MLK, Saffery R, Ponsonby AL. Infant inflammation predicts childhood emotional and behavioral problems and partially mediates socioeconomic disadvantage. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 104:83-94. [PMID: 35618227 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emotional and behavioral problems (EBP) are common in children. Environmental factors like socioeconomic disadvantage influence EBP pathogenesis and can trigger inflammation. However, the link between early inflammation-EBP in children is unclear. We investigated the associations between i) infant inflammatory biomarkers and subsequent EBP and ii) early life environmental factors and EBP and assessed whether infant inflammation mediated these associations. METHODS Inflammatory biomarkers glycoprotein acetyls (GlycA) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) were quantified at birth and 12 months in a population-derived birth cohort, the Barwon Infant Study. Early life factors including demographic, prenatal, and perinatal factors were collected from antenatal to the two-year period. Internalizing and externalizing problems at age two were measured by the Child Behavior Checklist. Prospective associations were examined by multivariable regression analyses adjusted for potential confounders. Indirect effects of early life factors on EBP through inflammation were identified using mediation analyses. RESULTS Elevated GlycA levels at birth (GlycAbirth) were associated with greater internalizing problems at age two (β = 1.32 per SD increase in GlycA; P = 0.001). Inflammation at birth had a stronger magnitude of effect with later EBP than at 12 months. GlycAbirth partially mediated the associations between lower household income (6%), multiparity (12%) and greater number of older siblings (13%) and EBP. Patterns were less evident for hsCRP or externalizing problems. CONCLUSIONS GlycAbirth was positively associated with EBP at age two and partially mediated the association between several indicators of socioeconomic disadvantage and EBP. Prenatal and perinatal inflammation may be relevant to early neurodevelopment and emotional health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Pham
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Siroon Bekkering
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Internal Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, GA 6625, the Netherlands
| | - Martin O'Hely
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - David Burgner
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Sarah Thomson
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Peter Vuillermin
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Fiona Collier
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia; Barwon Health, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Marx
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Toby Mansell
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Christos Symeonides
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Peter D Sly
- Child Health Research Centre, University of Queensland, South Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Mimi L K Tang
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Richard Saffery
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Anne-Louise Ponsonby
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
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Papadopoulou MT, Karageorgiou E, Kechayas P, Geronikola N, Lytridis C, Bazinas C, Kourampa E, Avramidou E, Kaburlasos VG, Evangeliou AE. Efficacy of a Robot-Assisted Intervention in Improving Learning Performance of Elementary School Children with Specific Learning Disorders. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9081155. [PMID: 36010046 PMCID: PMC9406711 DOI: 10.3390/children9081155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
(1) Background: There has been significant recent interest in the potential role of social robots (SRs) in special education. Specific Learning Disorders (SpLDs) have a high prevalence in the student population, and early intervention with personalized special educational programs is crucial for optimal academic achievement. (2) Methods: We designed an intense special education intervention for children in the third and fourth years of elementary school with a diagnosis of a SpLD. Following confirmation of eligibility and informed consent, the participants were prospectively and randomly allocated to two groups: (a) the SR group, for which the intervention was delivered by the humanoid robot NAO with the assistance of a special education teacher and (b) the control group, for which the intervention was delivered by the special educator. All participants underwent pre- and post-intervention evaluation for outcome measures. (3) Results: 40 children (NAO = 19, control = 21, similar baseline characteristics) were included. Pre- and post-intervention evaluation showed comparable improvements in both groups in cognition skills (decoding, phonological awareness and reading comprehension), while between-group changes favored the NAO group only for some phonological awareness exercises. In total, no significant changes were found in any of the groups regarding the emotional/behavioral secondary outcomes. (4) Conclusion: NAO was efficient as a tutor for a human-supported intervention when compared to the gold-standard intervention for elementary school students with SpLDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria T. Papadopoulou
- 4th Department of Pediatrics, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- Correspondence:
| | - Elpida Karageorgiou
- Child & Parent Center S.A., Center for Special Education, 54351 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Petros Kechayas
- 1st Psychiatric Clinic, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.K.); (E.A.)
| | | | - Chris Lytridis
- HUMAIN-Lab, Department of Computer Science, International Hellenic University, 65404 Kavala, Greece; (C.L.); (C.B.); (V.G.K.)
| | - Christos Bazinas
- HUMAIN-Lab, Department of Computer Science, International Hellenic University, 65404 Kavala, Greece; (C.L.); (C.B.); (V.G.K.)
| | - Efi Kourampa
- Child & Parent Center S.A., Center for Special Education, 54351 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.)
