Psychological screening in adolescents with type 1 diabetes predicts outcomes one year later

Associations of Coping Strategies With Glycemic and Psychosocial Outcomes Among Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes Experiencing Diabetes Distress

BACKGROUND

Many adolescents with type 1 diabetes experience diabetes distress which is associated with suboptimal glycemic and psychosocial outcomes. The ways in which adolescents respond to diabetes distress may serve as a risk or protective factor for these outcomes, but few studies have examined the coping strategies adolescents use to manage diabetes distress.

PURPOSE

To examine the association of coping strategies with glycemic and psychosocial outcomes among adolescents experiencing diabetes distress.

METHODS

Participants included 198 adolescents with elevated diabetes distress who completed baseline data for a randomized controlled trial (Mage = 15.3 ± 1.4, 58% female, 58% non-Hispanic White, MA1c = 9.1 ± 2.1%). Adolescents reported on their use of coping strategies related to diabetes stressors, including primary control engagement coping (e.g., problem-solving), secondary control engagement coping (e.g., positive thinking), and disengagement coping (e.g., avoidance). Adolescents also completed measures of diabetes distress, quality of life, and resilience. HbA1c data were extracted from electronic medical records and at-home kits.

RESULTS

Higher use of primary control engagement coping was associated with better glycemic and psychosocial outcomes. Secondary control engagement coping was associated with better psychosocial outcomes but not glycemic outcomes. Greater use of disengagement coping strategies was associated with poorer glycemic and psychosocial outcomes. All associations were significant after adjusting for adolescent sex, age, race/ethnicity, and continuous glucose monitor use.

CONCLUSIONS

These results build on prior findings by including a more diverse sample of adolescents and highlight the value of promoting engagement coping strategies and discouraging the use of disengagement coping strategies among adolescents experiencing diabetes distress.

CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION

NCT03845465.

Humanistic burden of pediatric type 1 diabetes on children and informal caregivers: systematic literature reviews

BACKGROUND

Diagnosis of children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) imposes an unprecedented burden on children and their caregivers.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the burden of T1D on children and their informal caregivers, both after a recent diagnosis or after a longer duration of disease.

METHODS

A series of systematic literature reviews were performed to explore the burden of T1D on children with the disease and their primary informal caregivers, based on the time of diagnosis. After the extraction of the qualitative and quantitative data from the included studies, two literature-based conceptual frameworks were developed: on the burden of pediatric T1D on children, and on informal caregivers. A third conceptual framework on the shared burden of pediatric T1D on both children and informal caregivers as part of the same family unit was also developed.

RESULTS

The review of literature has identified a series of factors that affect the quality of life of children with T1D and their informal caregivers, with a direct impact on physical, emotional, and social outcomes. Generally, female patients and older adolescents experience more worry and stress that affects their quality of life. Other categories of factors affecting the child's and caregiver's burden include social, emotional, and physical factors, treatment-related and disease-related factors, as well as their coping abilities. Anxiety, depression, stress, and worry were commonly found among children and caregivers, starting with the diagnosis of T1D and continuing over time in relation to new challenges pertaining to aging or the disease duration.

CONCLUSION

T1D causes a significant burden to affected children and their caregivers, both independently and through transactional interaction within the family unit. Disease burden can be reduced by strengthening individuals for the benefit of the whole family.

Virtual reality's impact on children with type 1 diabetes: a proof-of-concept randomized cross-over trial on anxiety, pain, adherence, and glycemic control

AIMS

 Assess the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) technology, in reducing pain and anxiety, and improving adherence and glycemic control among children with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

METHODS

Children with T1D, managed with continuous glucose monitoring and insulin pumps, were recruited for a randomized cross-over trial. Children were randomized to one of two interventions for diabetes management: group 1 used VR glasses first and group 2 listened to vocal-guided affective imagery first (audio). After 1 month, the interventions were crossed over. The outcome measures included pain and anxiety assessment, adherence, glycemic control, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) of VR satisfaction and effectiveness.

RESULTS

 Forty children, mean age 11.4 ± 1.8 years, were participated. During the VR part, the monthly mean pain score compared to the baseline improved in both groups by 30% (p = 0.03). A 14% reduction in the state anxiety score was observed from baseline to 1 month in both groups (p = 0.009). Glycemic control measures including time in range, time above range, and glucose management indicator improved in both groups during VR part (p < 0.004 for all), compared to audio part. After one month, the patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) of satisfaction and effectiveness was sixfold higher after 1 month in group 1 compared to group 2 (p = 0.002). Adherence improved for both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

VR was shown to be effective in reducing pain and anxiety, improving adherence, PROM, and glycemic control among children with T1D. We suggest incorporating VR technology in pediatric diabetes clinics to facilitate and improve coping and management of diabetes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registration number and date of registration for prospectively registered trials:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05883267, May 10th, 2023.

Socioeconomic Disparities in Glycemic Management in Children and Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

In Canada, few studies have addressed health inequalities in type 1 diabetes (T1D) outcomes. In this study, we examined the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and glycemic management in children with T1D and determine whether technology use (insulin pumps or continuous glucose monitoring [CGM]), diabetes-related physician visits, and depressive symptoms modified the association.

METHODS

This work was a retrospective cohort study using the Montréal Children's Hospital Pediatric Diabetes Database of children 0 to 18 years old, diagnosed with T1D for ≥1 year, and with a hospital visit between November 2019 and October 2020. Main exposure was SES measured by the Material and Social Deprivation Index (least, moderately, or most deprived). We determined the association between SES and mean glycated hemoglobin (A1C; main outcome) in the year after the index visit using multivariable linear regression, adjusting for age, sex, diabetes duration, technology use, diabetes-related physician visits, and depressive symptoms (subgroup). We examined interaction terms for technology use, diabetes-related physician visits, and depressive symptoms.

RESULTS

The study cohort included 306 children (mean age 13.6 years, mean A1C 8.5%). Children in the most-deprived compared with least-deprived quintiles had higher mean A1C; effect modification was significant with CGM only. Children not using CGM in the most-deprived compared with least-deprived quintiles had higher mean A1C (0.52%; 95% confidence interval, 0.14% to 0.86%), whereas the association was not significant for children using CGM.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower SES was associated with higher A1C; these disparities were not observed among CGM users. Further research is required to determine strategies to promote CGM access among children of lower SES in the Canadian health-care context.

