Efficacy of Motivational Interviewing to Improve Utilization of Mental Health Services Among Youths With Chronic Medical Conditions: A Cluster Randomized Clinical Trial

Trends in Mental Health: A Review of the Most Influential Research on Depression in Children and Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Depression is a common mental disorder in children and adolescents, with a global prevalence of approximately 33%, severely affecting their physical, mental health, and academic performance. This study aims to identify and assess the 100 most-cited articles (T100 articles) on depression in children and adolescents.

METHODS

The T100 articles in the field of depression were retrieved from the SCI-E and SSCI databases. A comprehensive analysis of the T100 articles was conducted, including the number of citations, countries, journals, keywords, authors, and topics.

RESULTS

Between 1981 and 2021, T100 articles in child and adolescent depression received 423 to 3949 citations. Most articles originated from the USA, with Kovacs M as the top-ranked author. The University of Pittsburgh and Columbia University published the top two T100 articles. The T100 articles were published in 36 journals, led by AMA Psychiatry. Co-occurrence keywords analyses reveal six key foci: Pathogenesis of Depression, Treatment of MDD in Children, Early Childhood Treatment, Adolescent Depression Manifestations, Gender and Depression, and Primary Care Considerations, with pathogenesis as a future trend.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research presents an exhaustive list of the most highly cited articles on depression in children and adolescents. Our findings not only underscore the significance of international cooperation but also reveal a pressing need to prioritize and bolster preventive research, particularly the development and refinement of early screening and intervention programs.

Motivational interviewing from the paediatricians' perspective: assessments after a 2-day training for physicians caring for adolescents with chronic medical conditions (CMCs)

BACKGROUND

Counselling adolescents with chronic medical conditions (CMCs) can be challenging regarding suitable interviewing skills and clinicians' attitudes toward the patient. Successful communication can be a key element of treatment. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is broadly applicable in managing behavioural problems and diseases by increasing patient motivation for lifestyle changes. However, data concerning the applicability, feasibility and implementation of MI sessions in everyday practice are missing from the physicians' point of view.

METHOD

The present study was conducted as a mixed methods design. Twenty paediatricians were randomized to a 2-day MI course followed by MI consultations. Data were collected through a questionnaire one year after MI training. Factors for effective training and possible barriers to successful use of MI were examined.

RESULTS

Completed questionnaires were returned by 19 of 20 paediatricians. The paediatricians' experiences with MI demonstrate that MI is regarded as a valuable tool when working with adolescents with CMCs. 95% of all respondents reported that they found MI education necessary for their clinical work and were using it also outside the COACH-MI study context. 73.7% percent saw potential to strengthen the connection to their patients by using MI. The doctors were already using more MI conversation techniques after a 2-day MI course. Obstacles were seen in the short training, the lack of time and missing undisturbed environment (interruptions by telephone, staff, etc.) during clinical flow.

CONCLUSIONS

MI techniques are not yet a regular part of medical training. However, a 2-day MI course was rated effective and provided a lasting impact by physicians caring for children and adolescents with chronic medical conditions (CMCs), although booster sessions should be offered regularly.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00014043) on 26/04/2018.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Mental Health of Adolescents With Chronic Medical Conditions: Findings From a German Pediatric Outpatient Clinic

PURPOSE

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of adolescents is of great concern, especially in the vulnerable group of adolescents with chronic medical conditions. The aim of this study was to examine this impact on the mental health of adolescents with chronic medical conditions treated in a German pediatric outpatient clinic.

METHODS

Changes in the mental health status of adolescents with chronic medical conditions treated in a German pediatric outpatient clinic during the COVID-19 pandemic were explored via validated screening tools for anxiety and depression.

RESULTS

The relative risk for adolescents with chronic medical conditions to develop clinically relevant symptoms of anxiety or depression was significantly higher (odds ratio 1,78 [confidence interval 1.06-3.04]) during the pandemic.

DISCUSSION

This study identifies the COVID-19 pandemic as a potential additional risk for adolescents with chronic medical conditions to develop clinically relevant signs of anxiety or depression.

Outpatient screening for anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents with type 1 diabetes - a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND

The daily demands of type 1 diabetes management may jeopardize adolescents' mental health. We aimed to assess anxiety and depression symptoms by broad-scale, tablet-based outpatient screening in adolescents with type 1 diabetes in Germany.

