This article was downloaded by: [Umeå University Library] On: 19 November 2014, At: 03:28 Publisher: Routledge Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK
Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rcmh20
Journal abstracts from current research in the field of child and adolescent mental health Erhabor S Idemudia
a
a
Department of Psychology (Ipelegeng Child & Family Centre) , North West University , Mmbatho Published online: 31 May 2013.
To cite this article: Erhabor S Idemudia (2013) Journal abstracts from current research in the field of child and adolescent mental health, Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health, 25:1, 99-103, DOI: 10.2989/17280583.2013.802443 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2013.802443
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms
Downloaded by [Umeå University Library] at 03:28 19 November 2014
& Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/page/ terms-and-conditions
Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2013, 25(1): 99–103 Printed in South Africa — All rights reserved
Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd
JOURNAL OF C H I LD & A D O LES C EN T M EN T A L H EA L T H ISSN 1728-0583 EISSN 1728-0591 http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2013.802443
Abstracts
Downloaded by [Umeå University Library] at 03:28 19 November 2014
Journal abstracts from current research in the field of child and adolescent mental health
Pagsberg A (2013) Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (Supplement) 22: 3–9
The DSM-5 list of diagnoses concerning schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders is expected to be revised and graduated from mild to severe. The proposed changes for the diagnosis of schizophrenia affect demands for characteristic symptoms, clarify relation to pervasive developmental disorders, and eliminate the classic subtypes of schizophrenia. A dimensional assessment will be measured on a 0-4 point scale. It is recommended that the concept of attenuated psychosis syndrome is further investigated. The propositions affecting characteristic symptoms of schizophrenia might increase diagnostic reliability and validity, but it is estimated to exclude about 2 % of patients currently diagnosed with DSM-IV schizophrenia from fulfilling criteria for DSM-5 schizophrenia. It might generate a problem for future young patients if the changes concerning demands on characteristic symptoms turn out to be more restrictive, leaving out a percentage of patients with psychotic symptoms from a diagnosis of schizophrenia; which in practice opens possibilities for intensive treatment options. On the other hand, not including attenuated psychosis syndrome at the present might protect patients from stigmatization and pharmacological treatment on poor indication. The introduction of dimensional assessments may make schizophrenia subtyping redundant and has the potential to enrich clinical practice and bridge communication between child and adolescent and adult psychiatry. The most recent guidelines for assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with schizophrenia are from 2001. They provide differentiated recommendations regarding diagnostics, assessment of symptoms and functioning and treatment strategies. There is an urgent need for updated guidelines in this field, especially concerning specific treatment guidelines. Myors KA, Schmied V, Johnson M and Cleary M (2013) Collaboration and integrated services for perinatal mental health: an integrative review. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 18(1): 1–10
Background: An integrative review was undertaken to synthesise the research related to professionals’ perceptions and experiences of working in collaborative and integrated models of perinatal care for women with mental health problems. Method: A search of the databases CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Psychinfo and Scopus was conducted. Studies were limited to English language papers published from 2000 to 2010. Fourteen papers were included in the review. Results: The overarching theme identified in the review related to the process of ‘making it happen’. Eight key elements were identified as central components of this process: funding and resources for collaboration; shared vision, aims and goals; pathways and guidelines; continuity of care; building relationships and trust; role clarity; training and education of staff and support to work in new ways. Conclusion: Perinatal mental health is an emerging field that is particularly challenging as it requires professionals to work across disciplines and timeframes, where there is a risk of dichotomising care, compounding existing barriers to service uptake. Professionals need resources and to feel supported to change clinical practice and work in more collaborative ways. The voices of women and families are missing in the literature. Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health is co-published by NISC (Pty) Ltd and Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group