| | - Eleftheria Avramidou
- 1st Psychiatric Clinic, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece; (P.K.); (E.A.)
| | - Vassilis G. Kaburlasos
- HUMAIN-Lab, Department of Computer Science, International Hellenic University, 65404 Kavala, Greece; (C.L.); (C.B.); (V.G.K.)
| | - Athanasios E. Evangeliou
- 4th Department of Pediatrics, Papageorgiou General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 56403 Thessaloniki, Greece;
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Bjorgaas HM, Elgen IB, Hysing M. Mental Health in Pre-Adolescents with Cerebral Palsy: Exploring the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire as a Screening Tool in a Follow-Up Study including Multi-Informants. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9071009. [PMID: 35883993 PMCID: PMC9318898 DOI: 10.3390/children9071009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There is a high prevalence of mental health problems in children with Cerebral Palsy (CP). Still, knowledge regarding the trajectory of mental health problems throughout childhood and differences according to informants is lacking. There is also a need for more knowledge regarding the validity of mental health screening tools. In the present study, we assessed changes in parent-rated mental health problems in a cohort of 36 children with CP from school-starting age to pre-adolescence and differences in mental health problems according to informants. Further, we assessed the validity of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for psychiatric disorders. The study cohort was assessed using the SDQ and a child psychiatric diagnostic instrument at school-starting age and at pre-adolescence. Mean parental SDQ scores increased significantly for emotional, hyperactivity and total problems. Self-reported impact of mental health problems was significantly lower than parent-reported impact, and parents and pre-adolescents reported significantly higher mean scores than teachers for emotional problems, conduct problems and total problem scores. Validated against psychiatric disorders, the SDQ was satisfactory for screening children with CP for risk of psychiatric disorders at pre-adolescence. We recommend that mental health screening be integrated into the regular follow-up for children with CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanne Marit Bjorgaas
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Habu Stavanger, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger HF, 4068 Stavanger, Norway
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +47-98895956
| | - Irene Bircow Elgen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Bergen University Hospital, 5020 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Mari Hysing
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, 5020 Bergen, Norway;
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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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Sofologi M, Pliogou V, Bonti E, Efstratopoulou M, Kougioumtzis GA, Papatzikis E, Ntritsos G, Moraitou D, Papantoniou G. An Investigation of Working Memory Profile and Fluid Intelligence in Children With Neurodevelopmental Difficulties. Front Psychol 2022; 12:773732. [PMID: 35370868 PMCID: PMC8973915 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.773732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aims to evaluate the distinct patterns of working memory (WM) capacity of children with Developmental Language Disorder (DLD), High-functioning children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and children with Down syndrome (DS). More specifically, the current study investigates the complex relationship of fluid intelligence and WM between 39 children with DLD, 20 H igh-functioning children with ASD, and 15 children with DS. All children were evaluated in different measures of Phonological Working Memory, Visual-spatial Working Memory whereas Fluid Intelligence was measured with Raven Progressive Matrices. The result analysis revealed a significant difference among the three groups, both among each function separately and the correlations among them, as well. The results revealed that the DLD groups and High-functioning ASD group exhibited a common picture or an overlap of performances in all Phonological and Visuo-spatial working memory measures, except Backward Digit Recall task. As for the DS group research findings revealed different and unique working memory patterns in comparison to DLD group and High-functioning ASD. Their differences have been studied and further conclusions have been drawn about the different patterns of working memory among the three clinical groups. The implications of these findings are discussed in light of support for learning. The common profile that characterize the two developmental conditions and the distinct pattern of working memory performance in DS group underlies the need for further research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sofologi
- Laboratory of Psychology, Department of Early Childhood Education, School of Education, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, University Research Centre of Ioannina (URCI), Ioannina, Greece
| | - Vassiliki Pliogou
- Department of Early Childhood Education, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Western Macedonia, Florina, Greece
| | - Eleni Bonti
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Education, School of Education, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Special Education (CEDU), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maria Efstratopoulou
- Department of Special Education (CEDU), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Georgios A. Kougioumtzis
- Department of Turkish and Modern Asian Studies, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthymios Papatzikis
- Department of Early Childhood Education and Care, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Georgios Ntritsos
- Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, School of Informatics and Telecommunications, University of Ioannina, Arta, Greece
- Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, School of Medicine, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Despina Moraitou
- Laboratory of Psychology, Section of Experimental and Cognitive Psychology, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgia Papantoniou
- Laboratory of Psychology, Department of Early Childhood Education, School of Education, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
- Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, University Research Centre of Ioannina (URCI), Ioannina, Greece
- Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovation (CIRI-AUTH), Balkan Center, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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New Advances in Neuropsychiatric Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12030399. [PMID: 35326355 PMCID: PMC8946697 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12030399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological and psychiatric disorders during developmental ages affect an increasing share of the pediatric population, both due to the increased understanding and attention paid to these issues and due to increased risk factors [...]