METHODS

Adolescent patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (n = 2,394; mean age 15.4 y [SD 2.0]; 50.7% male) were screened for anxiety (GAD-7) and depression symptoms (PHQ-9) by self-report questionnaires and linked to clinical data from the DPV patient registry. Logistic regression was used to estimate the contribution of clinical parameters to positive screening results.

RESULTS

Altogether, 30.2% showed a positive screening (score ≥ 7 in either test), and 11.3% reported suicidal ideations or self-harm. Patients with anxiety and depression symptoms were older (15.7 y [CI 15.5-15.8] vs. 15.3 y [CI 15.2-15.4]; p < 0.0001), had higher HbA1c levels (7.9% [CI 7.8-8.0] (63 mmol/mol) vs. 7.5% [CI 7.4-7.5] (58 mmol/mol); p < 0.0001), and had higher hospitalization rates. Females (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.66 [CI 2.21-3.19]; p < 0.0001), patients > 15 years (aOR 1.40 [1.16-1.68]; p < 0.001), who were overweight (aOR 1.40 [CI 1.14-1.71]; p = 0.001), with HbA1c > 9% (> 75 mmol/mol; aOR 2.58 [1.83-3.64]; each p < 0.0001), with a migration background (aOR 1.46 [CI 1.17-1.81]; p < 0.001), or smoking (aOR 2.72 [CI 1.41-5.23]; p = 0.003) had a higher risk. Regular exercise was a significant protective factor (aOR 0.65 [CI 0.51-0.82]; p < 0.001). Advanced diabetes technologies did not influence screening outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Electronic mental health screening was implemented in 42 centers in parallel, and outcomes showed an association with clinical parameters from sociodemographic, lifestyle, and diabetes-related data. It should be integrated into holistic patient counseling, enabling early recognition of mild mental health symptoms for preventive measures. Females were disproportionally adversely affected. The use of advanced diabetes technologies did not yet reduce the odds of anxiety and depression symptoms in this cross-sectional assessment.

Mental health changes in elderly patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic in China

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic has a heavy impact on the mental health of elderly surgical patients worldwide. In particular, the elderly patients faced considerable psychological stress due to various environmental and medical factors during the outbreak. This study aims to examine changes in mental health trends among non-cardiac surgical patients aged 65 and above in China during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This multi-center, convenient sampling, longitudinal observational study was conducted from April 1, 2020 to April 30, 2022. Primary outcome was the prevalence of postoperative depression. Secondary outcome was the prevalence of postoperative anxiety. Follow-up was conducted separately at 7 days and 30 days after surgery. Depression symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9) scale. Anxiety symptoms were assessed using Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale, with scores of ≥5 defining positive depression or anxiety symptoms. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate risk factors of mental health status in more elderly patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 4639 patients were included, of whom 2279 (46.0 %) were male, 752 (15.2 %) were over the age of 75, and 4346 (93.7 %) were married. The monthly prevalence trends demonstrated that compared to the outbreak period, a significant reduction in the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in elderly patients who underwent surgery during the post-pandemic period. In post-pandemic period, a statistically significant decrease in the prevalence of all severity depression and anxiety patients was noted at the 7-day follow-up, but no significant decrease was observed for severe depression and anxiety in the 30-day follow-up. In COVID-19 low-risk area, a significant overall decrease in prevalence of mental health was observed during the post-pandemic period compared to the outbreak period, including 7-day depression, 7-day anxiety, 30-day depression, and 30-day anxiety (all with P < 0.001). Female and patients with ≥2 comorbidities appeared to be more susceptible to postoperative depression and anxiety during the pandemic.

LIMITATION

The absence of data from the early days of the COVID-19 outbreak.

CONCLUSIONS

This study analyzed the prevalence of depression and anxiety in elderly non-cardiac patients during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on dimensions such as severity, risk-areas, gender, and comorbidity. Our findings revealed a significant decrease in the prevalence of depression and anxiety in elderly surgery patients during the post-pandemic period.

Transition to adult services: the current and potential role of the UK hospital pharmacist

PURPOSE

To explore the current and potential role for UK pharmacists in the transition to adult services for young people with chronic health problems.

METHODS

UK hospital pharmacists were surveyed using an online questionnaire with closed and open questions covering their involvement in a transition programme, demography and scope of work, experiences of transition, and the barriers encountered in providing an effective transition service.

