Symptoms related to menstruation in adolescent Swiss girls: a longitudinal study

Symptoms related to menstruation are reported in 140 Swiss girls according to postmenarcheal and chronological age. Premenstrual abdominal pains were present in 9-28% of the girls, depending on postmenarcheal age (i.e. years after menarche) (2-30% depending on chronological age). Dysmenorrhoea occurred in 44-64% of the girls according to postmenarcheal age (51-67% according to chronological age). Occasional severe dysmenorrhoea was the type most often reported, by 20-35% of the girls. Large intra-individual and inter-individual variabilities in the occurrence and severity of dysmenorrhoea were observed. The frequency of dysmenorrhoea increased in the first three postmenarcheal years and decreased thereafter. The prevalence of premenstrual headache was low, 0-5%. The frequency of headache during menstruation was 2-11% according to postmenarcheal age (2-19% by chronological age) which was low in comparison with other studies. Severe menstrual headache was more often reported than mild headache. Frequency of severe headache decreased in higher age groups. Other reported symptoms related to menstruation were general discomfort in 1-10% of the girls and premenstrual vaginal discharge in 10-22% according to postmenarcheal age (3-17% according to chronological age). Severe vaginal discharge was more frequent than mild discharge, 8-20% versus 0-3%. The frequency of vaginal discharge increased from the first to the fourth year after menarche.     

Parenting matters: a longitudinal study into parenting and adolescent sleep

The current three‐wave longitudinal study examined the differential relations between general parenting behaviour (monitoring, autonomy granting, and the quality of the parent–adolescent relationship) and adolescent sleep (bedtimes, time in bed, sleep quality and sleepiness) over a period of 2 years. At Time 1, the sample consisted of 650 adolescents between 12 and 15 years old (M = 13.36 years; SD = 0.55 years). At Time 2, 563 adolescents participated, and at Time 3 there were 493 adolescents. The distribution of boys and girls was about equal. Adolescents completed questionnaires in the classroom. Linear mixed model analyses were performed, controlling for sex, age, social economic status and ethnicity. Results showed that higher levels of monitoring contributed to earlier bedtimes, longer time in bed, better sleep quality and less sleepiness. The parent–adolescent relationship quality showed positive associations with time in bed, sleep quality and sleepiness, but not with bedtimes. Autonomy granting appeared hardly to be related to any of the sleep variables. In addition, passing of time, sex and ethnicity contributed to adolescent sleep as main effects or in interaction with parental control and support, suggesting that the main effects of monitoring and the quality of the parent–adolescent relationship are not constant across the whole range of the covariates. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that general parenting behaviour may contribute to better adolescent sleep over time. Therefore, the involvement of parents in improvement of adolescent sleep is highly advocated.     

Late-adopted children grown up: a long-term longitudinal study on attachment patterns of adolescent adoptees and their adoptive mothers

ABSTRACT

This paper reports on a long-term follow-up of a longitudinal study conducted in Italy that assessed attachment patterns of late-adopted children (placed between 4 and 8 years old) and their adoptive mothers, in three phases: T1, at placement; T2, in childhood (7–8 months after adoption); and T3, in adolescence (current study). The following hypotheses were tested: 1) children’ IWMs will shift from insecurity towards security in a long-term follow-up; and 2) there will be a significant association between adoptees’ and adoptive mothers’ IWMs in adolescence. Participants were 22 late-adopted adolescents (aged 11–16) and their adoptive mothers, all assessed in previous phases. Participants completed several measures of attachment, including the Separation-Reunion Procedure (T1, T2), Manchester Child Attachment Story Task (T2), Friends and Family Interview (T3), and Adult Attachment Interview (T1, T3). Late-adopted adolescents showed both an increase in attachment security and a decrease in disorganized attachment from childhood to adolescence. Adoptive mothers’ (T3) secure states of mind were associated significantly to their adopted children attachment security in adolescence. These findings reinforce the importance of taking attachment into account for adoptive families from the beginning of adoption.     

Psychological and behavioral risk factors for obesity onset in adolescent girls: a prospective study

Because little is known about risk factors for obesity, the authors tested whether certain psychological and behavioral variables predicted future onset of obesity. The authors used data from a prospective study of 496 adolescent girls who completed a baseline assessment at age 11-15 years and 4 annual follow-ups. Self-reported dietary restraint, radical weight-control behaviors, depressive symptoms, and perceived parental obesity--but not high-fat food consumption, binge eating, or exercise frequency-predicted obesity onset. Results provide support for certain etiologic theories of obesity, including the affect regulation model. The fact that self-reported, weight-control behaviors identified girls at risk for obesity implies that high-risk youths are not engaging in effective weight-control methods and suggests the need to promote more effective strategies.     