SAI-CH-6: Development of a Short Form of the State Anxiety Inventory for Children At-Risk for Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To develop a reliable and valid short form of the State Anxiety Subscale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAI-CH) in the Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young (TEDDY) study.

METHODS

A Development Sample of 842 10-year-old TEDDY children completed the STAI-CH State Subscale about their type 1 diabetes (T1D) risk. The best 6 items (three anxiety-present and three anxiety-absent) for use in a short form (SAI-CH-6) were identified via item-total correlations. SAI-CH-6 reliability was examined in a Validation Sample (n = 257) of children who completed the full 20-item STAI-CH State Subscale and then again in an Application Sample (n = 2,710) who completed only the SAI-CH-6. Expected associations between the children's SAI-CH-6 scores and country of residence, sex, T1D family history, accuracy of T1D risk perception, worry about getting T1D, and their parents' anxiety scores were examined.

RESULTS

The SAI-CH-6 was reliable (α = 0.81-0.87) and highly correlated with the full 20-item STAI-CH State Subscale (Development Sample: r = 0.94; Validation Sample: r = 0.92). SAI-CH-6 scores detected significant differences in state anxiety symptoms associated with T1D risk by country, T1D family history, accuracy of T1D risk perception, and worry about getting T1D and were correlated with the child's parent's anxiety.

CONCLUSION

The SAI-CH-6 appears useful for assessing children's state anxiety symptoms when burden and time limitations prohibit the use of the STAI-CH. The utility of the SAI-CH-6 in older children with and without chronic conditions needs to be assessed.

Prevalence and clinical correlates of abnormal glucose metabolism in young, first- episode and medication-naïve outpatients with major depressive disorder

BACKGROUNDS

The high co-morbidity of abnormal glucose metabolism in depressed patients has been extensively studied, but few studies have explored abnormal glucose metabolism in young patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). This study aimed to examine the prevalence and clinical correlates of abnormal glucose metabolism in young patients with first-episode medication-naïve (FEMN) MDD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1289 young Chinese outpatients with FEMN MDD. All subjects were assessed on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, and their sociodemographic information was collected, and blood pressure, blood glucose, lipid and thyroid hormone levels were measured.

RESULTS

The prevalence of abnormal glucose metabolism was 12.57% in young FEMN MDD outpatients. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and HAMA scale scores were associated with fasting blood glucose levels in patients with FEMN MDD (P<0.05), and TSH could differentiate patients with abnormal normal glucose metabolism from those without abnormal glucose metabolism (Area Under Curve of 0.774).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study showed a high prevalence of comorbid glucose metabolism abnormalities in young FEMN MDD outpatients. TSH may be a promising biomarker of abnormal glucose metabolism in young patients with FEMN MDD.

Psychosocial Staffing and Implementation of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes Psychological Care Guidelines in U.S. Pediatric Diabetes Clinics

Background

Few studies have examined the implementation of the International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD) Clinical Practice Consensus Guidelines for the Psychological Care of Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes.

Objective

To collect benchmark data on psychosocial staffing and implementation of the ISPAD guidelines across U.S. pediatric diabetes clinics.

Methods

Medical (n = 95; 77 endocrinologists and 18 advance practice providers) and psychosocial (n = 86; 43 social workers and 43 psychologists) providers from 98 of 115 contacted clinics completed an online survey (85% response rate). Providers reported the number of psychosocial staff and rated the adequacy of psychosocial staffing, quality of psychosocial care, and adherence to the ISPAD guidelines in their clinics. χ2 Tests and ANOVA were used to examine differences across clinic size and across medical and psychosocial providers.

Results

Clinics averaged a total of ∼4 hours per week of psychosocial provider time per 100 patients with type 1 diabetes. Only 27% of providers agreed that psychosocial staffing was adequate, and 35% described their psychosocial care as comprehensive. Implementation of the ISPAD guidelines varied across clinics, with minimal differences across clinic size. Medical providers reported that evidence-based psychological assessment and interventions were delivered consistently by <55% of clinics. Psychosocial, compared with medical, providers were more likely to report frequent implementation of psychosocial assessment and intervention guidelines.

Conclusion

Psychological care in U.S. pediatric type 1 diabetes clinics does not consistently meet the ISPAD guidelines, and many clinics lack adequate psychosocial staff. These benchmark data are a foundational step to improve psychosocial care for pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes.

Prevalence of Depression in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes between 10 and 17 Years of Age in Jordan

METHODS

The study was conducted by distributing the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC) to adolescents with T1D seen at Jordan University Hospital between February 2019 and February 2020. Demographic, clinical, and socioeconomic data were collected using electronic clinical charts. Possible predictors of depression were assessed using logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 108 children were enrolled in the study with mean age of 13.7 ± 2.3 years. Fifty-eight children (53.7%) had a CES depression score less than 15, and 50 children (46.3%) had a depression score of 15 or more. The number of diabetes-related hospital admissions and the frequency of self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) were significantly different between the two groups. In the multivariable analysis, both gender and SMBG frequency were statistically significant. Girls were more likely to have a depression score ≥ 15 (OR = 3.41, p = 0.025) than boys. Patients who were rarely testing blood glucose levels were more likely to have a depression score ≥ 15 compared to those who were testing regularly (OR = 36.57, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of depressive symptoms is relatively high in adolescents with T1D, especially in those living in developing countries. Longer diabetes duration, higher glycated hemoglobin level, and less frequent blood glucose monitoring are associated with higher depression scores.

Adjusted Cutoff Scores Increase Sensitivity of Depression Screening Measures in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE

To measure the acceptability and diagnostic accuracy of commonly used depression screening measures to determine ideal cutoff scores that sensitively identify depressive disorders in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

One hundred adolescents (12-17 years old) completed a reference standard, semistructured diagnostic interview and both long and short versions of five commonly used depression screening measures in the United States. To assess feasibility and acceptability, we used screener completion time and participant ratings, respectively. We used descriptive statistics, area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, and paired-sample area differences under the ROC curve to assess each measure's diagnostic validity against our reference standard and to determine ideal cutoff scores for this sample.