RESULTS

Overall, 74 pharmacists completed the questionnaire. Most were female (70% (52/74)), had ≥6 years of experience (62% (46/74)), were paediatric pharmacists (74% (55/74)), and were based in a teaching hospital practice setting (70% (52/74)). Many participants (57% (42/74)) had a transition programme in place in their hospital; of these, 55% (23/42) were not a part of the service. Respondents identified unique skills that pharmacists could contribute to the transition service, including knowledge of medications (including formulations and unlicensed medications), awareness of medication services beyond paediatrics, commissioning of medications, and familiarity with adult services. Most commonly identified barriers to transition included 'time constraints', 'pharmacists not involved as part of the wider multidisciplinary team', and 'lack of engagement between different services'. Pharmacists noted that their ideal transition service would include specific medication-related transition, for example, adherence, counselling, and supply of medications.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the role of hospital pharmacists as crucial members of the multidisciplinary team required for transition. The skills and knowledge of the hospital pharmacist is under-utilised within the transition service, yet pharmacists are motivated and uniquely skilled healthcare professionals who have the potential to improve medicines transition.

Mental Health and Health-Related Quality of Life in Austrian Adolescents with Chronic Physical Health Conditions: Results from the MHAT Study

Chronic physical health conditions (CPHC) are on the rise in younger age groups and might have a negative impact on children and adolescents. In a representative sample of Austrian adolescents aged 10-18 years, internalizing, externalizing, and behavioral problems were assessed cross-sectionally using the Youth Self-Report and health-related quality of life (HrQoL) using the KIDSCREEN questionnaire. Sociodemographic variables, life events, and chronic illness specific parameters were considered as associated variables with mental health problems in individuals with CPHC. Of 3469 adolescents, 9.4% of girls and 7.1% of boys suffered from a chronic pediatric illness. Of these individuals, 31.7% and 11.9% had clinically relevant levels of internalizing and externalizing mental health problems, respectively, compared to 16.3% and 7.1% adolescents without a CPHC. Anxiety, depression, and social problems were twice as high in this population. Medication intake due to CPHC and any traumatic life-event were related to mental health problems. All HrQoL domains were deteriorated in adolescents with a double burden of mental and CPHC, whereas adolescents with a CPHC without mental health problems did not differ significantly from adolescents without a chronic illness. Targeted prevention programs for adolescents with a CPHC are urgently needed to prevent mental health problems in the long term.

Strengthening the Resilience of Children and Adolescents during a Pandemic: A Scoping Review on Eligible Interventions

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic dramatically affects children's and adolescents' mental health. The accumulation of stress factors and a lack of social support complicate a healthy development. Since the beginning of the pandemic, there has been almost a doubling of mental health problems in children and adolescents. Promoting resilience is a possible approach to reduce the incidence of mental health problems despite these adverse circumstances.

OBJECTIVES

This literature search aims at identifying and evaluating interventions to promote resilience mechanisms, with a special focus on feasibility in a crisis situation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This scoping review is based on a systematic literature search including the databases Cochrane Library, PubMed, Psyc-Info, Psyndex and Google Scholar (2006-2020). Of 1733 identified articles 75 were included.

RESULTS

Out of 72 identified intervention studies 28% were feasible under pandemic conditions. The most effective resilience trainings seem to be individualized interventions using cognitive behavioral therapy elements. However, many approaches primarily show short-term success.

DISCUSSION

Few evidence-based programs are feasible online or under pandemic restrictions. Most of them show short-term effects and focus on parents and individuals. Multiple programs are ready for use, but still lack proof of efficacy. The development and improvement of (digital) resilience interventions should be an essential part of preventive health care, especially for risk groups.

HINTERGRUND

Die COVID-19-Pandemie beeinflusst die mentale Gesundheit von Kindern und Jugendlichen auf dramatische Weise. Durch eine Akkumulation von Belastungsfaktoren und das Wegfallen sozialer Unterstützung ist eine regelrechte Entwicklung erschwert. Seit Beginn der Pandemie kam es nahezu zu einer Verdopplung der psychischen Auffälligkeiten. Die Förderung der Resilienz kann ein Ansatz sein, das Auftreten von psychischen Auffälligkeiten trotz dieser widrigen Umstände zu vermindern.

ZIEL DER ARBEIT

Ziel dieser Literaturrecherche ist die Identifikation und Bewertung von Interventionen zur Förderung von Resilienzmechanismen, mit Fokus auf die Durchführbarkeit unter Krisenbedingungen.