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Operto FF, Scuoppo C, Padovano C, Vivenzio V, Belfiore G, de Simone V, Pistola I, Rinaldi R, Diaspro G, Mazza R, Pastorino GMG. Migraine and epilepsy: Social cognition skills in pediatric population. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2022; 37:68-74. [PMID: 35134658 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2022.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The goal of the present study was to comparatively analyze Social Cognition skills in a pediatric population diagnosed with Migraine or Epilepsy, compared to Typically Developing children (TD). The secondary aim was to relate Social Cognition skills with other migraine- or epilepsy-related variables and with executive and cognitive functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS In our cross-sectional observational study 119 children and adolescents (aged 6-16) with Migraine or Focal Epilepsy and 61 TD peers were recruited. Both the clinical groups and TD peers performed a neuropsychological evaluation through standardized test to assess Theory of Mind (TM), Emotion Recognition through facial expression (ER), executive function and non-verbal cognitive abilities. RESULTS Children and adolescents with Migraine or Focal Epilepsy showed comparable scores between each other, however their scores were significantly lower than their TD peers, in both ER and TM. Social Cognition skills were significantly related to executive functions. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that some chronic neurological conditions in childhood, such as Migraine and Epilepsy, may be associated with difficulties in Social Cognition skills, and that these difficulties may be related to a deficit in executive functions. The relationship between these two higher cognitive abilities should be further explored in future studies. Our results also suggest the importance of monitoring cognitive abilities in pediatric patients with Migraine or Epilepsy, in order to detect early impairment and ensure the necessary support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy.
| | - Chiara Scuoppo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Chiara Padovano
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Valentina Vivenzio
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Gilda Belfiore
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Valeria de Simone
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pistola
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Rosetta Rinaldi
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Diaspro
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Roberta Mazza
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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Peters BC, Pan Z, Christensen H, Gabriels RL. Self-Regulation Mediates Therapeutic Horseback Riding Social Functioning Outcomes in Youth With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:884054. [PMID: 35837236 PMCID: PMC9273942 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.884054] [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: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests therapeutic horseback riding improves self-regulation behaviors, social functioning, and language in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). It has been theorized that interacting with horses is calming for youth with ASD, which may influence social and language outcomes. The current study is an exploratory secondary mediation analysis of a previously published randomized controlled trial of therapeutic horseback riding for youth with ASD. We hypothesized that self-regulation would mediate therapeutic horseback riding's effect on social and language outcomes in youth with ASD. Results indicate that self-regulation mediates therapeutic horseback riding's effect on social, but not language outcomes. This paper provides support for the hypothesis that interacting with horses may have a calming effect that serves as a platform for improving social outcomes in youth with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Caitlin Peters
- Temple Grandin Equine Center, Department of Animal Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States
| | - Zhaoxing Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Hannah Christensen
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, United States
| | - Robin L Gabriels
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver, Denver, CO, United States
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Operto FF, Pastorino GMG, Pippa F, Padovano C, Vivenzio V, Scuoppo C, Pistola I, Coppola G. Psychiatric Symptoms and Parental Stress in Children and Adolescents With Epilepsy. Front Neurol 2021; 12:778410. [PMID: 34956058 PMCID: PMC8694379 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.778410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to identify the presence of emotional and behavioral symptoms in children and adolescents with epilepsy, to measure the stress levels in their parents, and to determine if and how parental stress was linked to emotional and behavioral symptoms of their children. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional observational study including 103 children and adolescents with different form of epilepsy and 93 sex-/age-matched controls. Parental stress and emotional and behavioral symptoms were assessed through two standardized questionnaires: the Parenting Stress Index (PSI) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), respectively. We also considered the following variables: age, sex, maternal education level, family history of psychiatric disorders, duration of epilepsy, seizure frequency, seizure type, and number of antiseizure medications. Results: The statistical comparison showed that the epilepsy group obtained significantly higher scores than controls in almost all the CBCL and the PSI scales (p < 0.05). The correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between the PSI Total Stress scale and the following CBCL scales: total problems, internalizing problems, and externalizing problems (p < 0.05). An earlier age of seizure onset was related to a greater presence of externalizing problems, total problems, and total stress (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In the epilepsy group, we found higher levels of parental stress and higher presence of emotional and behavioral symptoms compared to controls, mainly represented by internalizing problems (anxiety and depression symptoms). Therefore, it is important to precociously detect these symptoms and monitor them over time, in order to prevent psychiatric problems. In addition, parents of children with epilepsy should be offered psychological support to cope with parental stress and to improve the relationship with their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | | | - Federica Pippa
