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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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Drusko A, Renz M, Schmidt H, Rosin M, Simon J, Beiner E, Charalambides M, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Treede RD, Tost H, Tesarz J. Measuring interpersonal trauma: Development and validation of the German version of the victimization experience schedule (VES). J Psychosom Res 2024; 179:111626. [PMID: 38430794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Interpersonal victimization experiences (VEs) significantly affect mental and physical health, particularly in disorders associated with life-time adversities, like fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and major depressive disorder (MDD). However, assessing VEs comprehensively remains challenging due to limited tools that encompass sub-traumatic events, such as bullying or discrimination, and contextual dimensions. We aimed to address this gap by validating the Victimization Experience Schedule (VES) in German, examining its reliability, and assessing VEs in clinical populations with FMS and MDD. METHODS We investigated the relationship between VEs and clinical symptoms in individuals with FMS, MDD and healthy controls (N = 105) in a case-control study. We also analyzed correlations between different types of VEs and categories of early childhood abuse and posttraumatic-stress-disorder instruments. Additionally, we validated our findings in an independent sample of individuals with FMS (N = 97) from a clinical study. RESULTS We observed excellent inter-rater reliability (Kw = 0.90-0.99), and VEs assessed using the VES were in alignment with subcategories of early childhood abuse. The prevalence of VEs extended beyond the categories covered by traditional survey instruments and was higher in individuals with MDD (4.0 ± 2.6) and FMS (5.9 ± 3.1) compared to controls (1.5 ± 1.7). We consistently identified a significant association between the number of VEs, the associated subjective distress, and clinical scores. Furthermore, distinct correlation patterns between VEs and clinical outcomes emerged across different cohorts. CONCLUSION Our study emphasizes the VES's value in understanding VEs within MDD and FMS. These experiences span from traumatic to sub-traumatic and correlate with posttraumatic-stress and clinical symptoms, underscoring the VES's importance as an assessment tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Drusko
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Malika Renz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Hannah Schmidt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany; Department of Neurophysiology, MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Michelle Rosin
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joe Simon
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva Beiner
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Monica Charalambides
- Hammersmith & Fulham Community Rehab, West London NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany; DZPG (German Centre for Mental Health - Partner Site Heidelberg/ Mannheim/ Ulm), Germany
| | - Rolf-Detlef Treede
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany; Department of Neurophysiology, MCTN, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany
| | - Heike Tost
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Germany; DZPG (German Centre for Mental Health - Partner Site Heidelberg/ Mannheim/ Ulm), Germany
| | - Jonas Tesarz
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany; DZPG (German Centre for Mental Health - Partner Site Heidelberg/ Mannheim/ Ulm), Germany.
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Xiao Q, Song X, Huang L, Hou D, Huang X. Association between life events, anxiety, depression and non-suicidal self-injury behavior in Chinese psychiatric adolescent inpatients: a cross-sectional study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1140597. [PMID: 37465253 PMCID: PMC10350536 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1140597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a major public health concern among adolescents. Further research is needed into contributors to this behavior, in particular among adolescents with psychiatric disorders. The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of life events and emotional stress on NSSI among hospitalized psychiatric adolescents. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 505 Chinese psychiatric adolescent inpatients 10-19 years old completed questionnaires about sociodemographic characteristics and NSSI as well as the Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist (ASLEC), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Form Y, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Chi-square test was used to compare the incidence of NSSI in psychiatric adolescent patients with different sociodemographic. T-test was used to compare the total scores and dimension scores of the ASLEC, STAI-Y, and CES-D between the NSSI group and the non-NSSI group. A binary logistic regression model was built to explore the relationships among sociodemographic characteristics, questionnaire scores and NSSI. Results Most psychiatric adolescent inpatients (393, 77.8%) reported NSSI behavior. The higher risk for NSSI was observed among female (odds ratio [OR] 2.665, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.575-4.510), younger adolescents (10-14 years; OR 2.021, 95% CI 1.258-3.245), with a suicide history (OR 2.479, 95% CI 1.549-3.967), or with depression symptom (OR 3.217, 95% CI 1.572-6.582) and those with higher scores of ASLEC (OR 1.019, 95% CI 1.010-1.029). Conclusion Our study in China is one of the first to apply to adolescent inpatients the diagnostic criteria of NSSI in the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Our analysis suggests that NSSI prevalence is disturbingly high among adolescents with mental illness in China. A better understanding of contributing factors, especially negative life events and negative emotions, may guide interventions that can reduce its prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqing Xiao