MATERIAL UND METHODEN

Dieses Scoping Review basiert auf einer systematischen Literaturrecherche der Datenbanken Cochrane Library, PubMed, Psyc-Info, Psyndex sowie Google Scholar (2006-2021). Von der insgesamt 1733 Artikel umfassenden Suche wurden 75 Artikel eingeschlossen.

ERGEBNISSE

Von 72 identifizierten Interventionsstudien sind 28% unter Pandemiebedingungen durchführbar. Die wirksamsten Resilienztrainings scheinen individualisierte Interventionen mit Elementen der kognitiven Verhaltenstherapie zu sein. Viele Ansätze zeigen jedoch in erster Linie kurzfristige Erfolge.

DISKUSSION

Nur wenige evidenzbasierte Programme sind online oder unter Pandemiebedingungen verfügbar. Die meisten von ihnen zeigen kurzfristige Effekte und konzentrieren sich auf Eltern und Einzelpersonen. Zahlreiche Programme sind nutzbar, allerdings fehlt häufig ein Evidenznachweis. Die Entwicklung und Verbesserung von (digitalen) Resilienzmaßnahmen sollte ein wesentlicher Bestandteil der präventiven Gesundheitsversorgung sein, insbesondere für Risikogruppen.

Anxiety, depression, and quality of life in parents of children with congenital hyperinsulinism

This study aimed to assess mental health, family burden, and quality of life (PQoL) in parents of children with persistent congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). Forty-eight individual CHI parents (75% female) completed self-reported questionnaires and screening tools for anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-8), PQoL (ULQIE), and family burden (FaBeL). Additional data on sociodemographics, social support, and child- and disease-related data were recorded. 29.8% of parents showed major depressive symptoms and 38.3% had a probable general anxiety disorder, including 20.8% who had both. The family burden was moderate and assessment of PQoL yielded average scores. Neurological impairment in an affected child (p = .002 and p < .001, respectively) and lower working hours (p = .001 and p = .012, respectively) were the strongest predictors of worse GAD-7 and PHQ-8 scores. Furthermore, lower working hours (p = .012) and comorbidities in the affected child (p = .007) were significantly associated with lower PQoL. Mothers had worse GAD-7 scores (p = .006) and lower PQoL (p = .035) than fathers. Indication of sleep disturbance was associated with worse PHQ-8 scores (p = .003), higher family burden (p = .039), and reduced PQoL (p = .003). A higher number of caretakers besides parents was associated with decreased family burden (p = .019), improved PQoL (p < .001), and lower scores for anxiety (p = .016) and depressive (p = .021) symptoms.    Conclusion: Symptoms of depression and anxiety are alarmingly prevalent in parents of children with CHI. Psychological screening of parents should be initiated to ensure early identification of psychological strains and psychosocial support should be offered as needed. A good support network and regular work activities can improve parental mental health and well-being. What is Known: • Psychosocial strains and reduced quality of life are common in parents of chronically ill children. What is New: • In this first study evaluating mental health, family burden, and quality of life in parents of children with congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI), symptoms of depression and anxiety were alarmingly prevalent. • Parents of children with CHI should receive regular psychological screening and psychosocial support should be offered as needed. A good support network and regular work activities can improve parental mental health and well-being.

Psychological Interventions for Pediatric Headache Disorders: A 2021 Update on Research Progress and Needs

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review summarizes key findings from recent investigations of psychological interventions for pediatric headache disorders and discusses important avenues for future research.

RECENT FINDINGS

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in reducing headache days among youth with chronic headache. There is mixed evidence for the benefit of CBT on reducing disability associated with migraine, suggesting that there is room to optimize CBT by leveraging complementary or alternative psychological interventions, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based approaches. Tailoring CBT may be especially important for youth with more impairing or complex clinical presentations, such as those with continuous headache. Using eHealth and novel study designs to expand access to and dissemination of psychological interventions is promising. Although CBT is the gold standard psychological treatment for youth with migraine, we are only beginning to understand how and why it is effective. Other promising psychological treatments are available, and studies are beginning to examine how CBT can be optimized to fit the unique needs of each patient. Improving access and equitability of care for youth with migraine will require tailoring psychological treatments for patients with varying headache presentations and youth from a variety of cultural, racial, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds.