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Stewart SL, Semovski V, Lapshina N. Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health Admissions: An Exploration of Interpersonal Polyvictimization, Family Dysfunction, Self-Harm and Suicidal Behaviours. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024; 55:963-974. [PMID: 36315373 PMCID: PMC11245427 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01450-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The mental health system is impacted by extreme delays in the provision of care, even in the face of suicidal behaviour. The failure to address mental health issues in a timely fashion result in a dependence on acute mental health services. Improvement to the mental health care system is impacted by the paucity of information surrounding client profiles admitted to inpatient settings. Using archival data from 10,865 adolescents 12-18 years of age (Mage = 14.87, SDage = 1.77), this study aimed to examine the characteristics of adolescents admitted to psychiatric inpatient services in Ontario, Canada. Multivariate binary logistic regression revealed that adolescents reporting interpersonal polyvictimization, greater family dysfunction and higher risk of suicide and self-harm had a greater likelihood of an inpatient mental health admission. The interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health assessment can be used for care planning and early intervention to support adolescents and their families before suicide risk is imminent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L Stewart
- Faculty of Education, The University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Road, N6G 1G7, London, ON, Canada
| | - Valbona Semovski
- Faculty of Education, The University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Road, N6G 1G7, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Natalia Lapshina
- Faculty of Education, The University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Road, N6G 1G7, London, ON, Canada
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2
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Stewart SL, Withers A, Graham AA, Poss J. Identifying Factors Associated with Bullying Roles Using the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health (ChYMH) Suite of Instruments. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024:10.1007/s10578-024-01698-y. [PMID: 38584249 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-024-01698-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Bullying is a common problem amongst school-aged children and youth and is a significant concern for caregivers and teachers. interRAI is an international not-for-profit network of roughly 150 researchers and clinicians from over 35 countries. The main goal of interRAI is to develop and support standardized assessment systems for vulnerable individuals to support care planning, evidence-based clinical decision making, outcome measurement and quality assurance. This study aimed to examine factors associated with bullying roles in a large clinical sample (n = 26,069) using interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health assessments. Findings revealed children who both bullied peers and were victims of bullying (compared to those who were solely bullies, victims, or neither) were more likely to experience interpersonal traumas including witnessing domestic violence, physical and sexual assault; increased risk of self-harm and suicide, depression; more behavioural/externalizing problems; conflict within the school and home contexts; and higher levels of financial, familial, and living instability. The potential causes and implications of these distinctions are discussed. Findings can aid professionals in tailoring preventive measures that could more effectively minimize the incidence and effect of bullying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L Stewart
- Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Rd, London, ON, N6G 1G7, Canada
| | - Abigail Withers
- Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Rd, London, ON, N6G 1G7, Canada.
| | - Alana A Graham
- Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Rd, London, ON, N6G 1G7, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Poss
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G5, Canada
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3
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Stewart SL, Withers A, Graham AA, Poss JW, Donnelly N. Examining the Biopsychosocial Factors Related to Lifetime History of Concussion in Children and Youth. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024; 55:36-47. [PMID: 35729361 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01384-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence of lifetime concussions, related psychosocial problems, and post-concussion recovery rates in a clinical sample of children and youth. Participants were 24,186 children and youth (M = 11.9 years, SD = 3.5) who completed an interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health Assessment at mental health agencies across Ontario, Canada. In addition to the expected physiological correlates, results found concussions to be more prevalent in children and youth with attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, anxiety disorders, disruptive behaviour disorders, mood disorders, and those involved in self-harm, harm to others, destructive aggression, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms. The results of this study add to our understanding of children and youth's experiences with concussions. Clinical implications and recommendations are discussed to maximize the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions related to concussion recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L Stewart
- Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Rd, London, ON, N6G 1G7, Canada
| | - Abigail Withers
- Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Rd, London, ON, N6G 1G7, Canada.