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaozhen Song
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lijuan Huang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dandan Hou
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuehua Huang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Martin AN, McLeigh JD, Lamminen LM. Examining the Feasibility of Telehealth Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) with Young People in Foster Care. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2023; 16:1-9. [PMID: 37359463 PMCID: PMC10071250 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-023-00538-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Despite the high rate of trauma exposure among young people with child welfare involvement, various systematic and patient barriers exist that inhibit utilization of evidence-based trauma treatments. One strategy for alleviating barriers to such treatments is using telehealth. A few studies have found that the clinical outcomes of telehealth TF-CBT are comparable to those found from clinic-based, in-person treatment administration. Studies have yet to examine the feasibility of telehealth TF-CBT with young people in care. The current study sought to address this gap by examining outcomes for patients who received telehealth TF-CBT, along with factors that may have impacted successful completion, at an integrated primary care clinic exclusively serving young people in care. Methods: Patient data were collected retrospectively from the electronic health records of 46 patients who received telehealth TF-CBT between March 2020 and April 2021, and feedback was sought via focus group from 7 of the clinic's mental health providers. A paired-sample t-test was conducted to evaluate the impact of the intervention for the 14 patients who completed treatment. Results: Responses from the Child and Adolescent Trauma Screen showed a significant decrease in posttraumatic stress symptoms when comparing pre-treatment scores (M = 25.64, SD = 7.85) to post-treatment scores (13.57, SD = 5.30), t(13) = 7.50, p < .001. The mean decrease in scores was 12.07 with a 95% confidence interval ranging from 8.60 to 15.55. Themes emerging from the focus group centered on home environment, caregiver participation, and systemic topics. Conclusions: Findings suggest that telehealth TF-CBT with young people in care is feasible but relatively low completion rates suggest that barriers to treatment completion remain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrianna N. Martin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas USA
- Rees-Jones Center for Foster Care Excellence, Children’s Health, Dallas, Texas USA
| | - Jill D. McLeigh
- Rees-Jones Center for Foster Care Excellence, Children’s Health, Dallas, Texas USA
| | - Laura M. Lamminen
- Rees-Jones Center for Foster Care Excellence, Children’s Health, Dallas, Texas USA
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Cibralic S, Alam M, Mendoza Diaz A, Woolfenden S, Katz I, Tzioumi D, Murphy E, Deering A, McNamara L, Raman S, Eapen V. Utility of screening for adverse childhood experiences (ACE) in children and young people attending clinical and healthcare settings: a systematic review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060395. [PMID: 36008078 PMCID: PMC9422820 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine and synthesise the literature on adverse childhood experience (ACE) screening in clinical and healthcare settings servicing children (0-11) and young people (12-25). DESIGN A systematic review of literature was undertaken. DATA SOURCE PsycInfo, Web of Science, Embase, PubMed and CINAHL were searched through June 2021. Additional searches were also undertaken. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA English language studies were included if they reported results of an ACE tool being used in a clinical or healthcare setting, participants were aged between 0 and 25 years and the ACE tool was completed by children/young people or by parents/caregivers/clinicians on behalf of the child/young person. Studies assessing clinicians' views on ACE screening in children/young people attending health settings were also included. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed for risk of bias using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Results were synthesised qualitatively. RESULTS Initial searches identified 5231 articles, of which 36 were included in the final review. Findings showed that the most commonly used tool for assessing ACE was the ACE questionnaire; administering ACE tools was found to be feasible and acceptable; there were limited studies looking at the utility, feasibility and acceptability of assessing for ACE in First Nations people; and while four studies provided information on actions taken following ACE screening, no follow-up data were collected to determine whether participants accessed services and/or the impact of accessing services. CONCLUSION As the evidence stands, widespread ACE screening is not recommended for routine clinical use. More research is needed on how and what specific ACE to screen for and the impact of screening on well-being. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (CRD42021260420).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Cibralic
- Ingham Institute, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mafruha Alam
- Ingham Institute, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Antonio Mendoza Diaz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Susan Woolfenden
- Sydney Local Health District, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ilan Katz
- Department of Social Policy Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dimitra Tzioumi
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- New South Wales Ministry of Health, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Elisabeth Murphy
- New South Wales Ministry of Health, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - April Deering
- New South Wales Ministry of Health, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lorna McNamara
