Assessing parental cognitions about child anxiety: Are parents’ thoughts about child anxiety associated with child anxiety and anxiety sensitivity?

Anxiety sensitivity (AS) or the fear of anxious symptomatology, has garnered support in both adult and child samples for its predictive validity of anxiety disorders. Recent efforts to identify familial factors that predict anxiety amongst youth have identified a construct similar to AS amongst parents, but instead focused on the child rather than on the self. The overarching goal of the present study was to examine the extent to which two measures of this construct [the Parent Sensitivity to Child Anxiety Index (PSCAI) and the Parental Beliefs about Anxiety Questionnaire (PBA-Q)] correlated with child and parent AS and anxiety and how these measures explained the relationships between parent- and child-reported AS and anxiety. A secondary aim of the present study was to psychometrically compare the PSCAI and the PBA-Q with respect to not only their convergence with parent and child AS and anxiety, but also the extent to which each mediated the parent-child relationships between these variables. The PSCAI and PBA-Q significantly mediated the relationship between parent and child AS, each yielding small significant indirect effects. Support was also observed for a double mediation model in which parental anxiety predicted parental AS, which predicted parental beliefs about and parental sensitivity to child anxiety, which in turn predicted child anxiety. Findings suggest that both parental beliefs about and sensitivity to child anxiety are both correlated with and partially explain the relationship between parent and child AS and anxiety, providing potential points of intervention in treatment and prevention efforts for child anxiety.     

Are behavioral problems in childhood and adolescence associated with bipolar disorder in early adulthood?

Several recent studies have found an association between conduct problems and bipolar disorder in adolescents. However, prospective studies are rare and most do not apply multivariable analysis strategies to control for important variables (e.g. socio-demographics). The aim of this study was to test the association between certain conduct problems and bipolar disorders. The sample consisted of 591 adolescents (male and female) representative for 2,600 persons from the Canton of Zurich in Switzerland. Data were prospectively collected through an interviewing procedure, with the first screening taking place at the age of 19–20. The incidence rate was computed using sampling weights, and risk factors of bipolar II disorder were estimated using a multivariable logistic regression model. The 9-year incidence rate of bipolar II disorder in the canton of Zurich was 8.4% (n = 65). Adolescents and children showing behavior such as repeated running away from home and physical fighting were 2.6–3.5 times more likely to experience a bipolar II disorder than those with no indication of conduct problems. Sensitivity analysis showed that the conduct problems were not the result of low socio-economic status.     

Are parental ADHD problems associated with a more severe clinical presentation and greater family adversity in children with ADHD?

Although Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is recognised to be a familial and heritable disorder, little is known about the broader family characteristics of having a parent with ADHD problems. The main aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between parent ADHD problems, child clinical presentation and family functioning in a sample of children with ADHD. The sample consisted of 570 children with ADHD. Child psychopathology was assessed using a semi-structured diagnostic interview. Questionnaires were used to assess ADHD in the parents (childhood and current symptoms), family environment and mother/father-child relationship. Parental ADHD problems were associated with a range of adverse clinical outcomes in children with no difference in effects for mothers with ADHD problems compared to fathers with ADHD problems. Levels of maternal hostility were higher in families where mothers had ADHD problems, but reduced where fathers had ADHD problems. Parental ADHD problems index higher risk for more severe clinical presentation of ADHD in children and higher levels of family conflict (where there are maternal but not paternal ADHD problems). This study highlights that children with more severe behavioural symptoms are more likely to have a parent with persistent ADHD which has important implications when considering treatment and intervention strategies.     

Are obstetrical,perinatal, and infantile difficulties associated with pediatric bipolar disorder?