| | - Alana A Graham
- Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Rd, London, ON, N6G 1G7, Canada
| | - Jeffrey W Poss
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G5, Canada
| | - Nicholas Donnelly
- Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Rd, London, ON, N6G 1G7, Canada
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Van Meter AR, Knowles EA, Mintz EH. Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: International Prevalence of Suicidal Ideation and Attempt in Youth. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:973-986. [PMID: 36563876 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.07.867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Globally, rates of youth suicide vary considerably. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) are consistently associated with risk of death by suicide. However, international trends in STB have not yet been compared. To address this gap, an international meta-analysis of epidemiological and school-based studies that report on STB in youth was conducted. METHOD Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed and PsycINFO through April 2022. Eligible studies included prevalence of active suicidal ideation (SI) or suicide attempts (SA) in community youth younger than age 22. All studies were coded by 2 authors. Mixed models accounting for shared methods and including hypothesized moderators were conducted using the metafor package in R. RESULTS There were 371 effect sizes for SI, 94 for SI with a plan, and 316 for SA, representing 149 regions. Year of data collection ranged from 1981 to 2021. Participants were 6 to 21 years old. The prevalence of SI ranged across regions from 14.3% to 22.6%; the prevalence of SA ranged from 4.6% to 15.8%. Year was not associated with increasing STB prevalence except for studies from the United States, which showed increasing rates of SI and SA since 2007. CONCLUSION This is the most comprehensive meta-analysis of STB in youth, providing valuable data about how risk factors most commonly associated with suicide vary internationally and over time. International rates of STB among youth are not improving and may be getting worse in the United States, despite efforts to reduce suicide risk. Most studies did not report rates of SI or SA separately for LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and others) youth and youth of color. A better understanding of proximal risk at the individual level will be important to informing future prevention efforts, especially for high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R Van Meter
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York; Zucker Hillside Hospital, Queens, New York; Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York.
| | - Ellen A Knowles
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, New York
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Stewart SL, Dave HP, Lapshina N. Family dynamics, trauma, and child-related characteristics: examining factors associated with co-occurring mental health problems in clinically-referred children with and without an intellectual (and developmental) disability. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES : JOID 2023; 27:701-714. [PMID: 35584277 DOI: 10.1177/17446295221093967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are common in youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is a vulnerable group of children whose behavioural problems often have more complicated care needs than other children, which can place a great deal of stress on their families. However, the association of family mental health issues, level of intellectual ability, and diagnostic co-morbidity in children is relatively under-studied. In the present study, we investigated the relationship among child diagnoses, family mental health problems, risk for self-injury, and disruption in care among children with (N = 517) and without (N = 517) intellectual and developmental disabilities. A negative binomial regression showed that mental health problems in multiple family members, self-injurious behaviour, and self-reported abuse/trauma was related to greater likelihood of provisional diagnoses of co-occurring psychiatric disorders in both a clinically referred sample and a sample with IDD. Implications for care-planning are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hiten P Dave
- Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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Stewart SL, Dimos T, Poss JW. Treatment Seeking Children and Youth who have Experienced Warzone Trauma: Examining the Mental Health Care Planning Needs. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023:10.1007/s10578-023-01570-5. [PMID: 37428420 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01570-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
This study compares mental health treatment-seeking children and youth who have experienced warzone-related trauma to other treatment-seeking children and youth to determine similarities and differences and aid in care planning. Data from 53 agencies across Ontario from 2015-2022 were analysed, resulting in a sample of 25,843 individuals, 188 of which met the warzone and immigration criteria. Individuals who experienced warzone-related trauma were less likely to: (a) have a psychiatric diagnosis; (b) speak English, and; (c) have close friends. Collaborative Action Plans (CAPS) related to traumatic life events, parenting, and informal support were triggered at a higher rate for those who experienced warzone-related trauma compared to those who did not. This study highlights areas where children and youth who have experienced warzone-related trauma require improved access to services. Findings also highlight issues related to a needs-based approach to service delivery to facilitate improved outcomes for these vulnerable children and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L Stewart
- Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Tatiana Dimos
- Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Jeffrey W Poss
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Eugene DR, Blalock C, Nmah J, Baiden P. Suicidal Behaviors in Early Adolescence: The Interaction Between School Connectedness and Mental Health. SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH 2023; 15:444-455. [PMID: 38186858 PMCID: PMC10768848 DOI: 10.1007/s12310-022-09559-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has identified mental health symptoms such as depression and aggression as contributing factors associated with suicidal ideation and attempts in adolescence. However, much of this work has focused on older adolescents (ages > 14) resulting in a dearth of knowledge about early adolescents under 12 years. Moreover, much less is known about school connectedness as a protective factor in the relationship between mental health symptoms and suicidal behaviors. This study examined the interaction effect between school connectedness and mental health symptoms on suicidal behaviors among early adolescents aged 9-12 years. Data were drawn from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study and yielded an analytic sample (n = 2826) that was majority male (52%), Black (53%), and with an average age of 9.3 years. Data were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Among participants, 2% experienced suicidal ideation, and 2% experienced suicide attempts. Black adolescents were more than five times more likely to experience a suicide attempt compared to their White peers (AOR = 5.37; 95% CI = 1.71-16.95; p = .004). There was a significant interaction effect between withdrawn depressed symptoms and school connectedness (AOR = .95; 95% CI = .91-98; p = .006), and between aggressive behavior and school connectedness (AOR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.01-1.03; p = .001) on suicide attempts. School connectedness did not moderate the relationship between mental health symptoms and suicidal ideation. The findings have important practical implications, which are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle R. Eugene