RESULTS

Adolescents had a mean age of 15.0 ± 1.7 years, time since T1D diagnosis of 6.0 ± 4.1 years, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) of 8.9 ± 1.8%. Sixty percent of adolescents were male, 15% endorsed a current depressive disorder, and 15% endorsed lifetime suicidality. Measures demonstrated low sensitivity (0.33-0.67) to detect current depressive disorders using preexisting cutoff scores. However, adjusted cutoff scores increased sensitivity and reduced false negatives. All depression screening measures demonstrated "good" to "excellent" predictive validity, and the Children's Depression Inventory-2 Short version demonstrated significantly greater diagnostic accuracy than the Patient Health Questionnare-2 item version for adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinics should consider using screening measures with the greatest diagnostic accuracy as identified in this study and adjusting measure cutoff scores to increase sensitivity and reduce false negatives.

Role of Psychologists in Pediatric Endocrinology

The care of youth managed within pediatric endocrine clinics is complex and requires a multi- or interdisciplinary approach. Psychosocial aspects of chronic health conditions are well-documented. Clinical practice guidelines outline the importance of routine psychosocial screening and support for youth with diabetes and obesity. This article outlines the diverse role of psychologists in pediatric endocrinology, including screening, in-clinic intervention, outpatient psychological services, and inpatient consultation. Although research exists documenting the effectiveness of behavioral interventions to improve adherence and health-related quality of life, cost analysis research is emerging.

Caring for Young Adults With Diabetes in the Adult Care Setting: Summary of a Multidisciplinary Roundtable

Aims

A multidisciplinary team of clinicians and researchers, patients and family members, and representative from national advocacy groups and research organization met to review the literature, highlight gaps, and identify best practices to improve adult care delivery for young adults (YA) with diabetes.

Methods

The participants prepared presentations in advance, rotated through sessions, and contributed to group discussions in three areas: physical health, mental health, and quality of life (QoL). Session moderators and scribes used thematic analysis to summarize discussions for each topic.

Results

Thematic analysis revealed four foci for addressing physical health, mental health and QoL: 1) best practices to facilitate the process of transfer; 2) age-specific curricula and guidelines for prevention and management of comorbidities and complications; 3) collaboration with behavioral health clinicians to address diabetes distress and mental health disorders; and 4) research on the impact of diabetes on QoL in YA.

Conclusion

There was substantial interest and need among adult clinicians to work in concert with pediatric and mental health professionals to identify best practices and future directions to improve healthcare process and diabetes-related outcome measures in YA with diabetes.

The psychological profile of youth and young adults with type 1 diabetes in New Zealand

BACKGROUND

The psychological status of New Zealanders living with type 1 diabetes (T1D) is unknown. This study's purpose is to determine the prevalence of general wellbeing, diabetes-specific distress, and disordered eating, and explore their relationships with glycemic control.

METHODS

Participants were patients aged 15-24 years with T1D (N = 200) who attended their routine multidisciplinary clinic at the Waikato Regional Diabetes Service. They completed questionnaires including the World Health Organization Well-Being Index, the Problem Areas in Diabetes scales, and the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised. Clinical and demographic information were also collected.

RESULTS

Median age of participants was 19.3 years and 14% identified as Māori (indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand). Median HbA1c was 73 mmol/mol. One fifth of participants experienced low emotional wellbeing, including 7.5% who experienced likely depression. Diabetes distress was found in 24.1%, and 30.7% experienced disordered eating behaviors. Differences were identified between Māori and non-Māori in measures of diabetes distress and disordered eating, with Māori more likely to score in clinically significant ranges (50% vs. 19.9%; 53.6% vs. 26.7%, p < 0.05). Disordered eating was correlated with Hb_A1c , body mass index, and social deprivation; diabetes distress was associated with Hb_A1c and inversely with age (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first of its kind to determine that New Zealanders living with T1D experience significant psychological distress. Research with larger Māori representation is needed to more closely review identified inequities. Replication in other local clinics will help contribute to the ongoing development of normative data for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Suicide Risk in Youth and Young Adults with Type 1 Diabetes: a Review of the Literature and Clinical Recommendations for Prevention

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The manuscript reviews the extant literature on suicide-related thoughts and behaviors among youth and young adults with pediatric diabetes. This evidence is presented within the context of current theories of the etiology of suicidal behavior to highlight how diabetes may contribute to suicide risk, and to support providers in understanding the interplay between pediatric diabetes and suicide risk. The manuscript also reviews evidence-based approaches to suicide prevention suitable for use in pediatric healthcare settings, with suggestions for their application to this unique population.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several recent studies identify heightened rates of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide among youth and young adults with pediatric diabetes, as compared with their peers without diabetes. Evidence-based suicide prevention approaches frequently emphasize the importance of reducing suicidal youths' access to potentially lethal means for suicidal behavior. This approach may require special considerations for youth with pediatric diabetes, due to their need to carry sufficient quantities of insulin and the dangers of inaccurate insulin dosing and/or overdose. Suggestions for suicide prevention for this population include risk screening as part of routine diabetes care, early prevention, education for youth and families, and provider awareness of risk factors, warning signs, and implications for diabetes care. Youth and young adults with diabetes reported elevated rates of suicide-related behaviors as compared with their peers without diabetes. Existing suicide prevention approaches may require substantial adaptation for use with youth and young adults with diabetes. Further research is needed to examine how to best prevent suicidal behaviors among this population.

Parenting and Psychological Health in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes: Systematic Review

OBJECTIVE

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is a demanding chronic illness that may result in poorer psychological health in youth. Fortunately, certain parenting practices may be protective against adverse outcomes. However, a systematic review of these relationships in youth with T1D is lacking. Thus, the current systematic review examined the literature on parenting and child psychological health outcomes (both internalizing and externalizing symptoms) in youth with T1D. Particular attention is paid to how demographic factors are associated with these relationships.

METHODS

PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews were followed, and a literature search (PubMed, PsycINFO, and CINAHL) was conducted for studies of youth with T1D that examined the relationship between specific parenting practices or characteristics of the parent-child relationship and youth (<19 years old) internalizing or externalizing symptoms. Forty studies met inclusion criteria. Studies were examined for risk of bias.

RESULTS

Results support that family conflict, critical parenting, support, involvement, and relationship quality are associated with psychological health outcomes in youth with T1D, with some associations varying by parent gender, child age, demographic factors, and internalizing versus externalizing outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings highlight the importance of bolstering supportive parenting and decreasing family conflict to improve psychological health in this population. Gaps in the literature related to the dearth of father and secondary caregiver report, lack of sample diversity and attention to the influence of demographic factors, and a limited number of studies examining anxiety were identified. Directions for future research and clinical implications are discussed.