Martelon MK, Wilens TE, Anderson JP, Morrison NR, Wozniak J. Are obstetrical, perinatal, and infantile difficulties associated with pediatric bipolar disorder? Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 507–514. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Objectives: Despite increasing acknowledgement of bipolar disorder (BD) in childhood, there is a paucity of literature that has investigated obstetrical, perinatal, and infantile difficulties and their potential link with BD. To this end, we examined difficulties during delivery, immediate post‐birth, and infancy and the association with BD in childhood. Methods: From two similarly designed, ongoing, longitudinal, case‐control family studies of pediatric BD (N = 327 families), we analyzed 338 children and adolescents [mean (± standard deviation) age: 12.00 ± 3.37 years]. We stratified them into three groups: healthy controls (N = 98), BD probands (N = 120), and their non‐affected siblings (N = 120). All families were comprehensively assessed with a structured psychiatric diagnostic interview for psychopathology and substance use. Mothers were directly questioned regarding the pregnancy, delivery, and infancy difficulties that occurred with each child using a module from the Diagnostic Interview for Children and Adolescents‐Parent Version (DICA‐P). Results: Mothers of BD subjects were more likely to report difficulties during infancy than mothers of controls [odds ratio (95% confidence interval) = 6.6 (3.0, 14.6)]. Specifically, children with BD were more likely to have been reported as a stiffened infant [7.2 (1.1, 47.1)] and more likely to have experienced ‘other’ infantile difficulties [including acting colicky; 4.9 (1.3, 18.8)] compared to controls. We found no significant differences between groups in regards to obstetrical or perinatal difficulties (all p values > 0.05). Conclusions: While our results add to previous literature on obstetrical and perinatal difficulties and BD, they also highlight characteristics in infancy that may be prognostic indicators for pediatric BD.     

Are apparent associations between parental representations and psychosis risk mediated by early trauma?

OBJECTIVE: It was investigated whether the reported association between representations of parental rearing style and psychosis does not represent a main effect, but instead is a proxy indicator of the true underlying risk factor of early trauma. METHOD: In a general population sample of 4045 individuals aged 18-64 years, first ever onset of positive psychotic symptoms at 3-year follow-up was assessed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview and clinical interviews if indicated. Representations of parental rearing style were measured with the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). RESULTS: Lower baseline level of PBI parental care predicted onset of psychotic symptoms 2 years later. However, when trauma was included in the equation, a strong main effect of trauma emerged at the expense of the effect size of PBI low care. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that associations between representations of parental rearing style and psychosis may be an indicator of the effect of earlier exposure to childhood trauma.     

Are sociodemographic,lifestyle, and psychosocial characteristics associated with sexual orientation group differences in mental health disparities? Results from a national population-based study

Purpose

Sexual minority mental health disparities are well documented. However, distinct sexual minority subgroups are often collapsed into a single “lesbian, gay, or bisexual” (LGB) analytic group. While limited research has shown sexual minority subgroup differences in mental health, little is known about the factors underlying these differences. This study examines whether sociodemographic, lifestyle, and psychosocial characteristics are associated with sexual orientation subgroup differences in mental health.

Methods

Using the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, Wave III, differences in various mental health measures, and sociodemographic, lifestyle, and psychosocial characteristics were assessed across three sexual minority subgroups [lesbians/gay men, bisexuals, and heterosexuals reporting same-sex attractions or behaviors (“heterosexual-identified sexual minorities, HSM”)] and heterosexuals reporting only opposite-sex attractions and behaviors (“heterosexuals”). Sequential linear regressions evaluated the degrees to which different factors attenuated mental health (SF-12) disparities between heterosexuals and sexual minority subgroups. Analyses were sex-stratified.

Results

Several sociodemographic, lifestyle, and psychosocial characteristic differences existed between sexual orientation groups. Further, all sexual minority subgroups had lower SF-12 scores than heterosexuals, except lesbian women. Sociodemographic factors attenuated the disparity for bisexual men. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, plus psychosocial factors attenuated the disparity for HSM men. However, sociodemographic, lifestyle, and psychosocial factors partially, but did not fully, attenuate the disparity for gay men, bisexual women, or HSM women.

Conclusions

Different factors are associated with mental health disparities for sexual minority subgroups. To maximize health intervention efforts, additional research is needed to uncover the specific mechanisms contributing to health disparities across diverse sexual minority populations.

     

Are needs and satisfaction of care associated with quality of life?

Is the quality of life of severe mentally ill patients influenced by the intensity of the care provided, their satisfaction with services and/or the amount of unmet needs? The interrelatedness of these three outcome measures was investigated in a sample of 101 patients dependent on long-term psychiatric care in the Northeast of the Netherlands. Instruments used were the Camberwell Assessment of Needs, the Verona Service Satisfaction Schedule and a health related quality of life instrument, the EuroQoL. Quality of life was unrelated to satisfaction with services but was strongly associated with unmet needs in the area of mental and physical health, and of rehabilitation. Quality of life decreased as needs increased. Needs were also strongly related to diagnosis and cognitive functioning. Furthermore, more intensive care settings were provided as needs increased. Demographic, diagnostic and treatment variables did not explain much extra variance in quality of life. Despite the availability of various services in the region there was a lack of tailor made care which took into account specific unmet needs with regard to information, social contacts, and daily activities.     