Self-concept, self-esteem and body weight in adolescent females: a three-year longitudinal study

Eighty girls aged 12.8 (0.6) years, completed self-concept, depression and anxiety scales over three years and had their height and weight measured. All nine self-concept domains were lower in the Highest BMI group, compared to the Lower BMI group and this trend was stable over three years. Highest BMI girls were substantially lower than population norms on all nine scales. Over three years, the Physical Appearance and Close Friendship scores of Highest BMI girls decreased compared to Lower BMI girls. This pattern was similar for all of the other self-concept domains. Several aspects of early adolescent girls' self-image may be adversely influenced by a heavy weight status.     

Back extensor and psoas muscle cross-sectional area, prior physical training, and trunk muscle strength – a longitudinal study in adolescent girls

The association between physical training, low back extensor (erector spinae plus multifidus muscles) and psoas muscle cross-sectional areas (CSA) and strength characteristics of trunk extension and flexion were studied in adolescent girls. A group of athletes (n=49) (age range 13.7–16.3 years) consisting of gymnasts, figure skaters and ballet dancers was age-matched with non-athletes (n=17) who acted as a sedentary control group. The CSA of psoas muscles and multifidus plus erector spinae muscles were measured from lumbar axial images by magnetic resonance imaging. Maximal trunk extension and flexion forces were measured in a standing position using a dynamometer and trunk musculature endurance was evaluated using static holding tests. When CSA were adjusted with body mass, the athletes showed significantly greater CSA in both muscles studied (psoas P?P?P?P?P?P?P?相似文献   

Maternal depression and psychiatric outcomes in adolescent offspring: a 13-year longitudinal study

BACKGROUND: Maternal postnatal depression (PND) has been associated with adverse outcomes in young children, but an association with longer-term psychiatric disorder has not been demonstrated. We present the preliminary findings of a 13-year longitudinal study. METHODS: In the course of a prospective longitudinal study, we examined DSM-IV Axis I disorders in 13-year-old adolescents who had (n=53) or had not (n=41) been exposed to maternal PND. We also detailed the occurrence of depression in mothers throughout the 13-year follow-up period. RESULTS: Maternal PND was associated with higher rates of affective disorders in adolescent offspring. However, mothers who developed PND were also substantially more likely than those who did not to experience depression subsequently, a fact that contributed to the development of depressive disorder in offspring. Maternal PND was associated with increased risk for depression in adolescent offspring only if there had also been later episodes of maternal depression. In contrast, anxiety disorders in offspring were elevated in the maternal PND group regardless of the occurrence of subsequent maternal depression. LIMITATIONS: Due to the modest sample size and consequently limited power, findings must be regarded as preliminary. CONCLUSIONS: The particular association between early maternal depression and anxiety disorders in offspring was consistent with theories that emphasise the primacy of early environmental exposures. This position was not supported with respect to offspring depressive disorder, where overall duration of maternal depression was a significant factor. PND was associated with recurrent episodes of depression in the majority of cases, underlining the need for monitoring of this population beyond the postnatal period.     

Adjustment in diabetic adolescent girls: II. Adjustment, self-esteem, and depression in diabetic adolescent girls.

The Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Sullivan Diabetic Adjustment Scale were administered to 105 adolescent girls with diabetes. Results indicate that levels of self-esteem and depression highly correlate with the level of adjustment as assessed on the Diabetic Adjustment Scale (DAS). That is, the adjustment of adolescent diabetic girls in peer and family relationships, dependence-independence conflicts, and attitudes toward diabetes is significantly related to self-esteem; and the level of depression is significantly related to all these adjustment factors as well as body image. The results point to the usefulness of the DAS as a potential screening device for low self-esteem and depression in adolescent girls who have diabetes. The importance of diabetes as a scapegoat for normal adolescent concerns is discussed. It was also hypothesized that depression in adolescents may be expressed through concerns about diabetes. The importance of exploring relationships with peers and fathers is emphasized.     

Stability of executive function deficits in girls with ADHD: a prospective longitudinal followup study into adolescence

Neuropsychological deficits in the executive system are major sources of morbidity in individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We conducted a 5-year longitudinal study of girls with (N = 140) and without (N = 122) ADHD, aged 6-18 years at baseline. Neuropsychological functioning was assessed using standard neuropsychological testing assessing executive functions (EFs). Girls with ADHD were significantly more impaired than controls in all neuropsychological domains except set shifting. Despite variability in the stability of individual domains of EFs, the majority (79%) of girls with ADHD that met the categorical definition of executive function deficits (EFDs, defined as two or more EF tasks impaired) at baseline continued to have EFDs at the five-year followup. These findings document the stability of EFDs in girls with ADHD from childhood into adolescence.     

Neuropsychological functioning in depressed adolescent girls

BACKGROUND: Neuropsychological impairment has been demonstrated in adults with depression. Whether depression arising during adolescence is associated with similar changes is unknown. We describe the neuropsychological functioning of a referred sample of medication-na?ve adolescent girls meeting criteria for a diagnosis of Depressive Episode (ICD-10). METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 28 girls (ages 12-16); 14 with depression, 14 healthy controls matched for age, IQ and socio-economic status. Neuropsychological testing was conducted using the CANTAB automated test battery. RESULTS: Depressed adolescent girls showed performance deficits on visual memory tasks (Pattern Recognition, Delayed Matching to Sample and Paired Associates Learning), one measure of motor speed and on a test of Spatial Working Memory. LIMITATIONS: A restricted range of neuropsychological testing was performed on a female-only sample of modest size. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive episodes in adolescent girls are associated with neurocognitive deficits similar to those previously defined in adult populations and these impairments can be detected prior to exposure to psychotropic drugs. Neuropsychological impairment may be an important, neglected clinical feature in adolescent depression.     