All together: Integrated care for youth with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

We describe the implementation and evaluation of an integrated, stepped care model aimed to identify and address the concerns of adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) associated with diabetes-related quality of life (DRQoL), emotional well-being, and depression.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The care model with 4 steps: (1) Systematic identification and discussion of concerns salient to adolescents; (2) Secondary screening for depressive symptoms when indicated; (3) Developing collaborative treatment plans with joint physical and mental health goals; and (4) Psychiatric assessment and embedded mental health treatment; was implemented into an ambulatory pediatric diabetes clinic and evaluated using quantitative and qualitative methods.

RESULTS

There were 236 adolescents (aged 13-18 years) with T1D that were enrolled in the care model. On average adolescents identified three concerns associated with their DRQoL and 25% indicated low emotional well-being. Fifteen adolescents received a psychiatric assessment and embedded mental health treatment. Both adolescents and caregivers were appreciative of a broader, more holistic approach to their diabetes care and to the greater focus of the care model on adolescents, who were encouraged to self-direct the conversation. Parents also appreciated the extra level of support and the ability to receive mental health care for their adolescents from their own diabetes care team.

CONCLUSION

The initial findings from this project indicate the acceptability and, to limited extent, the feasibility of an integrated stepped care model embedded in an ambulatory pediatric diabetes clinic led by an interdisciplinary care team. The care model facilitated the identification and discussion of concerns salient to youth and provided a more holistic approach.

Selective attention to threat, anxiety and glycaemic management in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

Objective

Previous research has established that adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) experience more anxiety symptoms than their healthy peers and are also more likely to develop an anxiety disorder. Research in cognitive psychology has found that selective attention favouring the processing of threatening information causally contributes to elevated levels of anxiety; however, this process has not been investigated in the context of T1D. The current study examined whether selective attention for threatening information contributes to the association between anxiety and glycaemic management in adolescents with T1D.

Methods

Participants completed a dot-probe task to assess selective attention for diabetes-related threatening information and general non-diabetes-related threatening information and we examined the associations between these measures and measures of HbA1c and anxiety.

Results

Findings suggest that individual differences in anxiety vulnerability do not predict HbA1c alongside the attentional bias for threatening information.

Conclusions

The attentional bias for threatening information makes a contribution to the relationship between anxiety and glycaemic management and may represent a target for therapeutic intervention to both reduce anxiety and improve glycaemic management

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Adolescents with T1D are at increased risk for experiencing anxiety.

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Elevated anxiety is associated with poorer glycaemic control.

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Selective attention to threatening information contributes to this relationship.

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Biased attentional processing for threat may represent a therapeutic target in T1D.

Psychosocial outcomes in young adolescents with type 1 diabetes participating in shared medical appointments

For youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D), the early adolescent period is associated with worsening diabetes management and high rates of negative psychosocial issues, including depressive symptoms and family conflict. Alternative clinical models may help improve both diabetes and psychosocial outcomes. Our study aims to investigate whether Team Clinic, a shared medical appointment model developed specifically for adolescents with T1D, will improve psychosocial outcomes for middle school-aged youth. Youth with T1D, 11-13 years of age, and their caregivers, participated in a randomized controlled trial comparing Team Clinic to traditional clinic visits (control group). Diabetes characteristics were obtained at every visit. Participants and caregivers completed depression screening and family conflict questionnaires at baseline and end of study. Changes in mean scores on clinical and psychosocial outcomes from baseline to end of study were compared between groups using linear mixed-effects models. Eighty-six youth (51% female; 74% White; 10% Hispanic) completed at least one visit during the 12-month study period. At the end of the study, control group participants reported increases in Emotional Problems compared to Team Clinic participants, including higher levels of Negative Mood/Physical Symptoms (p = 0.02). Team Clinic participants reported reduced family conflict surrounding diabetes at study end, compared to control group participants (p = 0.03). Caregivers did not report change in depressive symptoms or family conflict during the study. Hemoglobin A1C levels did not change over time in either group. Participation in Team Clinic was associated with improved psychosocial outcomes in middle school-aged participants with T1D.

Psychosocial functioning and health related quality of life in children, adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Congo

OBJECTIVES

To describe the psychosocial functioning and assess the quality of life of children, adolescents and young adults with T1DM; and to identify the risk factors associated with the psychosocial experience and quality of life of these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional, descriptive study of children, adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes. Symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the quality of life were assessed using the Beck's Anxiety and Depression Scales and the pedsQL diabetes module score respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 74 patients were recruited. The mean age was 18 ± 4.1 years. Minimal symptoms of anxiety were noted in 51 (69%) patients, 23 (31%) had non-minimal symptoms of anxiety (mild:14, moderate: 5, severe: 4). Symptoms of depression were absent in 43 (58.1%) patients and present in 31 (41.9%) patients (mild: 19, moderate: 12). The patients total score of quality of life was 65.4. Higher socioeconomic status (p = 0.03) was a protective factor against Symptoms of anxiety, while the age above 14 years (p = 0.01) was a risk factor for symptoms of depression. The quality of life was lower in patients from low socio-economic status (p = 0.01), those with poor glycemic control (p = 0.03), and when symptoms of depression were present (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with type 1 diabetes in Congo experienced a significant elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression, and a fairly good quality of life. These findings support recommendations for integrating psychosocial aspects in the management of these patients.

Prevalence of diabetes distress and depression and their association with glycemic control in adolescents with type 1 diabetes in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

OBJECTIVE

Diabetes distress and depression have been shown to be prevalent among adolescents with type 1 diabetes and screening for these parameters should be a routine part of diabetes care. To assess the prevalence of diabetes distress and depression and their association with glycemic control in a sample of adolescents with type 1 diabetes attending a diabetes center in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. All adolescents aged 13 to 18 years with type 1 diabetes that were seeking treatment at the Dubai Diabetes Center from the period of September 1, 2018 to May 1, 2019. A total of 72 participants completed the study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Adolescents were asked to fill in questionnaires assessing diabetes distress and depression. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to assess the relationships between the subsets of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, and the scores of the questionnaires.