Do parents and peers matter? A prospective socio-ecological examination of substance use and sexual risk among African American youth

We examined the direct contribution of parent and peer risk and promotive factors on youth condom use trajectories, in addition to the indirect influence of these factors via youth’s substance use over four years in a sample of urban, African American youth (N = 679; 51% female; M = 14.86 years; SD = 0.65). Growth curve modeling was used to estimate changes in substance use and sexual risk across adolescence and test their association with parent and peer factors. Parent and peer risk factors were strongly associated with increasing substance use as youth aged. Substance use and condom use were interrelated. Parent and peer risk factors were indirectly associated with youth condom use; parent and peer promotive factors were directly associated with condom use, after accounting for substance use. Findings suggest the value of considering multiple influences on youth risk behavior.     

Who are they with and what are they doing? Delinquent behavior, substance use, and early adolescents' after-school time

The relationship among after-school time, parental monitoring, and problem behavior was examined in a sample of 1,170 early adolescents. Those spending unsupervised time with peers reported higher levels of aggression, delinquency, substance use, and susceptibility to peer pressure, and lower levels of parental monitoring, than did adolescents at home with parents. Adolescents home alone after school were similar to those who spent time with adults or in school activities.     

Which temperamental characteristics are associated with substance use in subjects with psychotic and mood disorders?

The aim of this study was to assess the associations between substance use disorders and temperamental characteristics in subjects with non-affective psychotic disorders or mood disorders. Consecutively hospitalized patients were interviewed with a structured diagnostic interview to define DSM-IV diagnoses, including those of substance use. Temperamental characteristics were measured using the Sensation-Seeking Scale (SSS), the Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS) and the Physical Anhedonia Scale. Inpatients (n=103) with non-affective psychotic disorders (n=45) or mood disorders (n=58) were included. Among these patients, 25.2% presented with a lifetime (LT) history of alcohol abuse/dependence and 23.3% presented with a LT history of cannabis abuse/dependence. A LT history of alcohol misuse was independently associated with higher scores at the 'experience seeking' and 'disinhibition' subscales of the SSS. A LT history of cannabis misuse was independently associated with higher scores on the 'disinhibition' subscale of the SSS and on the 'non-planning activity' subscale of the BIS. These results suggest that sensation-seeking and impulsivity are temperamental characteristics that may favor substance use in patients with psychotic or mood disorders, independently from categorical diagnoses.     

Are serum vitamin D,calcium and phosphorous associated with restless leg syndrome? A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundIt is hypothesized that vitamin D deficiency, and calcium/phosphate imbalance could be involved in the pathophysiology of restless leg syndrome (RLS). This systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies were carried out to reach a firm conclusion regarding the possible association between vitamin D, calcium and phosphorous levels with RLS in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients, other comorbidities and healthy population.MethodsPubMed, Scopus, ISI Web of Science, and Cochrane's library were systematically searched up to June 2020. Quality assessment of the included observational studies was performed using Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Statistical analyses were done using STATA 11.2. A P-value <0.05 were considered statistically significant.ResultsA total of 36 studies involving 9590 participants were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. We found that serum vitamin D level is significantly lower (WMD −3.39 ng/mL; 95% CI, −5.96 to −0.81; P = 0.010; I² = 86.2%) and phosphorous (SMD 0.19; 95% CI, 0.04–0.34; P = 0.011; I² = 83.6%) is significantly higher in RLS individuals compared to the non-RLS individuals. However, the mean difference of serum calcium was not significant in comparison between RLS and control groups (SMD −0.01; 95% CI, −0.19 to 0.18; P = 0.957; I² = 89.2%).ConclusionResults revealed a significant association between serum vitamin D and phosphorous with RLS. However, further prospective cohort studies and clinical trials are needed for better understanding of the relationship between these variables.     

Expanding the test of counterfeit deviance: Are sexual knowledge,experience and needs a factor in the sexualised challenging behaviour of adults with intellectual disability?