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Chiara Padovano
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Valentina Vivenzio
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Chiara Scuoppo
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pistola
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
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29
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Operto FF, Pastorino GMG, Scuoppo C, Padovano C, Vivenzio V, Pistola I, Belfiore G, Rinaldi R, de Simone V, Coppola G. Adaptive Behavior, Emotional/Behavioral Problems and Parental Stress in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:751465. [PMID: 34899160 PMCID: PMC8660640 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.751465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The aim of our study was to compare adaptive skills, emotional/behavioral problems, and parental stress among children with different severity levels of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms. Methods: This study included a sample of 88 subjects with ASD (mean age = 6.00 ± 2.70). All subjects underwent standardized neuropsychological tests for the assessment of symptoms of the autism spectrum (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition), adaptive level (The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Survey Interview, 2nd edition), behavioral and emotional problems (Child Behavior CheckList CBCL), and parental stress (Parental Stress Index Short Form-PSI-SF). Non-parametric statistical methods (Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U-test for post hoc analysis) and linear regression analysis were used in this study. Results: Children who had higher severity levels of ASD symptoms had less adaptive functioning; younger children showed more severe symptoms of ASD; older children had better communication skills. The presence of greater adaptive difficulties was related to a greater presence of internalizing problems. An increase in parental stress levels was related to an higher severity of ASD symptoms, fewer adaptive skills, and a greater presence of internalizing and externalizing problems. Conclusion: This study suggests that the adaptive behavior should be considered in order to planning a habilitation intervention in children with autism. It is also important to monitor emotional/behavioral problems and parental stress levels in order to provide parenting support and improve the family quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Felicia Operto
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Giovanna Pastorino
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Chiara Scuoppo
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Chiara Padovano
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Valentina Vivenzio
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Ilaria Pistola
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Gilda Belfiore
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Rosetta Rinaldi
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Valeria de Simone
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Giangennaro Coppola
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
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Aiello S, Vagni D, Cerasa A, Leonardi E, Carrozza C, Famà F, Campisi A, Marino F, Siracusano R, Alquino MA, Mainiero F, Germano E, Tartarisco G, Pioggia G, Gagliano A, Ruta L. Autistic Traits and Empathy in Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder and Co-occurring Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder/Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:734177. [PMID: 34887721 PMCID: PMC8649805 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.734177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are two of the most represented neurodevelopmental conditions in childhood. The diagnostic shift introduced by the DSM-5, allowing a combined diagnosis of ADHD and ASD, poses different clinical challenges related to diagnostic overshadowing, accuracy of clinical judgment and potential delay in an ASD diagnosis in children presenting with ADHD. Here we tried to disentangle the clinical phenotype and specificity of the two co-occurring conditions in relation to autism traits and empathy, by comparing children with ASD with and without comorbid ADHD with children presenting ADHD only and children with typical development. The child versions of the Autism Quotient (C-AQ) and Empathy Quotient (C-EQ) were administered to a total sample of 198 male children between 6 and 14 years old with age appropriate language skills and normal intelligence. Univariate analysis demonstrated no significant differences in the C-AQ total and subscale scores as well as the C-EQ between children with ASD and children with ASD + ADHD, while children with ADHD alone presented an intermediate phenotype between ASD and TD. Furthermore, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was applied to discriminate among the different phenotypes. We found that the C-AQ and C-EQ were accurate at distinguishing with satisfactory reliability between: (a) ASD vs. non- ASD (N-ASD) groups comprising both ADHD and TD children (Area Under the Curve AUC 88% for C-AQ and 81% for C-EQ); (b) ASD and TD (AUC 92% for C-AQ and 95% for C-EQ); (c) ASD and ADHD (AUC 80% for C-AQ and 68% for C-EQ). Our data confirm the reliability of the C-AQ and C-EQ as behavioral markers to differentiate ASD (regardless of comorbid ADHD) from an ADHD condition and TD. Interestingly, in our sample an ADHD condition does not increase the severity of the clinical phenotype in terms of autism traits distribution and empathy, suggesting that the psychological measures detected by the two quantitative instruments are independent of ADHD traits. This evidence will contribute to the translational efforts in developing better tailored treatments and preventive strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Aiello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - David Vagni
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Cerasa