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, 211 S. Cooper St., Box 19129, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Cristin Blalock
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, 211 S. Cooper St., Box 19129, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
| | - Juterh Nmah
- School of Social Sciences and Education, California State University, 9001 Stockdale Hwy, Mail Stop: 22 EDUC, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA
| | - Philip Baiden
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, 211 S. Cooper St., Box 19129, Arlington, TX 76019, USA
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Stewart SL, Vasudeva AS, Mistry D, Poss JW. The impact of child maltreatment on mental health outcome improvements among children and youth accessing community mental health care. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 139:106066. [PMID: 36791630 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although children with histories of maltreatment are more likely to engage with mental healthcare than non-maltreated children, few studies have examined the impact of maltreatment on children's mental health outcome improvement over time. OBJECTIVE The current study addresses this gap in the present literature by exploring the ways that histories of physical, sexual, and emotional abuse and exposure to domestic violence can influence children's improvement on mental health outcomes commonly associated with trauma. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING De-identified routine care data from 58 community mental health agencies across Ontario, Canada, representing 16,517 children was obtained. This data represented assessments that occurred between February 2015 and December 2021. METHODS General linear models were used to illustrate the effect of each trauma type on change scores computed between baseline and follow-up assessments of externalizing behaviours, risk of harm to others, depressive symptoms, risk of suicide and self-harm, and anxiety, while adjusting for baseline scores, inpatient status, time between assessments, and select demographic variables. RESULTS When the effects of each trauma type was considered separately, children without histories of trauma consistently showed greater improvement than those with that trauma across all mental health outcomes (0.07-0.44, p < 0.01). When all trauma types were considered together, sexual abuse was associated with some of the most significant negative impacts on children's mental health improvements. CONCLUSIONS Our findings highlight an urgent need for the implementation of standardized, evidence-based assessments that screen trauma histories of children accessing mental health supports and research examining the impact of trauma on children's treatment responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L Stewart
- Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Rd, London, ON N6G 1G7, Canada
| | - Aadhiya S Vasudeva
- Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Rd, London, ON N6G 1G7, Canada.
| | - Divya Mistry
- Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Rd, London, ON N6G 1G7, Canada
| | - Jeffrey W Poss
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G5, Canada
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Stewart SL, Lapshina N, Semovski V, Usova A. Age, Sex and Relationship Strengths: Internalizing Symptom Differences in Children and Youth Within a Clinical Sample. JOURNAL OF THE CANADIAN ACADEMY OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY = JOURNAL DE L'ACADEMIE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE DE L'ENFANT ET DE L'ADOLESCENT 2022; 31:189-201. [PMID: 36425015 PMCID: PMC9661912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Internalizing problems such as depression, anxiety and anhedonia are particularly problematic due to their covert nature. Due to their deleterious effects on psychological well-being, social connection and education, it is important to understand the development of internalizing problems and their unique contributors. OBJECTIVES Examine whether internalizing symptoms vary by (i) age, and (ii) sex, and whether (iii) relationship strengths are associated with sex and internalizing symptoms. METHOD Using a polynomial model with Tweedie distribution with log link, this study examined relationships for 18,701 clinically referred children and adolescents between 4 and 18 years of age assessed using the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health assessment. RESULTS Internalizing symptoms reported by children and adolescents varied by age and sex. Sex differences in internalizing symptoms became prominent after about six years of age with female adolescents reporting higher levels when compared to male peers. An increase in relationship strengths corresponded with a decrease in internalizing symptoms for both sexes. However, the pattern depended on sex. In our sample, females required a greater number of relationship strengths to observe a decrease in internalizing symptoms. CONCLUSIONS The current study illustrates a difference in internalizing symptoms between females and males with respect to age and relationship strengths. The results may have implications for prevention and intervention strategies geared towards internalizing symptoms for children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L Stewart
- Faculty of Education, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
| | - Natalia Lapshina
- Faculty of Education, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
| | - Valbona Semovski
- Faculty of Education, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
| | - Anastasiia Usova
- Department of Dynamical Systems, N.N. Krasovskii Institute of Mathematics and Mechanics of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Yekaterinburg, Russia
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Semovski V, King CB, Stewart SL. Mental Health Service Urgency in Children's Mental Health: Factors Impacting the Need for Expedited Services. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2022; 53:765-775. [PMID: 33835279 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-021-01161-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Delayed access to mental health services for children and adolescents has been linked to an increased risk of harm and nonattendance to scheduled appointments. While studies suggest that the lack of standardized assessments for prioritizing individuals has contributed to long wait times, the inconsistent use of assessments across service sectors in Ontario continues to persist. This has contributed to a paucity of information surrounding which children and adolescents may require urgent mental health services. Using a large secondary data set, this study examined whether service sector (e.g., school), and other individual client characteristics (e.g., age, sex, legal guardianship, interpersonal and school conflict) predicted greater mental health service urgency in 61,448 children and adolescents assessed using the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health Screener. Binary logistic regression revealed that all predictors, except for sector, showed a significant effect on service urgency. Findings are instrumental in prioritization, reducing the likelihood that children with acute needs remain on waitlists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valbona Semovski
- Faculty of Education, The University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Road, London, ON, N6G 1G7, Canada.