RESULTS

The mean HbA1c of the study sample was 9.61% [82 mmol/mol] with higher levels found in females as compared with males (p<0.05). Females showed significantly greater levels of distress as compared with males. Although adolescents with HbA1c≥7.5% scored higher for diabetes distress and depression, the difference was not statistically significant to those with an HbA1c of <7.5%. Higher levels of diabetes distress were highly correlated with depressive symptoms, with distress and depression both being significant predictors of one another.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the importance of implementing and sustaining psycho-educational interventions to aid in alleviating diabetes distress and depression in this subgroup of the population.

Comprehensive psychosocial screening in a pediatric diabetes clinic

OBJECTIVE

The ISPAD recommends routine, comprehensive psychosocial screening for adolescents with diabetes. However, few clinics have implemented procedures consistent with these guidelines. This study describes the results of a universal, comprehensive psychosocial screening program in an integrated pediatric diabetes clinic located within an academic medical center.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Participants included 232 ethnically diverse adolescents with type 1 diabetes (55.5% female; M age = 14.85; 58.5% Hispanic; 20% Black). Adolescents completed screening measures on iPads in the waiting room before their medical visit. The proportion of adolescents screening positive on each psychosocial measure was assessed, and regression analyses evaluated how psychosocial variables accounted for variance in insulin non-adherence and glycemic control (measured by A1c).

RESULTS

Psychosocial concerns were common and ranged from 7% of adolescents screening positive for disordered eating and suicide risk to 52% screening positive for low motivation to manage diabetes. A1c and insulin non-adherence were positively correlated with suicide risk, depressive symptoms, anxiety, disordered eating, diabetes stress, blood glucose monitoring stress, family conflict, and total number of elevations, and negatively correlated with intrinsic motivation. Insulin non-adherence, disordered eating, diabetes stress, and family conflict uniquely predicted A1c. Age, motivation, and family conflict uniquely predicted insulin non-adherence. Eighty-three percent of eligible youth completed the screener. Referrals by physicians to the team psychologist increased by 25% after the screening program was implemented.

CONCLUSIONS

Comprehensive psychosocial screening can be effectively implemented as part of routine pediatric diabetes care and can identify adolescents in need of additional supports.

Outpatient clinic-wide psychological screening for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in Qatar: An initiative for integrative healthcare in the Gulf region

OBJECTIVE

To identify culturally appropriate psychological screening measures for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in Qatar, determine rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms in a clinical sample, and examine associations between screening measures, demographic variables, medical characteristics, and diabetes treatment outcomes, specifically HbA1c.

METHODS

A total of 150 participants with type 1 diabetes aged 10-17 were recruited. Participants were Arabic or English speaking and of Qatari and non-Qatari nationality. Participants completed the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (child and parent proxy form), the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale, and the Pediatric Quality of Life, Diabetes version (child and parent proxy form). Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) on the date of the testing was recorded.

RESULTS

Approximately ten percent (10.2%) of children and adolescents scored above the cutoff score of 27 indicating clinically significant depressive symptoms, and 12.8% of parents rated their child above the respective cutoff score of 21 for the parent proxy form. Further, 36% of the sample reported clinically significant anxiety symptoms, scoring above the cutoff score of 50. Parent report on their child's quality of life predicted HbA1c (F[6, 140] = 5.42, p = 0.000); B = -0.05, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Rates of depressive and anxiety symptoms are comparable to those observed in western countries. Thus, systematic screening for depression and anxiety in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes should be implemented in Qatar. This will help inform decisions to refer to mental health services and thus provide more integrated care, possibly improving treatment outcomes.

Examining Indirect Effects of Anxiety on Glycated Hemoglobin via Automatic Negative Thinking and Diabetes-Specific Distress in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVES

In this study, we examined the indirect effects of anxiety on glycated hemoglobin (A1C) via automatic negative thinking and diabetes distress among adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D) during the follow-up interval of a randomized controlled trial of an intervention targeting resilience promotion/depression prevention.

METHODS

Adolescents (N=264) participating in the Supporting Teen Problem Solving clinical trial were included and assessed at 8, 12, 16 and 28 months postbaseline. A serial, double-mediation model was used to examine path effects from anxiety to A1C through automatic negative thinking, through diabetes distress and through both automatic negative thinking and diabetes distress. Relevant demographic and clinical covariates were included.

RESULTS

Anxiety significantly predicted increases in both automatic negative thinking and diabetes distress. Automatic negative thinking was not found to mediate the association between anxiety and A1C, but diabetes distress did mediate the association. The double-mediation path through automatic negative thinking and diabetes distress together was significant. The indirect effect of anxiety on A1C through diabetes distress was significant and greater than the indirect effect of the double-mediator path. Anxiety did not predict A1C independent of its effects on automatic negative thinking and diabetes distress. Inclusion of demographic covariates did not substantively change the results.

CONCLUSIONS

Analyses suggest that automatic negative thinking and diabetes distress mediate the relationship between anxiety and A1C among adolescents with T1D. Diabetes distress appears to be a robust factor linking anxiety to A1C. Diabetes distress should be further examined as a mediator of glycemic variability in anxious youth with T1D.

Worse glycemic control, higher rates of diabetic ketoacidosis, and more hospitalizations in children, adolescents, and young adults with type 1 diabetes and anxiety disorders

The aim of the study was to explore the metabolic characteristics and outcome parameters in youth with type 1 diabetes and anxiety disorders. HbA1c levels, rates of severe hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), and hospital admission in children, adolescents, and young adults with type 1 diabetes and an anxiety disorder from 431 diabetes-care-centers participating in the nationwide German/Austrian/Swiss/Luxembourgian diabetes survey DPV were analyzed and compared with youth without anxiety disorders. Children, adolescents, and young adults with type 1 diabetes and anxiety disorders (n = 1325) had significantly higher HbA1c (8.5% vs. 8.2%), higher rates of DKA (4.2 vs. 2.5 per 100 patient-years), and higher hospital admission rates (63.6 vs. 40.0 per 100 patient-years) than youth without anxiety disorders (all p < 0.001). Rates of severe hypoglycemia did not differ. Individuals with anxiety disorders other than needle phobia (n = 771) had higher rates of DKA compared to those without anxiety disorders (4.2 vs. 2.5 per 100 patient-years, p = 0.003) whereas the rate of DKA in individuals with needle phobia (n = 555) was not significantly different compared to those without anxiety disorders. Children, adolescents, and young adults with anxiety disorders other than needle phobia had higher hospitalization rates (73.7 vs. 51.4 per 100 patient-years) and more inpatient days (13.2 vs. 10.1 days) compared to those with needle phobia (all p < 0.001). Children, adolescents, and young adults with type 1 diabetes and anxiety disorders had worse glycemic control, higher rates of DKA, and more hospitalizations compared to those without anxiety disorders. Because of the considerable consequences, clinicians should screen for comorbid anxiety disorders in youth with type 1 diabetes.