100
Abstracts
Andrijic V, Bayer J and Bretherton L (2013) Validity of the Children’s Moods, Fears and Worries Questionnaire in a clinical setting. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 18(1): 11–17
Downloaded by [Umeå University Library] at 03:28 19 November 2014
Background: The Children’s Moods, Fears and Worries Questionnaire (CMFWQ) is a recently developed parent-report measure for detecting young children’s internalising difficulties. This study evaluated construct and criterion-related validity with a clinical sample. Method: The measure was completed by 30 mothers of children aged between 18 months and 7 years referred to hospital clinical psychology services. Results: The CMFWQ demonstrated sound convergent and discriminant validity and a clinical cut-point was established, which optimally discriminated between children with internalising problems and those within the normal range. Conclusion: The CMFWQ has potential value for identifying young children in need of intervention for internalising problems. Moldavsky M, Groenewald C, Owen V and Sayal K (2013) Teachers’ recognition of children with ADHD: role of subtype and gender. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 18(1): 18–23
Background: This study investigates the ability of primary school teachers to recognise Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the impact of subtype and child gender on recognition and proposed management. Method: Primary school teachers read one of four types of vignette describing the behaviour of a 9-year-old child: either a boy or a girl with inattentive or combined subtype of ADHD. Teachers were asked about their conceptualisation of the child’s difficulties and their thoughts about need for specialist referral and other interventions. Results: Of 496 teachers, 99% identified the presence of a problem. Subtype (combined) of ADHD influenced teachers’ recognition of ADHD and agreement that medication might be helpful. Only 13% of teachers thought that medication might be helpful. Conclusions: Results suggest a need for better teacher awareness about inattentive subtype of ADHD. Martin SE, McConville DW, Williamson LR, Feldman G and Boekamp JR (2013) Partial hospitalization treatment for preschoolers with severe behavior problems: child age and maternal functioning as predictors of outcome. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 18(1): 24–32
Background: This study focused on the behavioral functioning and treatment outcomes of preschool-aged children who attended a specialized, family focused psychiatric partial hospitalization program. Method: Study data were collected between 2002 and 2007. Maternal reports of child behavioral functioning were obtained at program admission and discharge. Maternal parenting stress and psychiatric impairment were assessed at admission. Results: Children’s symptom severity decreased from admission to discharge, particularly with respect to externalizing symptoms. Both child age and maternal functioning emerged as predictors of treatment outcome. Conclusions: Specialized partial hospitalization may be an effective approach to treatment for preschool children with severe psychopathology. Lewis SF (2013) Examining changes in substance use and conduct problems among treatment-seeking adolescents. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 18(1): 33–38
Background: Outdoor behavioral healthcare (OBH) treatment offers an alternative to parents of youth who are treatment-resistant or avoidant. Method: The current study evaluated OBH therapeutic outcomes. The sample was 190 adolescents (M age = 15.69) presenting for treatment between 2006 and 2008. To be eligible, participants had to be between the ages of 13 and 17 years and be admitted to one of the three OBH programs for
Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2013, 25(1): 99–103
101
mental health intervention. Primary study hypotheses were that OBH treatment would be associated with a reduction in psychiatric symptomatology from baseline to post-treatment and second, that the OBH intervention would be associated with the maintenance of the hypothesized treatment gains. Results and Conclusions: Findings were consistent with hypotheses, suggesting that youth demonstrated significant symptomatic reductions and maintained these improvements over a 12-month follow-up period.