| | - Colin B King
- Faculty of Education, The University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Road, London, ON, N6G 1G7, Canada
| | - Shannon L Stewart
- Faculty of Education, The University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Road, London, ON, N6G 1G7, Canada
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Tutun S, Johnson ME, Ahmed A, Albizri A, Irgil S, Yesilkaya I, Ucar EN, Sengun T, Harfouche A. An AI-based Decision Support System for Predicting Mental Health Disorders. INFORMATION SYSTEMS FRONTIERS : A JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION 2022; 25:1261-1276. [PMID: 35669335 PMCID: PMC9142346 DOI: 10.1007/s10796-022-10282-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Approximately one billion individuals suffer from mental health disorders, such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and anxiety. Mental health professionals use various assessment tools to detect and diagnose these disorders. However, these tools are complex, contain an excessive number of questions, and require a significant amount of time to administer, leading to low participation and completion rates. Additionally, the results obtained from these tools must be analyzed and interpreted manually by mental health professionals, which may yield inaccurate diagnoses. To this extent, this research utilizes advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to develop a decision support system (DSS) that can efficiently detect and diagnose various mental disorders. As part of the DSS development process, the Network Pattern Recognition (NEPAR) algorithm is first utilized to build the assessment tool and identify the questions that participants need to answer. Then, various machine learning models are trained using participants' answers to these questions and other historical data as inputs to predict the existence and the type of their mental disorder. The results show that the proposed DSS can automatically diagnose mental disorders using only 28 questions without any human input, to an accuracy level of 89%. Furthermore, the proposed mental disorder diagnostic tool has significantly fewer questions than its counterparts; hence, it provides higher participation and completion rates. Therefore, mental health professionals can use this proposed DSS and its accompanying assessment tool for improved clinical decision-making and diagnostic accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salih Tutun
- Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO USA
| | | | | | | | - Sedat Irgil
- Guven Private Health Laboratory, Guven, Turkey
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Stewart SL, Celebre A, Semovski V, Hirdes JP, Vadeboncoeur C, Poss JW. The interRAI Child and Youth Suite of Mental Health Assessment Instruments: An Integrated Approach to Mental Health Service Delivery. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:710569. [PMID: 35370860 PMCID: PMC8967950 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.710569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Various biological, social, psychological, and environmental factors impact children and youth living with mental health problems across their lifespan. To meet the wide-ranging challenges of mental illness, service system integration is needed to improve efficiencies and reduce fragmentation. Unfortunately, the mental health system has been plagued by the lack of coordination across services. There is a general consensus that mental health service delivery must ensure a child or youth's needs are addressed in a collaborative, coordinated, and seamless manner. A key element to successful integration is the development of a comprehensive standardized screening and assessment system. Numerous assessments have been developed to assess child mental health and functioning, but they typically have a very narrow focus with limited use and utility. Not only does this reduce the ability to take a life course perspective to mental health, but this uncoordinated approach also results in redundancies in information collected, additional resources, and increased assessor burden for children, youth, and their families. The interRAI child and youth mental health assessment suite was developed in response to the need for an integrated mental health system for young persons. This suite includes screening and assessment instruments for in-patient and community settings, emergency departments, educational settings, and youth justice custodial facilities. The instruments form a mental health information system intentionally designed to work in an integrated fashion beginning in infancy, and incorporate key applications such as care planning, outcome measurement, resource allocation, and quality improvement. The design of these assessment tools and their psychometric properties are reviewed. Data is then presented using examples related to interpersonal trauma, illustrating the use and utility of the integrated suite, along with the various applications of these assessment systems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Celebre
- Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - John P. Hirdes
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jeffrey W. Poss