Supporting Teen Problem-Solving (STEPS) 3 year outcomes: Preventing diabetes-specific emotional distress and depressive symptoms in adolescents with type 1 diabetes

OBJECTIVE

This article reports the 3-year outcomes for the Supporting Teen Problem-Solving (STePS) multisite Randomized Control Trial (RCT); reporting the overall impact of the STePS trial, and the differential impact of each arm of the trial (a resilience promoting intervention [PRP T1D] vs. a diabetes education intervention [EI]) on diabetes-specific emotional distress and depressive symptoms.

METHOD

Participants included 264 adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (T1D), ages 14-18, in Chicago and San Francisco. Both intervention arms lasted 4.5 months and assessments were conducted at baseline, postintervention (4.5 months), and 5 follow-up visits (8, 12, 16, 28, and 40 months from baseline). Intervention efficacy was investigated using latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) to analyze the rate and shape of change of outcomes from preintervention across postintervention and follow-up time points.

RESULTS

Mean age of participants was 15.7 years, mean T1D duration was 6.9 years, mean HbA1c at baseline was 9.1%. The sample was diverse with nearly 35% identifying as racial or ethnic minorities, and 60% were female. PRP T1D participants reported significantly lower diabetes distress compared with EI participants, and the effect size increased over time. For the pooled sample, while 40% of youth reported elevated distress at baseline, only 23% reported elevated distress 3 years postintervention. Moreover, PRP T1D participants experienced a significant decline in depressive symptoms from 16 to 40 months postbaseline, while participants in the education arm did not.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from the 3-year outcomes assessment demonstrate the robust effects of PRP T1D in adolescents with declines in distress and depressive symptoms. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Mental Health Providers' Assessment of Parents' Reactions to their Children's Elevated Depressive Symptoms

This study assessed parental reactions to the report of elevated depressive symptoms in a sample of 29 youth with type 1 diabetes (ages 8-17 years; 48% female) who scored ≥15 on the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC). We also assessed parental depressive symptoms and how the presence of such symptoms was linked to parental reactions to the report of a positive screening score in their children and subsequent acceptance of a mental health referral. Mental health professionals contacted parents to discuss elevated scores and offer a mental health referral. Two coders reviewed the documentation of phone contacts made by mental health professionals and categorized parental responses to their child's elevated CES-DC score and the disposition plan. Youth and parent depressive symptoms were modestly correlated (r = 0.21, P = .01). About half (55%, 16/29) of parents were unaware of their child's depressive symptoms. Only 14% (4/29) of youth were already receiving mental health care while 28% (8/29) of parents accepted a referral. Parents with depressive symptoms were frequently unaware of their child's symptoms. Findings provide insight into parental reactions to learning of their child's depressive symptoms and highlight the need for more research on parental mood and reactions to their child's positive screen for depressive symptoms, as a potential barrier to mental health referral acceptance.

"I Live in Constant Fear of Highs," the Daily Impact of Type 1 Diabetes

Limited research exists regarding the burdens associated with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The study’s objective was to understand the impact of T1D from people with T1D and caregivers of minors with T1D. Six focus groups were conducted, with a total of 31 participants. Participants included people with T1D, ages 23 to 72 (n = 17) and caregivers ages 34 to 55 (n = 14). Participants were recruited from T1D Exchange Glu. People with T1D reported time spent managing diabetes had greatest impact, while caregivers reported financial and employment sacrifices as most impactful. Our findings provide insight into the real-world daily impact of diabetes.

Investigating the Effects of Cuing Medication Availability on Patient-controlled Analgesia Pump Usage in Pediatric Patients: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

The study of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) behaviors has led to a greater understanding of factors that affect the pain experience. Although PCA behaviors can be influenced by cues to medication availability, no studies have examined the effects of such cues in pediatric populations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This randomized controlled trial examined patient satisfaction with pain management, PCA behaviors, opioid consumption, and state anxiety in a sample of 125 postsurgical children and adolescents (7 to 17 y). Patients were randomized to a "light" group (lockout period status cued by light on the PCA button) or control group (no cues to medication availability).

RESULTS

Although cuing did not affect patient satisfaction with pain management (P=0.11), patients in the light group consumed significantly more opioid than those in the control group (adj. P=0.016). This effect was primarily because of children in the light group (median, 0.019; interquartile range, 0.012 to 0.036 mg/kg/h) consuming more opioid than children (12 y or younger) in control group (median, 0.015; interquartile range, 0.006 to 0.025 mg/kg/h) (P=0.007). In contrast to the control group, for patients in the light group, opioid consumption was unrelated to pain and the proportion of patients with a 1:1 injections:attempts ratio was higher (P<0.001) across the study period.

DISCUSSION

The overall pattern of results suggests that patients in the light group used their PCA in response to the light more than in response to their pain, which likely reflects operant influences on PCA behavior by pediatric patients.

Psychische Komorbiditäten bei Jugendlichen und jungen Erwachsenen mit Typ-1-Diabetes

Jugendliche und junge Erwachsene mit Typ-1-Diabetes sind häufig von komorbiden psychischen Störungen betroffen. Dabei zeigt die Studienlage zur Verbreitung ein heterogenes und inkonsistentes Bild. Diagnose und Behandlung der somatopsychischen Begleiterkrankungen beeinflussen den Behandlungs- und Krankheitsverlauf sowie die Lebensqualität der Betroffenen. Trotzdem wird dies in der klinischen Praxis selten frühzeitig berücksichtigt. Das multizentrische Verbundprojekt COACH verfolgt das Ziel, die Erkennung und Behandlung psychischer Komorbidität für diese Zielgruppe in der bundesweiten Routineversorgung zu optimieren.

Psychological care in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in a real-world setting and associations with metabolic control

BACKGROUND

International guidelines recommend psychosocial care for children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE

To assess psychological care in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes in a real-world setting and to evaluate associations with metabolic outcome.