Downloaded by [Umeå University Library] at 03:28 19 November 2014
Pelsser LM, van Steijn DJ, Frankena K, Toorman J, Buitelaar JK and Rommelse NN (2013) A randomized controlled pilot study into the effects of a restricted elimination diet on family structure in families with ADHD and ODD. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 18(1): 39–45
Background: Behavioural improvements of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) following a restricted elimination diet (RED), may be due to concurrent changes in family environment. Methods: Twenty-four children with ADHD, were randomized to either a 5-week RED intervention, or a control intervention consisting of healthy food advices in a pilot study. Results: No differences in family environment were found, neither at baseline nor when comparing the start and end measurements of both groups. Conclusions: In this pilot study, the effects of an RED on ADHD and ODD are not mediated by improvement of family environment in families motivated to follow an RED. Replication of this preliminary study in larger groups of children is advised. Bevington D, Fuggle P, Fonagy P, Target M and Asen E (2013) Innovations in practice: Adolescent Mentalization-Based Integrative Therapy (AMBIT)—a new integrated approach to working with the most hard to reach adolescents with severe complex mental health needs. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 18(1): 46–51
Background: ‘Hard to reach’ young people are associated by virtue of their serious, multiple, and complex needs, the difficulty of delivering effective help to them, and their poor long-term outcomes. There is a lack of published evidence relating to the effectiveness of interventions directed at this group. Method: We review these concerns and the options available to service commissioners and clinicians seeking, if not an evidence-based approach then at least an evidence-oriented one. A mentalization-based multimodal intervention (AMBIT) is briefly described, proposing a new kind of specialist practitioner and taking a radically different approach to treatment manualization. Results: A brief description is given of the different settings in which AMBIT is currently being developed, deployed, and evaluated, and of lessons learned. Conclusions: AMBIT offers promise as an evolving ‘open source’ framework supporting development of evidence-based local practice in chaotic complex settings. Charman T and Gotham K (2013) Measurement issues: Screening and diagnostic instruments for autism spectrum disorders: lessons from research and practise. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 18(1): 52–63
Background and Scope: Significant progress has been made over the past two decades in the development of screening and diagnostic instruments for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This article reviews this progress, including recent innovations, focussing on those instruments for which the strongest research data on validity exists, and then addresses issues arising from their use in clinical settings. Findings: Research studies have evaluated the ability of screens to prospectively identify cases of ASD in population-based and clinically referred samples, as well as the accuracy of diagnostic instruments to map onto ‘gold standard’ clinical best estimate diagnosis. However, extension of the
102
Abstracts
findings to clinical services must be done with caution, with a full understanding that instrument properties are sample-specific. Furthermore, we are limited by the lack of a true test for ASD which remains a behaviourally defined disorder. In addition, screening and diagnostic instruments help clinicians least in the cases where they are most in want of direction, as their accuracy will always be lower for marginal cases. Conclusion: Instruments help clinicians to collect detailed, structured information and increase accuracy and reliability of referral for in-depth assessment and recommendations for support, but further research is needed to refine their effective use in clinical settings.
Downloaded by [Umeå University Library] at 03:28 19 November 2014
Idemudia ES, Williams JK and Wyatt GE (2013) Migration challenges among Zimbabwean refugees before, during and post arrival in South Africa. J Inj Violence Res 5(1): 17–27, doi: 10.5249/ jivr.v5i1.185
Background: Zimbabweans are immigrating to South Africa with a commonly cited reason being economic opportunities. Prospects of finding employment may be a significant reason to leave behind family, friends, and community, sources that buffer and offer social support against life’s challenges. Currently, there is a dearth of research examining the motivators for Zimbabweans immigrating and the experiences encountered along the way and after arrival in South Africa. Such research is essential as large numbers of Zimbabweans may be at risk for emotional and physical trauma during this process. Methods: Two gender specific focus group discussions, each lasting 90-minutes and consisting of homeless Zimbabwean refugees, were conducted in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Asemi-structured interview assessed for experiences in and reasons for leaving Zimbabwe, as well as experiences en-route and within South Africa. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using consensual qualitative research and a constant comparison qualitative method. Results: Three temporal themes were identified and included challenges and trauma experienced in Zimbabwe (pre-migration), during the immigration journey (mid-migration), and upon arrival in South Africa (post-migration). While there were some experiential differences, Zimbabwean men and women shared numerous traumatic commonalities. In addition to the themes, three subthemes contributing to reasons for leaving Zimbabwe, two subthemes of negative and traumatic experiences incurred mid-migration, and two post-migration subthemes of challenges were identified. Conclusion: Despite the difficulties encountered in their homeland, newly arrived Zimbabweans in South Africa may be exchanging old struggles for a new array of foreign and traumatic challenges. Reasons to immigrate and the psychological and physical toll of migration exacted at the individual and community levels are discussed. Recommendations advocating for culturally congruent mental health research, the training of culturally competent researchers and clinicians, and the development of policies that could influence the quality of life of Zimbabwean refugees are provided. Katagiri M, Kasai T, Kamio Y and Murohashi H (2013) Individuals with Asperger’s Disorder exhibit difficulty in switching attention from a local level to a global level. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders 43(2): 395–403