- New South Wales Ministry of Health, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Shanti Raman
- South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Valsamma Eapen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- ICAMHS, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
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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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Gao T, Mei S, Li M, Arcy CD, Meng X. Roles of Psychological Distress and Social Support in the Relationship Between Childhood Maltreatment and Perceived Needs for Mental Health Care. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP14089-NP14116. [PMID: 33858262 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211006368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Childhood maltreatment is a major public health issue worldwide. It increases a range of health-risk behaviors, psychological and physical problems, which are associated with an increased need for mental health services in adulthood. Identification of mediating factors in the relationship between maltreatment and seeking mental health care may help attenuate the negative consequences of childhood maltreatment and promote more appropriate treatment. This study aims to examine whether the relationship between childhood maltreatment and perceived need for mental health care is mediated by psychological distress and/or moderated by social support. Data from the Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health 2012 are analyzed. A total of 8,993 participants, who had complete information on childhood maltreatment and diagnoses of mental disorders or psychological distress, are included in this study. Structural equation modeling and the PROCESS macro were used to identify relationships among childhood maltreatment, perceived needs for mental health care, and psychological distress. Hierarchical linear regression was then used to verify the moderated mediation model. We found that psychological distress partially mediated the effect of childhood maltreatment on perceived needs for mental health care in adulthood. Social support played an important role in terms of moderating the relationship between maltreatment and perceived needs for care. For those with a history of childhood maltreatment, those who perceived a low level of social support were more likely to have higher levels of psychological distress and perceived need for mental health care. This is the first study to identify the separate and combined roles of psychological distress and social support in the relationship between childhood maltreatment and perceived need for mental health care. Selective prevention strategies should focus on social support to improve mental health services among people with a history of childhood maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Gao
- Jilin University, Changchun, China
- McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
- Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | | | - Muzi Li
- McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Xiangfei Meng
- McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
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Ishfaq N, Kamal A. Association Between General Trauma and Comorbid Psychiatric Symptoms Among Female Convicts. JOURNAL OF LOSS & TRAUMA 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2022.2069338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nimrah Ishfaq
- National Institute of Psychology, Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Anila Kamal
- Rawalpindi Women University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
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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, 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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Lapshina N, Stewart SL. Traumatic life events, polyvictimization, and externalizing symptoms in children with IDD and mental health problems. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 116:104028. [PMID: 34339937 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS This study aims to examine the rates of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) and polyvictimization, as well as interrelationships among PTE types in children and youth with intellectual developmental disorder (IDD) and co-occurring mental health issues. It also examines the association between polyvictimization (experiencing three or more PTEs) and externalizing symptoms, controlling for IDD severity, sex and age. METHOD The study utilized archival data collected from 2012 to 2020 by trained assessors (e.g., nurses, social workers, psychologists) at intake into clinical mental health services in the Province of Ontario, Canada. The sample included 502 children and youth (age range: 4-18 years) who were assessed using the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health and Developmental Disability (ChYMH-DD) instrument. Using this standardized assessment, trained clinicians reported on children's demographics, traumatic life events, and externalizing symptoms (proactive and reactive aggression) among other physical and mental health indicators. RESULTS 64.74 % of the children had experienced at least one type of PTE, whereas 33.06 % experienced lifetime polyvictimization. Most of the PTE types were positively correlated, with the strongest associations between physical, emotional abuse, witnessing domestic violence, and parental addiction. In a multivariate model, experiences of three or more PTEs (vs. none), mild or moderate IDD (vs. severe/profound), male sex (vs. female) were associated with greater externalizing symptoms. There was a quadratic relationship between age and externalizing symptoms. CONCLUSION The project advances knowledge on trauma and polyvictimization patterns and their association with IDD severity and externalizing symptoms in this population. Trauma-informed services should be tailored to the specific needs of these children.
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