METHODS

Delivery of psychological care, HbA1c, and rates of severe hypoglycemia and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes from 199 diabetes care centers participating in the German diabetes survey (DPV) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Overall, 12 326 out of 31 861 children with type 1 diabetes were supported by short-term or continued psychological care (CPC). Children with psychological care had higher HbA1c (8.0% vs 7.7%, P<.001) and higher rates of DKA (0.032 vs 0.021 per patient-year, P<.001) compared with children without psychological care. In age-, sex-, diabetes duration-, and migratory background-matched children, HbA1c stayed stable in children supported by CPC during follow-up (HbA1c 8.5% one year before psychological care started vs 8.4% after two years, P = 1.0), whereas HbA1c was lower but increased significantly by 0.3% in children without psychological care (HbA1c 7.5% vs 7.8% after two years, P <.001). Additional HbA1c-matching showed that the change in HbA1c during follow-up was not different between the groups, but the percentage of children with severe hypoglycemia decreased from 16.3% to 10.7% in children receiving CPC compared with children without psychological care (5.5% to 5.8%, P =.009).

CONCLUSIONS

In this real-world setting, psychological care was provided to children with higher HbA1c levels. CPC was associated with stable glycemic control and less frequent severe hypoglycemia during follow-up.

Psychometric Properties of the Parent and Child Problem Areas in Diabetes Measures

OBJECTIVE

Children with type 1 diabetes and their parents face daily self-care demands, leading to diabetes-specific emotional distress. A standardized measure of diabetes distress can guide clinical care and prevent negative outcomes.

METHODS

This study evaluated the psychometric properties of child- and parent-report measures of the Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale, adapted for children ages 8-12 (PAID-C) and their parents (P-PAID-C). Participants were from 42 diabetes camps in the United States. Children (N = 804; mean age = 10.3 ± 1.1) and parents (N = 968) completed measures of diabetes distress, diabetes-related strengths, and self-care skills. Half of the sample was used for exploratory factor analyses (EFA) with direct oblimin rotation and the other half for confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs).

RESULTS

For the PAID-C, EFA and CFAs supported an 11-item two-factor measure, Cronbach's α = .91, accounting for 54.6% of the variance. For the P-PAID-C, analyses resulted in a 16-item measure, Cronbach's α = .92, accounting for 51.9% of the variance. PAID-C and P-PAID-C scores were positively correlated with HbA1c (rchild = .08, p = .04; rparent = .18, p < .001), and negatively correlated with diabetes-related strengths (rchild = -.38, p < .001, rparent = -.29, p < .001) and parent report of child self-care skills (rparent = -.13, p < .001; rchild = -0.07, p = ns).

CONCLUSIONS

Initial psychometrics suggest that the PAID-C and P-PAID-C reliably and validly capture diabetes-specific emotional distress for children and their parents. Associations with glycemic control, self-care, and diabetes strengths demonstrate criterion validity. Both measures have potential applications for routine, clinic-based assessments of diabetes distress and may guide clinical decision-making.

Systematic Review: Anxiety in Children and Adolescents With Chronic Medical Conditions

OBJECTIVE

Youth with chronic medical conditions (CMCs) have been reported to be at increased risk for developing anxiety disorders. Importantly, suffering from anxiety may also have an impact on their disease-related outcomes. This study set out to systematically review the literature on anxiety and seven CMCs (asthma, congenital heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and sickle cell disease) among youth.

METHOD

A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA statement. Searches were conducted across PubMed, PsycNET, Embase, and reference lists of the included studies (1990-2018). Three independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts and conducted full-text assessment. Studies were included if they reported the prevalence of anxiety or the association of anxiety on disease-related outcomes in children and/or adolescents with the focal CMCs.

RESULTS

A total of 53 studies met the predetermined inclusion criteria. Across the CMCs, the prevalence of anxiety disorder was increased in youths with CMCs compared to the general population. Evidence for a relationship between anxiety and adverse disease-related outcomes was limited. For asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, and sickle cell disease, there was some evidence indicating that anxiety was associated with adverse outcomes; supported by two longitudinal studies, one in asthma and one in inflammatory bowel disease. For diabetes, results were inconsistent; with some studies indicating that anxiety was associated with worse and others with better treatment adherence.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of anxiety disorders in youth with CMCs is higher than that in the general population. Anxiety may also be associated with adverse disease-related outcomes for youths, but it is not possible to draw definitive conclusions. Longitudinal studies making use of parent/youth composite anxiety measures and a combination of parent/youth reported and objective measures of disease-related outcomes are needed. Given the burden of disease of anxiety disorders, regardless of the impact on the disease outcomes, screening for and treatment of anxiety is recommended in youths with CMCs.

Depression and Anxiety Screening in Adolescents With Diabetes

Adolescents with diabetes are at increased risk for depression and anxiety, which when untreated negatively affects diabetes control. During a 6-month period, the Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety (PHQ-4) screening tool was utilized. Those with a positive screen then completed the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale. In this article, we report on the correlations in outcomes between the PHQ-4 and the PHQ-A and GAD-7 and its clinical utility for determining the need for standard versus acute behavioral health care. Over 6 months, 77 patients aged 10 to 18 years screened positive on the PHQ-4. Thirty-two patients had positive screening with the PHQ-A and/or the GAD-7. Thoughts of self-harm were reported by 13 (40%), with 1 experiencing current/active symptoms. The PHQ-4 as a screening tool was able to identify adolescents with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety who would benefit from further evaluation by a behavioral health provider.

Factors associated with health psychology use in pediatric type 1 diabetes

AIMS

Identify the prevalence of health psychology use in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and evaluate how individual and contextual characteristics are associated with use.

METHODS

Children ages 8-16 years with T1D and their parents were recruited from two tertiary diabetes clinics. Cross-sectional data included parent and adolescent surveys and hemoglobin A1c. Parents self-reported the child's use of health psychology in the last year along with individual factors (e.g., predisposing factors including demographics, enabling factors including health insurance type, evaluated need including mental health diagnoses and perceived need including self-management barriers). Association of health psychology use with individual (e.g., demographics, enabling factors, evaluated and perceived need) and contextual (e.g., clinical site) characteristics was evaluated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 363 eligible participants, 267 (74%) participated. Health psychology use was reported by only 8.2% (n = 22) of participants and was significantly associated with evaluated need factor of mental health diagnosis (OR 5.8; p < 0.001) and perceived need factor of parent-reported self-management barriers. Use was not associated with other individual or contextual factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Though infrequent, health psychology use was positively associated with mental health diagnoses and self-management barriers.