The purpose of the present study was to determine whether individuals with Asperger’s disorder exhibit difficulty in switching attention from a local level to a global level. Eleven participants with Asperger’s disorder and 11 age- and gender-matched healthy controls performed a level-repetition switching task using Navon-type hierarchical stimuli. In both groups, level-repetition was beneficial at both levels. Furthermore, individuals with Asperger’s disorder exhibited difficulty in switching attention from a local level to a global level compared to control individuals. These findings suggested that there is a problem with the inhibitory mechanism that influences the output of enhanced local visual processing in Asperger’s disorder.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2013, 25(1): 99–103
103
Downloaded by [Umeå University Library] at 03:28 19 November 2014
Wilkinson P, Harris C, Kelvin R, Dubicka B and Goodyer I (2013) Associations between adolescent depression and parental mental health, before and after treatment of adolescent depression. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 22(1): 3–11
The negative impacts of parental mental health problems on children and adolescents are well known, but the relationship between a child’s depression and their parents’ health is not so well understood. Being a carer/parent of someone with mental illness can be associated with negative outcomes for the caregiver. This paper reports the associations between the mental health of adolescents with major depression and their parents, before and after treatment of the adolescent’s depression. Data were collected as part of the Adolescent Depression Antidepressants and Psychotherapy Trial, a randomised controlled trial of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors with and without cognitive behaviour therapy in 208 clinic-recruited adolescents with major depression. The baseline severity of depression in the adolescent was significantly associated with both maternal and paternal mental health (as rated by the General Health Questionnaire). This effect was not confounded by other psychiatric symptoms. The degree of improvement in parental and child mental health was positively correlated across time. Our results support the hypothesis that there is a significant association between parental mental health and adolescent depressive symptoms. This study was not able to establish the direction of this association. In clinical practice, the findings demonstrate the importance of considering the mental health of the parents when treating depressed adolescents.
Erhabor S Idemudia Department of Psychology (Ipelegeng Child & Family Centre), North West University, Mmbatho e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rcmh20
Journal abstracts from current research in the field of child and adolescent mental health Erhabor S Idemudia
a
a
Department of Psychology (Ipelegeng Child & Family Centre) , North West University , Mmbatho Published online: 31 May 2013.
To cite this article: Erhabor S Idemudia (2013) Journal abstracts from current research in the field of child and adolescent mental health, Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health, 25:1, 99-103, DOI: 10.2989/17280583.2013.802443 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2013.802443
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms
Downloaded by [Umeå University Library] at 03:28 19 November 2014
& Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/page/ terms-and-conditions
Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2013, 25(1): 99–103 Printed in South Africa — All rights reserved
Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd
JOURNAL OF C H I LD & A D O LES C EN T M EN T A L H EA L T H ISSN 1728-0583 EISSN 1728-0591 http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2013.802443
Abstracts
Downloaded by [Umeå University Library] at 03:28 19 November 2014
Journal abstracts from current research in the field of child and adolescent mental health
Pagsberg A (2013) Schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (Supplement) 22: 3–9
The DSM-5 list of diagnoses concerning schizophrenia spectrum and other psychotic disorders is expected to be revised and graduated from mild to severe. The proposed changes for the diagnosis of schizophrenia affect demands for characteristic symptoms, clarify relation to pervasive developmental disorders, and eliminate the classic subtypes of schizophrenia. A dimensional assessment will be measured on a 0-4 point scale. It is recommended that the concept of attenuated psychosis syndrome is further investigated. The propositions affecting characteristic symptoms of schizophrenia might increase diagnostic reliability and validity, but it is estimated to exclude about 2 % of patients currently diagnosed with DSM-IV schizophrenia from fulfilling criteria for DSM-5 schizophrenia. It might generate a problem for future young patients if the changes concerning demands on characteristic symptoms turn out to be more restrictive, leaving out a percentage of patients with psychotic symptoms from a diagnosis of schizophrenia; which in practice opens possibilities for intensive treatment options. On the other hand, not including attenuated psychosis syndrome at the present might protect patients from stigmatization and pharmacological treatment on poor indication. The introduction of dimensional assessments may make schizophrenia subtyping redundant and has the potential to enrich clinical practice and bridge communication between child and adolescent and adult psychiatry. The most recent guidelines for assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with schizophrenia are from 2001. They provide differentiated recommendations regarding diagnostics, assessment of symptoms and functioning and treatment strategies. There is an urgent need for updated guidelines in this field, especially concerning specific treatment guidelines. Myors KA, Schmied V, Johnson M and Cleary M (2013) Collaboration and integrated services for perinatal mental health: an integrative review. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 18(1): 1–10