Menstrual patterns in Danish elite swimmers

Summary Questionnaires were given to 140 female elite swimmers from the highest ranking division in the Danish Swimming Association inquiring about their menstrual history. Eighty-nine percent completed the questionnaires. We found a very low incidence of menstrual dysfunction (16%) compared to other groups of endurance trained females. Hard physical endurance training did not seem to delay the onset of menarche among swimmers. Furthermore, no difference in adjusted body mass between a group with oligomenorrhoea and a normal menstruating group could be demonstrated. The study indicated that the influence of body mass or body fat content was a more important factor in menstrual function than the amount of training or psychological stress.     

Mixed‐longitudinal analysis of growth data from malian adolescent girls: Evidence for compensatory gain?

Cross‐sectional data have previously indicated poor growth and development among adolescent girls in Mali. These data have shown that Malian girls are shorter and lighter than their United States female counterparts. Many studies suggest that this evidence of poor growth and development is due to a combination of poor nutrient intake, high‐energy expenditure, and poor access to health care. At adolescence, individuals rarely follow a standard pattern of growth due to different biological timetables and expressions of pubertal growth. By examining velocity of growth, researchers can recognize developmental patterns such as compensatory gain. This study examines the growth rates of Malian girls over a 6‐month period. Anthropometric data were collected from a total of 1,045 adolescent girls ages 10–17 years. Height and weights were collected twice from the Segou Coura community in the town of Segou and from the Dioro Arrondissement in 1997. From these data, mixed longitudinal analyses were conducted. Both the height and weight velocity data showed patterns of delayed growth rates when compared with American girls. Although Malian girls are similar to American girls in that they tend to reach their peak height velocity at age 12, the Malian girls demonstrate a longer growth spurt than the American girls. This evidence of greater height velocity may be an indication of compensatory growth, or compensatory gain, and is partially supported from cross‐sectional data. While these Malian data do not show much evidence that certain stressors are relieved during adolescence, only more extensive longitudinal data can more fairly examine the issue. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 15:178–186, 2003.©2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Relational spirituality and depression in adolescent girls

This study examines the possibility that relational spirituality may be inversely associated with the relatively higher rates of adolescent depression found in girls as compared with boys. Subjects were 615 adolescents, representing a diverse range of religious, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Overall spirituality and depression were measured using The Brief-Multidimensional Measure of Religiosity/Spirituality and the Beck Depression Inventory, respectively. Overall, both level of depression and level of relational spirituality were higher in girls as compared with boys. Regression analyses conducted independently for boys and girls revealed that daily spiritual experiences, forgiveness, and religious coping were associated with less-depressive symptomatology exclusively in girls. This pattern in the findings suggests that uniquely in girls, depression may be associated with disruptions in a relational form of spirituality.     

Effect of familial distress on growth and maturation of girls: A longitudinal study

A longitudinal sample of girls (N = 271), all born during the same year, were examined at yearly intervals during a period of 11 (N = 174) or 8 years (N = 97). The data gathered included the following: age at menarche, anthropometric dimensions, skeletal maturity scores with the TW2 method, and questionnaire information about the present and past socioeconomic situation and family dynamics. The girls were divided into two groups. Group A (N = 207) comprised girls who lived in families free of strong traumatic events. Group B (N = 64) included girls whose family dysfunction exposed them to prolonged distress. Two anthropometric dimensions were central to the analysis: height and subischial leg length. Age at attaining four different maturity stages were also used: age at menarche, age at a Carpal score of 1,000, age at the RUS score of 1,000, and age at the total bone score of 995. The mean age at menarche of girls from group A was 13.3 years and that for girls in group B was 12.9 (F = 6.295, P < 0.01). There was no correlation between age and height at final stages of skeletal maturation, i.e., at a total bone score of 995 or a RUS score of 1,000 in group A. There was no significant difference in height between girls whose skeletal maturity was completed early and those in whom it was completed late. Girls from group B, whose skeletal maturity was reached earlier, were shorter than those who grew until a later age. In group B, the stature was positively correlated with the age at which the late stages of skeletal maturation was attained (r = 0.26 at a RUS score of 1,000 and r = 0.28 at a total bone score of 995, P < 0.05). Regardless of the ages at which any of the four maturity levels were reached by girls from group A, they were, on average, taller than those from group B at the same maturity level. Only at a RUS score of 1,000, when the sample size is reduced, the difference was not significant. The results show that girls exposed to familial distress are more likely to have an early puberty, which is associated with short final stature. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 13:771–776, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.