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy.,S. Anna Institute, Crotone, Italy.,Pharmacotechnology Documentation and Transfer Unit, Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Arcavacata, Italy
| | - Elisa Leonardi
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Carrozza
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Francesca Famà
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Agrippina Campisi
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Flavia Marino
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Rosamaria Siracusano
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Federico II University Hospital Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Ausilia Alquino
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of the Adult and Developmental Age Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Mainiero
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eva Germano
- Division of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, Department of the Adult and Developmental Age Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gennaro Tartarisco
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
| | - Antonella Gagliano
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Liliana Ruta
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), Messina, Italy
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31
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Kouvava S, Antonopoulou K, Kokkinos CM, Ralli AM, Maridaki-Kassotaki K. Friendship quality, emotion understanding, and emotion regulation of children with and without attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder or specific learning disorder. EMOTIONAL AND BEHAVIOURAL DIFFICULTIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/13632752.2021.2001923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Kouvava
- Department of Economics and Sustainable Development, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
| | - Katerina Antonopoulou
- Department of Economics and Sustainable Development, Harokopio University, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Asimina M. Ralli
- Department of Psychology, National Kapodestrian University, Athens, Greece
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32
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Pediatric Chronic Migraine Severity and Maternal Stress. Pediatr Rep 2021; 13:576-582. [PMID: 34698274 PMCID: PMC8544694 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric13040068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary headache is an increasing phenomenon in pediatric age, and very often, it causes disabling limitations in children's daily activities, negatively affecting family well-being. There are conflicting data in the literature on the impact of children's migraines on parental experienced stress. This study aimed to evaluate maternal stress in a sample of school-aged children with a migraine without aura (MwoA) and its correlation with migraine intensity and frequency. A total of 474 mothers aged between 31 and 55 participated in the study: 237 were mothers of children with MwoA, and 237 were mothers of typical developing children. All participants were administered the Parent Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF) for the assessment of parental stress; the Pediatric Migraine Disability Assessment (PedMIDAS) was administered to children with MwoA to assess the presence of a related disability migraine. The results showed a significantly higher rate of stress in mothers of MwoA children (p < 0.001) in all the domains explored by the PSI-SF and a statistically significant correlation between the maternal stress total score and the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks (p < 0.0001). This study highlights the need for the holistic contribution of the family to be considered in the clinical management of pediatric migraines.
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33
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Sampedro Baena L, la Fuente GACD, Martos-Cabrera MB, Gómez-Urquiza JL, Albendín-García L, Romero-Bejar JL, Suleiman-Martos N. Effects of Neurofeedback in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10173797. [PMID: 34501246 PMCID: PMC8432262 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10173797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most frequent neurodevelopmental disorders in childhood and adolescence. Choosing the right treatment is critical to controlling and improving symptoms. An innovative ADHD treatment is neurofeedback (NF) that trains participants to self-regulate brain activity. The aim of the study was to analyze the effects of NF interventions in children with ADHD. A systematic review was carried out in the CINAHL, Medline (PubMed), Proquest, and Scopus databases, following the PRISMA recommendations. Nine articles were found. The NF improved behavior, allowed greater control of impulsivity, and increased sustained attention. In addition, it improved motor control, bimanual coordination and was associated with a reduction in theta waves. NF combined with other interventions such as medication, physical activity, behavioral therapy training, or attention training with brain-computer interaction, reduced primary ADHD symptoms. Furthermore, more randomized controlled trials would be necessary to determine the significant effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Sampedro Baena
- San Cecilio Clinical University Hospital, Andalusian Health Service, Avenida del Conocimiento, s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain; (L.S.B.); (M.B.M.-C.)
| | | | - María Begoña Martos-Cabrera
- San Cecilio Clinical University Hospital, Andalusian Health Service, Avenida del Conocimiento, s/n, 18016 Granada, Spain; (L.S.B.); (M.B.M.-C.)
| | - José L. Gómez-Urquiza
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Calle Cortadura del Valle S.N., 51001 Ceuta, Spain; (J.L.G.-U.); (N.S.-M.)
| | - Luis Albendín-García
- Casería de Montijo Health Center, Granada Metropolitan District, Andalusian Health Service, Calle Virgen de la Consolación, 12, 18015 Granada, Spain;
| | - José Luis Romero-Bejar
- Department of Statistics and Operational Research, University of Granada. Av. Fuentenueva, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Correspondence:
| | - Nora Suleiman-Martos
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, Calle Cortadura del Valle S.N., 51001 Ceuta, Spain; (J.L.G.-U.); (N.S.-M.)
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