Background: An integrative review was undertaken to synthesise the research related to professionals’ perceptions and experiences of working in collaborative and integrated models of perinatal care for women with mental health problems. Method: A search of the databases CINAHL, Medline, PubMed, Psychinfo and Scopus was conducted. Studies were limited to English language papers published from 2000 to 2010. Fourteen papers were included in the review. Results: The overarching theme identified in the review related to the process of ‘making it happen’. Eight key elements were identified as central components of this process: funding and resources for collaboration; shared vision, aims and goals; pathways and guidelines; continuity of care; building relationships and trust; role clarity; training and education of staff and support to work in new ways. Conclusion: Perinatal mental health is an emerging field that is particularly challenging as it requires professionals to work across disciplines and timeframes, where there is a risk of dichotomising care, compounding existing barriers to service uptake. Professionals need resources and to feel supported to change clinical practice and work in more collaborative ways. The voices of women and families are missing in the literature. Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health is co-published by NISC (Pty) Ltd and Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group
100
Abstracts
Andrijic V, Bayer J and Bretherton L (2013) Validity of the Children’s Moods, Fears and Worries Questionnaire in a clinical setting. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 18(1): 11–17
Downloaded by [Umeå University Library] at 03:28 19 November 2014
Background: The Children’s Moods, Fears and Worries Questionnaire (CMFWQ) is a recently developed parent-report measure for detecting young children’s internalising difficulties. This study evaluated construct and criterion-related validity with a clinical sample. Method: The measure was completed by 30 mothers of children aged between 18 months and 7 years referred to hospital clinical psychology services. Results: The CMFWQ demonstrated sound convergent and discriminant validity and a clinical cut-point was established, which optimally discriminated between children with internalising problems and those within the normal range. Conclusion: The CMFWQ has potential value for identifying young children in need of intervention for internalising problems. Moldavsky M, Groenewald C, Owen V and Sayal K (2013) Teachers’ recognition of children with ADHD: role of subtype and gender. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 18(1): 18–23
Background: This study investigates the ability of primary school teachers to recognise Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and the impact of subtype and child gender on recognition and proposed management. Method: Primary school teachers read one of four types of vignette describing the behaviour of a 9-year-old child: either a boy or a girl with inattentive or combined subtype of ADHD. Teachers were asked about their conceptualisation of the child’s difficulties and their thoughts about need for specialist referral and other interventions. Results: Of 496 teachers, 99% identified the presence of a problem. Subtype (combined) of ADHD influenced teachers’ recognition of ADHD and agreement that medication might be helpful. Only 13% of teachers thought that medication might be helpful. Conclusions: Results suggest a need for better teacher awareness about inattentive subtype of ADHD. Martin SE, McConville DW, Williamson LR, Feldman G and Boekamp JR (2013) Partial hospitalization treatment for preschoolers with severe behavior problems: child age and maternal functioning as predictors of outcome. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 18(1): 24–32
Background: This study focused on the behavioral functioning and treatment outcomes of preschool-aged children who attended a specialized, family focused psychiatric partial hospitalization program. Method: Study data were collected between 2002 and 2007. Maternal reports of child behavioral functioning were obtained at program admission and discharge. Maternal parenting stress and psychiatric impairment were assessed at admission. Results: Children’s symptom severity decreased from admission to discharge, particularly with respect to externalizing symptoms. Both child age and maternal functioning emerged as predictors of treatment outcome. Conclusions: Specialized partial hospitalization may be an effective approach to treatment for preschool children with severe psychopathology. Lewis SF (2013) Examining changes in substance use and conduct problems among treatment-seeking adolescents. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 18(1): 33–38
Background: Outdoor behavioral healthcare (OBH) treatment offers an alternative to parents of youth who are treatment-resistant or avoidant. Method: The current study evaluated OBH therapeutic outcomes. The sample was 190 adolescents (M age = 15.69) presenting for treatment between 2006 and 2008. To be eligible, participants had to be between the ages of 13 and 17 years and be admitted to one of the three OBH programs for
Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2013, 25(1): 99–103
101
mental health intervention. Primary study hypotheses were that OBH treatment would be associated with a reduction in psychiatric symptomatology from baseline to post-treatment and second, that the OBH intervention would be associated with the maintenance of the hypothesized treatment gains. Results and Conclusions: Findings were consistent with hypotheses, suggesting that youth demonstrated significant symptomatic reductions and maintained these improvements over a 12-month follow-up period.