It is posited within the literature that the sexualised challenging behaviour of adults with intellectual disability may be influenced by low levels of sexual knowledge, lack of sexual experience and unmet sexual needs. In this study, individuals with sexualised challenging behaviour were identified and matched for gender, age and ability level with individuals recruited to the non-sexualised and no challenging behaviour groups. All (n = 24) were interviewed using the Socio-Sexual Knowledge and Attitudes Tool – Revised (SSKAAT-R) and the Sexual Knowledge, Experience and Needs Scale for Intellectual Disability (Sex-Ken-ID) to assess their sexual knowledge, experience and needs. Adaptive behaviour was measured as a covariate. In the current study, contrary to expectations in the wider literature, the sexualised challenging behaviour group showed significantly higher levels of sexual knowledge in several areas when adaptive behaviour was controlled. Their needs in relation to Dating and Intimacy were also significantly higher but no differences were found between groups in relation to sexual experience. The implications of these findings for service provision are outlined along with the considerations of directions for future research.     

Are emotional symptoms and depression among young people with parental alcohol problems modified by socioeconomic position?

The aim was to test the hypothesis that parental alcohol problems and low socioeconomic position would be associated with higher odds ratio of emotional symptoms and depression as compared to high socioeconomic position and parental alcohol problems. Data came from Danish National Youth Study 2014, a web-based national survey with 75,853 high school and vocational school students participating, merged with register-data on family socioeconomic position. Multi-level logistic regression models (nesting participants within schools) were used to assess the association between perceived parental alcohol problems and frequent emotional symptoms and depression and effect modification by financial strains in the family, family income, or parental educational level. All analyses were adjusted for age, sex, education, immigration status, and cohabitation with parents. Young people with parental alcohol problems had higher odds ratio of experiencing frequent emotional symptoms (OR = 1.56 [1.46–1.66]) and depression (OR = 2.07 [1.88–2.28]), compared to young people without parental alcohol problems. There was no effect modification between severity of parental alcohol problems and the measures of socioeconomic position on the odds ratio of frequent emotional symptoms and depression. This study found that young people with parental alcohol problems in all social strata had higher odds ratios of frequent emotional symptoms and depression compared to young people without parental alcohol problems; the more severely they had been affected by parent’s alcohol problems, the higher the odds ratios of frequent emotional symptoms and depression.

     

Is developmental timing of trauma exposure associated with depressive and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in adulthood?

BackgroundTrauma exposure is a known risk factor for psychopathology. However, the impact of the developmental timing of exposure remains unclear. This study examined the effect of age at first trauma exposure on levels of adult depressive and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.MethodsLifetime trauma exposure (including age at first exposure and frequency), current psychiatric symptoms, and sociodemographic information were collected during interviews with adults participating in a study at a public urban hospital in Atlanta, GA. Multiple linear regression models assessed the association between timing of first trauma exposure, classified as early childhood (ages 0–5), middle childhood (ages 6–10), adolescence (ages 11–18), and adulthood (ages 19+), on adult psychopathology in 2892 individuals.ResultsParticipants exposed to trauma (i.e., child maltreatment, other interpersonal violence, non-interpersonal violence, and other events) at any age had higher depressive and PTSD symptoms compared to their unexposed peers. However, participants first exposed to child maltreatment during early childhood had depression and PTSD symptoms that were about twice as high as those exposed during later developmental stages. This association was detected even after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, exposure to other trauma types, and frequency of exposure. Participants first exposed during middle childhood to other interpersonal violence also had depressive symptoms scores that were about twice as high as those first exposed during adulthood.ConclusionsTrauma exposure at different ages may differentially impact depressive and PTSD symptoms in adulthood. More detailed examination of timing of trauma exposure is warranted to aid in identifying sensitive periods in development.     

Hepatic,lipid and genetic factors associated with obesity: crosstalk with alcohol dependence?

Objectives: Alcohol dependence represents a leading cause of mortality and morbidity. Understanding the variables that contribute to this diagnosis and its severity is critical. An overlap between factors that may predispose people to become obese and those that may increase the risk of alcohol dependence may exist. However, data in the literature are not conclusive. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the association between alcohol dependence and obesity-related factors, including biochemical and genetic factors.

Methods: In a case–control study with 829 participants, factors involved with metabolism and obesity were assessed, including biochemical lipid and liver markers, and the fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs8050136.

Results: Increased triglycerides, having one or two minor A alleles for rs8050136 and being a smoker were associated with increased risk of alcohol dependence, while increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol was associated with decreased risk. In addition, having abnormal gamma-glutamyl transferase and being female were factors associated with an increased severity of alcohol dependence.

Conclusions: Our preliminary findings suggest a link between alcohol dependence and obesity-related biochemical and genetic factors. Future studies are needed to better understand if these factors may play a predictive role and/or may act as biomarkers for treatment response.