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Stewart SL, Celebre A, Hirdes JP, Poss JW. Risk of Injury to Others: The Development of an Algorithm to Identify Children and Youth at High-Risk of Aggressive Behaviours. Front Psychiatry 2022; 12:750625. [PMID: 35046848 PMCID: PMC8761652 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.750625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Youth violence is considered one of the most preventable causes of morbidity and premature mortality. Various risk factors have previously been identified, however, there is presently a crucial need to develop effective decision-support tools in order to identify children and youth at increased risk for violence. The current study utilised data collected from the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health Screener (ChYMH-S), within the province of Ontario, to develop and validate a methodology for the purpose of identifying young persons who were at greater risk of harm to others. Additional data from 59 mental health agencies validated the algorithm, and it was found to be a strong predictor of harmful behaviour toward others. The RIO algorithm provides a valuable decision-support tool with strong psychometric properties that may be used to identify young persons who exhibit signs or symptoms associated with increased likelihood of harm toward others, in order to provide early intervention efforts for these vulnerable youth, thereby reducing the likelihood of future aggressive behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Celebre
- Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - John P. Hirdes
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey W. Poss
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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Klassen JA, Stewart SL, Lapshina N. School Disengagement and Mental Health Service Intensity Need Among Clinically Referred Students Utilizing the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health Assessment Instrument. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:690917. [PMID: 34938208 PMCID: PMC8685215 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.690917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Although mental health challenges are widespread, impacting 1 in 5 children and youth, only 25% of these young people receive the required mental health supports. Unmet mental health needs are strongly associated with functional impairments including poor self-care, interpersonal challenges, and school difficulties among young people. School disengagement, or a student's lack of involvement in education through interest, curiosity, motivation, and active participation, is associated with a wide array of detrimental outcomes including chronic mental health difficulties, conduct and delinquent behaviors, criminal justice involvement, and unemployment in adolescence and adulthood. Disengagement observed within the school setting may be indicative of underlying mental health challenges and reflective of service intensity need. The current study extends the literature by examining the relationship between school disengagement and mental health service intensity need among 14,750 clinically referred students across elementary and secondary school utilizing the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health instrument. Findings indicated that more than 25% of clinically referred students were at heighted risk for school disengagement and required high-intensity services. Further, mental health service intensity need was positively associated with risk of school disengagement among students, along with the specific reason for referral (i.e., psychiatric symptoms, harm to self, harm to others, or addiction or dependency), after controlling for sex and age. Implications of the findings are explored within the context of the school setting and future directions are suggested.
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Stewart SL, Van Dyke JN, Poss JW. Examining the Mental Health Presentations of Treatment-Seeking Transgender and Gender Nonconforming (TGNC) Youth. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2021; 54:826-836. [PMID: 34860314 PMCID: PMC10140107 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-021-01289-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent research suggests that transgender and/or gender nonconforming (TGNC) youth present with heightened levels of mental health problems compared to peers. This study seeks to examine the mental health needs of a large sample of treatment-seeking TGNC youth by comparing them to cisgender males and females. Participants were 94,804 children and youth ages 4-18 years (M = 12.1, SD = 3.72) who completed the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health Instrument (ChYMH) or Screener (ChYMH-S) at participating mental health agencies in the Ontario, Canada. Overall, the mental health presentations of TGNC youth were similar to cisgender females but at higher acuity levels. TGNC youth showed significantly higher levels of anxiety, depression, social disengagement, positive symptoms, risk of suicide/self-harm, and were more likely to report experiencing emotional abuse, past suicide attempts, and a less strong, supportive family relationship than cisgender females and males. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L Stewart
- Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Rd, London, ON, N6G 1G7, Canada
| | - Jocelyn N Van Dyke
- Faculty of Education, University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Rd, London, ON, N6G 1G7, Canada.