Downloaded by [Umeå University Library] at 03:28 19 November 2014
Pelsser LM, van Steijn DJ, Frankena K, Toorman J, Buitelaar JK and Rommelse NN (2013) A randomized controlled pilot study into the effects of a restricted elimination diet on family structure in families with ADHD and ODD. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 18(1): 39–45
Background: Behavioural improvements of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) following a restricted elimination diet (RED), may be due to concurrent changes in family environment. Methods: Twenty-four children with ADHD, were randomized to either a 5-week RED intervention, or a control intervention consisting of healthy food advices in a pilot study. Results: No differences in family environment were found, neither at baseline nor when comparing the start and end measurements of both groups. Conclusions: In this pilot study, the effects of an RED on ADHD and ODD are not mediated by improvement of family environment in families motivated to follow an RED. Replication of this preliminary study in larger groups of children is advised. Bevington D, Fuggle P, Fonagy P, Target M and Asen E (2013) Innovations in practice: Adolescent Mentalization-Based Integrative Therapy (AMBIT)—a new integrated approach to working with the most hard to reach adolescents with severe complex mental health needs. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 18(1): 46–51
Background: ‘Hard to reach’ young people are associated by virtue of their serious, multiple, and complex needs, the difficulty of delivering effective help to them, and their poor long-term outcomes. There is a lack of published evidence relating to the effectiveness of interventions directed at this group. Method: We review these concerns and the options available to service commissioners and clinicians seeking, if not an evidence-based approach then at least an evidence-oriented one. A mentalization-based multimodal intervention (AMBIT) is briefly described, proposing a new kind of specialist practitioner and taking a radically different approach to treatment manualization. Results: A brief description is given of the different settings in which AMBIT is currently being developed, deployed, and evaluated, and of lessons learned. Conclusions: AMBIT offers promise as an evolving ‘open source’ framework supporting development of evidence-based local practice in chaotic complex settings. Charman T and Gotham K (2013) Measurement issues: Screening and diagnostic instruments for autism spectrum disorders: lessons from research and practise. Child and Adolescent Mental Health 18(1): 52–63
Background and Scope: Significant progress has been made over the past two decades in the development of screening and diagnostic instruments for autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). This article reviews this progress, including recent innovations, focussing on those instruments for which the strongest research data on validity exists, and then addresses issues arising from their use in clinical settings. Findings: Research studies have evaluated the ability of screens to prospectively identify cases of ASD in population-based and clinically referred samples, as well as the accuracy of diagnostic instruments to map onto ‘gold standard’ clinical best estimate diagnosis. However, extension of the
102
Abstracts
findings to clinical services must be done with caution, with a full understanding that instrument properties are sample-specific. Furthermore, we are limited by the lack of a true test for ASD which remains a behaviourally defined disorder. In addition, screening and diagnostic instruments help clinicians least in the cases where they are most in want of direction, as their accuracy will always be lower for marginal cases. Conclusion: Instruments help clinicians to collect detailed, structured information and increase accuracy and reliability of referral for in-depth assessment and recommendations for support, but further research is needed to refine their effective use in clinical settings.
Downloaded by [Umeå University Library] at 03:28 19 November 2014
Idemudia ES, Williams JK and Wyatt GE (2013) Migration challenges among Zimbabwean refugees before, during and post arrival in South Africa. J Inj Violence Res 5(1): 17–27, doi: 10.5249/ jivr.v5i1.185
Background: Zimbabweans are immigrating to South Africa with a commonly cited reason being economic opportunities. Prospects of finding employment may be a significant reason to leave behind family, friends, and community, sources that buffer and offer social support against life’s challenges. Currently, there is a dearth of research examining the motivators for Zimbabweans immigrating and the experiences encountered along the way and after arrival in South Africa. Such research is essential as large numbers of Zimbabweans may be at risk for emotional and physical trauma during this process. Methods: Two gender specific focus group discussions, each lasting 90-minutes and consisting of homeless Zimbabwean refugees, were conducted in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Asemi-structured interview assessed for experiences in and reasons for leaving Zimbabwe, as well as experiences en-route and within South Africa. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using consensual qualitative research and a constant comparison qualitative method. Results: Three temporal themes were identified and included challenges and trauma experienced in Zimbabwe (pre-migration), during the immigration journey (mid-migration), and upon arrival in South Africa (post-migration). While there were some experiential differences, Zimbabwean men and women shared numerous traumatic commonalities. In addition to the themes, three subthemes contributing to reasons for leaving Zimbabwe, two subthemes of negative and traumatic experiences incurred mid-migration, and two post-migration subthemes of challenges were identified. Conclusion: Despite the difficulties encountered in their homeland, newly arrived Zimbabweans in South Africa may be exchanging old struggles for a new array of foreign and traumatic challenges. Reasons to immigrate and the psychological and physical toll of migration exacted at the individual and community levels are discussed. Recommendations advocating for culturally congruent mental health research, the training of culturally competent researchers and clinicians, and the development of policies that could influence the quality of life of Zimbabwean refugees are provided. Katagiri M, Kasai T, Kamio Y and Murohashi H (2013) Individuals with Asperger’s Disorder exhibit difficulty in switching attention from a local level to a global level. Journal of Autism & Developmental Disorders 43(2): 395–403
The purpose of the present study was to determine whether individuals with Asperger’s disorder exhibit difficulty in switching attention from a local level to a global level. Eleven participants with Asperger’s disorder and 11 age- and gender-matched healthy controls performed a level-repetition switching task using Navon-type hierarchical stimuli. In both groups, level-repetition was beneficial at both levels. Furthermore, individuals with Asperger’s disorder exhibited difficulty in switching attention from a local level to a global level compared to control individuals. These findings suggested that there is a problem with the inhibitory mechanism that influences the output of enhanced local visual processing in Asperger’s disorder.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2013, 25(1): 99–103
103
Downloaded by [Umeå University Library] at 03:28 19 November 2014
Wilkinson P, Harris C, Kelvin R, Dubicka B and Goodyer I (2013) Associations between adolescent depression and parental mental health, before and after treatment of adolescent depression. European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 22(1): 3–11
The negative impacts of parental mental health problems on children and adolescents are well known, but the relationship between a child’s depression and their parents’ health is not so well understood. Being a carer/parent of someone with mental illness can be associated with negative outcomes for the caregiver. This paper reports the associations between the mental health of adolescents with major depression and their parents, before and after treatment of the adolescent’s depression. Data were collected as part of the Adolescent Depression Antidepressants and Psychotherapy Trial, a randomised controlled trial of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors with and without cognitive behaviour therapy in 208 clinic-recruited adolescents with major depression. The baseline severity of depression in the adolescent was significantly associated with both maternal and paternal mental health (as rated by the General Health Questionnaire). This effect was not confounded by other psychiatric symptoms. The degree of improvement in parental and child mental health was positively correlated across time. Our results support the hypothesis that there is a significant association between parental mental health and adolescent depressive symptoms. This study was not able to establish the direction of this association. In clinical practice, the findings demonstrate the importance of considering the mental health of the parents when treating depressed adolescents.
Erhabor S Idemudia Department of Psychology (Ipelegeng Child & Family Centre), North West University, Mmbatho e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