| | - Jeffrey W Poss
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave W, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G5, Canada
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16
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Stewart SL, Vasudeva AS, Van Dyke JN, Poss JW. Following the Epidemic Waves: Child and Youth Mental Health Assessments in Ontario Through Multiple Pandemic Waves. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:730915. [PMID: 34867522 PMCID: PMC8635704 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.730915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging studies across the globe are reporting the impact of COVID-19 and its related virus containment measures, such as school closures and social distancing, on the mental health presentations and service utilization of children and youth during the early stages of lockdowns in their respective countries. However, there remains a need for studies which examine the impact of COVID-19 on children and youth's mental health needs and service utilization across multiple waves of the pandemic. The present study used data from 35,162 interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health (ChYMH) assessments across 53 participating mental health agencies in Ontario, Canada, to assess the mental health presentations and referral trends of children and youth across the first two waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in the province. Wave 1 consisted of data from March to June 2020, with Wave 2 consisting of data from September 2020 to January 2021. Data from each wave were compared to each other and to the equivalent period one year prior. While assessment volumes declined during both pandemic waves, during the second wave, child and youth assessments in low-income neighborhoods declined more than those within high-income neighborhoods. There were changes in family stressors noted in both waves. Notably, the proportion of children exposed to domestic violence and recent parental stressors increased in both waves of the pandemic, whereas there were decreases noted in the proportion of parents expressing feelings of distress, anger, or depression and reporting recent family involvement with child protection services. When comparing the two waves, while depressive symptoms and recent self-injurious attempts were more prevalent in the second wave of the pandemic when compared to the first, a decrease was noted in the prevalence of disruptive/aggressive behaviors and risk of injury to others from Wave 1 to Wave 2. These findings highlight the multifaceted impact of multiple pandemic waves on children and youth's mental health needs and underscore the need for future research into factors impacting children and youth's access to mental health agencies during this time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jeffrey W. Poss
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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17
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Stewart SL, Toohey A, Celebre A, Poss JW. Abuse, Mental State, and Health Factors Pre and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparison among Clinically Referred Adolescents in Ontario, Canada. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:10184. [PMID: 34639487 PMCID: PMC8507612 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, population surveys revealed increased levels of anxiety and depression, while findings from large-scale population data analyses have revealed mixed findings with respect to the mental health consequences for children and youth. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the well-being and health-compromising behaviors of adolescents (12-18 years) previously referred for mental health services. Data were collected (pre-pandemic n = 3712; pandemic n = 3197) from mental health agencies across Ontario, Canada using the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health assessment. Our findings revealed no increased incidence of witnessing domestic violence nor experiencing physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. Further, there were no increases in the risk of self-harm and suicide, anxiety, or depression among our sample of clinically referred youth. Finally, results demonstrated no increase in problematic videogaming/internet use, disordered eating, or alcohol intoxication, and a decrease in cannabis use. Our findings add to the growing body of knowledge as to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and youth. Further, findings underscore the importance of understanding the nuanced impact of the pandemic on various subgroups of children, youth, and families and highlight the need for continued monitoring of outcomes for these children and youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L. Stewart
- Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON N6G 1G7, Canada; (S.L.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Ashley Toohey
- Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON N6G 1G7, Canada; (S.L.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Angela Celebre
- Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON N6G 1G7, Canada; (S.L.S.); (A.C.)
| | - Jeff W. Poss
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G5, Canada;
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18
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Simcock G, Andersen T, McLoughlin LT, Beaudequin D, Parker M, Clacy A, Lagopoulos J, Hermens DF. Suicidality in 12-Year-Olds: The Interaction Between Social Connectedness and Mental Health. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2021; 52:619-627. [PMID: 32845408 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-020-01048-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STB) are a leading cause of death in adolescence. To date, most research with youth has focused on risk factors for suicide; and less attention has been paid to resilience factors. This study examined whether positive beliefs and social connectedness moderate associations between mental health symptoms and STB. A community sample of 12-year-olds (N = 60) completed self-report questionnaires on their STB, mental health symptoms, positive beliefs and social connectedness. Nearly 20% of the adolescents reported STB. STB was associated with increased mental health symptoms and lower scores on the resilience measures. A significant moderating effect of social connectedness showed that youth with a combination of poor mental health and high levels of social support exhibited lower levels of STB. There was no significant moderating effect of positive beliefs. These results indicate that social support should be screened for in primary care and incorporated into youth suicide prevention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle Simcock
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, 12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD, 4575, Australia.
| | - Thu Andersen
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, 12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD, 4575, Australia
| | - Larisa T McLoughlin
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, 12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD, 4575, Australia
| | - Denise Beaudequin
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, 12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD, 4575, Australia
| | - Marcella Parker
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, 12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD, 4575, Australia
| | - Amanda Clacy
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, 12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD, 4575, Australia
| | - Jim Lagopoulos
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, 12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD, 4575, Australia
| | - Daniel F Hermens
- Thompson Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, 12 Innovation Parkway, Birtinya, QLD, 4575, Australia
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19
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Exploring Lived Experiences of Adolescents Presenting with Self-Harm and Their Views about Suicide Prevention Strategies: A Qualitative Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094694. [PMID: 33924930 PMCID: PMC8124784 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Suicide is a serious global public health problem and the third leading cause of death in those 15–35 years old. Self-harm is the major predictor of future suicide attempts and completed suicide yet remains poorly understood. There is limited evidence on effective interventions for adolescents who present with self-harm. To identify and develop acceptable preventive and therapeutic interventions it is essential to understand the factors that contribute to self-harm and suicide in young people, in the context of their emotions, interpersonal difficulties, available support and prevention strategies. This qualitative study aimed at exploring the lived experiences of adolescents presenting with self-harm and their views about potential prevention strategies. Semi-structured interviews with 16 adolescents (12–18 years) presenting with a self-harm episode in a public hospital in Pakistan. A topic guide was developed to facilitate the interviews. The following themes emerged using the framework analysis; predisposing factors (interpersonal conflicts, emotional crisis etc.), regret and realization that self-harm is not the only option, perceived impact of self-harm, and suggestions for suicide prevention strategies (sharing, distraction techniques, involvement of family). This study may help in refining a contextual and culturally based explanatory model of self-harm in adolescents and in informing development of culturally acceptable interventions.
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20
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Stewart SL, Lapshina N, Semovski V. Interpersonal polyvictimization: Addressing the care planning needs of traumatized children and youth. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 114:104956. [PMID: 33582403 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.104956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to maltreatment has a detrimental impact on both physical and mental health. However, research on the relationship between polyvictimization and care planning needs is scarce. OBJECTIVES This study investigated the associations between interpersonal polyvictimization and care planning needs for children and youth, controlling for sex and age differences. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTINGS The sample included 18,701 children and youth (Mage = 12.33, SDage = 3.53) between 4 and 18 years. Participants were recruited from over 58 mental health agencies, facilities, and schools in Ontario, Canada between November 2012 and February 2020. METHODS Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to investigate polyvictimization, sex and age groups, as predictors on care planning outcomes. Significant interaction effects were further examined using simple effects analyses. RESULTS Children and youth experiencing polyvictimization, compared to those who did not, were more likely to report attachment difficulties, lack of informal support, interpersonal conflict, substance use and harm to self or others. In addition, the relationship between polyvictimization and attachment and interpersonal conflict care planning was moderated by sex. CONCLUSIONS Findings emphasize the importance of focusing on interpersonal polyvictimization and sex differences when developing treatment plans for a variety of care planning needs. Mental health practitioners could utilize the study findings to guide their clinical practices and ensure effective services are provided to those seeking mental health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon L Stewart
- The University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Road, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Natalia Lapshina
- The University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Road, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valbona Semovski
- The University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Road, London, Ontario, Canada.
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21
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Ghosh S, Ekbal A, Bhattacharyya P. A Multitask Framework to Detect Depression, Sentiment and Multi-label Emotion from Suicide Notes. Cognit Comput 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12559-021-09828-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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22
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Li Y, Babcock SE, Stewart SL, Hirdes JP, Schwean VL. Psychometric Evaluation of the Depressive Severity Index (DSI) Among Children and Youth Using the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health (ChYMH) Assessment Tool. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-020-09592-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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23
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Stewart SL, Celebre A, Iantosca JA, Poss JW. Autism Spectrum Screening Checklist (ASSC): The Development of a Scale to Identify High-Risk Individuals Within the Children's Mental Health System. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:709491. [PMID: 34552515 PMCID: PMC8451328 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.709491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex childhood onset neurodevelopmental disorder that has become the fastest growing developmental disability. Due to the increased demand for diagnostic assessments and subsequent increased wait times, standardized screening as part of regular clinical practice is needed. More specifically, there is an important need for the development of a more streamlined screening tool within an existing assessment system to identify those at greatest risk of having ASD. The current study utilized data from ~17,000 assessments obtained within the province of Ontario, based on the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health (ChYMH) and Child and Youth Mental Health and Developmental Disability (ChYMH-DD), to develop a scale to identify children who have a higher likelihood of having autism. The scale was then tested on a trial population with data from the interRAI Early Years instrument. Further analyses examined the predictive validity of the scale. The Autism Spectrum Screening Checklist (ASSC) was found to be a good predictor of ASD with a sensitivity of 0.73 and specificity of 0.62, at the recommended cut-point of 2+. The results were consistent across several age ranges, specifically from 2 to 21 years of age. The ASSC scale provides an initial screen to help identify children and youth at heightened risk for autism within larger populations being assessed as part of routine practice. The main goal for the development and implementation of the ASSC scale is to harness the power of the existing interRAI assessment system to provide a more efficient, effective screening and referral process. This will ultimately help improve patient outcomes through needs-based care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Celebre
- Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jo Ann Iantosca
- Faculty of Applied Arts and Health Sciences, Seneca College, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey W Poss
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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24
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Stewart SL, Toohey A, Poss JW. iCCareD: The Development of an Algorithm to Identify Factors Associated With Distress Among Caregivers of Children and Youth Referred for Mental Health Services. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:737966. [PMID: 34867533 PMCID: PMC8637612 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.737966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Caregiver well-being plays an important role in children's development and a number of factors have been found to impact distress levels among caregivers of children and youth referred for mental health services. Further, caregiver distress impacts youth psychopathology, its acuity as well as related mental health interventions. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate an algorithm for identifying caregivers who are at greatest risk of experiencing caregiver distress. This algorithm was derived from, and will be embedded in, existing comprehensive interRAI child and youth instruments. Ontario data based on the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health assessment instruments (ChYMH and ChYMH-DD) were analyzed to identify predictors of distress among caregivers of children and youth ages 4-18 years. Starting with proactive aggression, the algorithm uses 40 assessment items to assign one of 30 nodes that are grouped into five levels of risk. The interRAI ChYMH Caregiver Distress (iCCareD) algorithm was validated using longitudinal data from mental health agencies across Ontario and was found to be a good predictor among this sample with a c-statistic of 0.71 for predicting new or ongoing caregiver distress and 65% for both sensitivity and specificity using algorithm values of 3 or greater. This algorithm provides an evidence-based decision-support tool embedded within a comprehensive assessment tool that may be used by clinicians to inform their selection of supports and services for families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley Toohey
- Faculty of Education, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey W Poss
- Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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25
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Stewart SL, Babcock SE. InterRAI Child and Youth Mental Health-Screener (ChYMH-S): A Psychometric Evaluation and Validation Study. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2020; 51:769-780. [PMID: 32385777 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-020-01003-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mental health concerns among children are pervasive, with one in five in North America experiencing a mental health issue. Unfortunately, only about a quarter will receive the support they need. interRAI is an organization of expert researchers and clinicians who develop integrated assessment systems to improve evaluation for vulnerable populations. The interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health Screener (ChYMH-S) is a brief screener that provides an initial assessment for early identification, triaging, and prioritization of services. This study assesses the psychometric properties of the ChYMH-S. Data from children aged 4-18 years across Ontario mental health agencies were obtained. The screener demonstrated strong inter-item reliability on all measured scales and good convergent validity with the Behaviour Assessment System for Children, with all hypothesized comparisons demonstrating positive, significant correlations. Overall, results provide initial support for the reliability and convergent validity of the ChYMH-S in detecting mental health concerns in child populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sarah E Babcock
- Department of Psychology, Social Sciences Centre, Western University, 1151 Richmond St., London, Ontario, N6G 2V4, Canada.
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26
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Marshall C, Semovski V, Stewart SL. Exposure to childhood interpersonal trauma and mental health service urgency. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 106:104464. [PMID: 32497938 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children and youth with a history of maltreatment experience different developmental, psychiatric and health problems. Ensuring there is streamlined access to services is imperative to recovery. Yet, few reports of standardized methods for directing and prioritizing risk for children seeking services exist. OBJECTIVE The current study aims to address this gap and explore how mental health personnel triage highly vulnerable cases. Specifically, the goal of the current study is to examine whether experiencing childhood interpersonal trauma predicts service urgency. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants were 19,645 children and youth, ages 4-18 years (M = 11.1 SD = 3.4) who completed the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health Screener (ChYMH-S) at various community-based and residential children's mental health facilities across Ontario. METHODS Retrospective data collected from the ChYMH-S was used to explore differences in maltreatment history, gender, and legal guardianship and their impact on service prioritization. RESULTS Children and youth who were exposed to some form of interpersonal trauma were more likely to have mental health issues requiring urgent follow-up service compared to those who were not exposed. Findings also suggested that gender and legal guardianship impact service urgency. CONCLUSIONS Children and youth who have experienced maltreatment are significantly more likely to score high on mental health service urgency than those who did not. This provides valuable insight that can support the development of appropriate system-level changes to policy and practice when servicing children and youth with mental health needs in Canada.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Marshall
- University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Road, London, Ontario, N6G 1G7, Canada
| | - Valbona Semovski
- University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Road, London, Ontario, N6G 1G7, Canada.
| | - Shannon L Stewart
- University of Western Ontario, 1137 Western Road, London, Ontario, N6G 1G7, Canada
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