Therapeutic Inertia in Pediatric Diabetes: Challenges to and Strategies for Overcoming Acceptance of the Status Quo

Despite significant advances in therapies for pediatric type 1 diabetes, achievement of glycemic targets remains elusive, and management remains burdensome for patients and their families. This article identifies common challenges in diabetes management at the patient-provider and health care system levels and proposes practical approaches to overcoming therapeutic inertia to enhance health outcomes for youth with type 1 diabetes.

Special Considerations in the Systematic Psychosocial Screening of Youth with Type 1 Diabetes

Objective

The American Diabetes Association recommends psychosocial screening for individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D). The purpose of this study is to present (a) several high priority decisions that program developers may encounter when building a new psychosocial screening program and (b) both the screening development process and results of one mental health screening program within a multidisciplinary pediatric diabetes clinic, with particular emphasis on parent-youth screening agreement and changes to elevation status over time.

Methods

Youth with T1D ages 12–17 and parents of youth with T1D ages 8–17 were administered mental health screeners as a part of outpatient diabetes visits over a 1-year period. Youth depression and anxiety were screened using self- and parent proxy-report versions of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS).

Results

Youth (n = 154) and parents (n = 211) completed mental health screening measures, such that 228 youth were screened. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) between youth- and parent proxy-report agreement were good for the measures of depression (ICC = .787) and anxiety (ICC = .781), with parent proxy-reports significantly higher than youth self-reports of anxiety (p &lt; .01). Of the 93 youth with follow-up screening data and no youth- or parent proxy-reported elevation on the initial screener, 16.1% had at least one elevated screener within 1 year.

Conclusions

Findings indicate that questions of who to screen and how often to screen may deserve increased scrutiny, as this screening program’s data suggest that there may be benefit to obtaining both youth- and parent report more often than annually.

A Longitudinal Study of Depressive Symptoms, Neuropsychological Functioning, and Medical Responsibility in Youth With Spina Bifida: Examining Direct and Mediating Pathways

Objective

Given the increased risk for cognitive deficits and development of depressive symptoms in youth with spina bifida (SB), this study aimed to examine two pathways through which depressive symptoms and neuropsychological dysfunction may be associated with medical autonomy in this population: (1) depressive symptoms as predictors of medical autonomy as mediated by attention/executive functioning (the cognitive scarring model), and (2) attention/executive functioning as predictors of medical autonomy as mediated by depressive symptoms (the cognitive vulnerability model).

Methods

Participants were recruited as part of a larger, longitudinal study, and included 114 youth with SB (M age = 10.96 at Time 1), their parents, and teachers. Neuropsychological constructs included attention, working memory, and planning/organizing abilities, which were measured with questionnaire and performance-based data. Depressive symptoms and medical responsibility were assessed via questionnaires from multiple respondents.

Results

Bootstrapped mediation analyses revealed that teacher-reported depressive symptoms significantly mediated the relations between neuropsychological functioning (i.e., attention and working memory) and medical responsibility (all p's < .05); neuropsychological dysfunction did not mediate the relationship between depressive symptoms and medical responsibility.

Conclusions

One way in which neurocognitive dysfunction may hinder the development of medical autonomy in youth with SB is through an increased risk for depressive symptoms.

Multimorbidity in Children and Youth Across the Life-course (MY LIFE): protocol of a Canadian prospective study

INTRODUCTION

Multimorbidity, the co-occurrence of a chronic physical condition and mental disorder, affects a substantial number of children and youth and can lead to compromised quality of life, hardship for families, and an increased burden on the healthcare system. We are conducting a study to document the course of mental disorder in children and youth diagnosed with a chronic physical condition; identify predictors of child and youth multimorbidity; examine whether the effects of these predictors are moderated by relevant psychosocial and biological factors; explore potential inflammatory and stress biomarkers that mediate the onset of child and youth multimorbidity; and, assess whether multimorbidity in children and youth alters patterns of mental health service use.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Multimorbidity in Children and Youth Across the Life-course (MY LIFE) is a prospective study. Two hundred and fifty children and youth aged 2-16 years diagnosed with a chronic physical condition along with one parent will be recruited from the outpatient clinics at a paediatric tertiary care centre. Data will be collected using a multi-informant, multimethod design at four time-points (at recruitment, and at 6, 12 and 24 months postrecruitment). Parents will provide reports for all children/youth. In addition, youth ≥10 years will self-report. Mental disorder will be assessed using structured interviews. On completion of data collection, participant-reported data will be linked to provincial health records to identify mental health services use. Multilevel analyses (survival, proportional hazard, structural equation modelling) will be used to address MY LIFE objectives.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study has been approved by the University of Waterloo Human Research Ethics Board and the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics Board. Findings will be disseminated to key stakeholders using a number of outlets (peer-reviewed publications and conferences, lay informational pamphlets, social media).

Implementing clinic-wide depression screening for pediatric diabetes: An initiative to improve healthcare processes

OBJECTIVE

Youth with type 1 diabetes (T1D) endorse high rates of depressive symptoms, which can significantly impair self-management, glycemic control, and quality of life. Current guidelines recommend annual depression screening for all adolescents with T1D, but few models exist to implement screening procedures across clinics in this population. The primary aim of this project was to increase depression screening from 0% to 80% in four clinics, and to describe the structured quality improvement process to reach this goal.

METHODS

All patients aged 12 to 21 years old with T1D at four participating clinics in a Midwestern hospital system were eligible to participate. Using a two-stage process, patients were administered the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-2 plus PHQ-9 if positive) annually. Rates of depression screening by clinic site, rates of positive depression screens, social worker documentation of follow-up care, and associations with diabetes-related health outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Over 2 years, average depression screening rates increased from 0% to 75% across all clinics, and 89% of patients with a positive screen met with a social worker for a targeted mental health assessment. At initial screening, 7.6% of patients screened positive for at-risk depressive symptoms on the PHQ-2 and from that group, 6.7% additionally screened positive on the PHQ-9.

CONCLUSIONS

Annual depression screenings were feasibly implemented across four clinics and the use of real-time data listening and automated processes facilitated successful implementation. Future directions include further automation, targeted training and billing mechanisms, dissemination to non-metropolitan clinics, and further assessment of depression screening tools for adolescents with T1D.

Diabetes and Behavior in the 21st Century: Things That Make You Go "Hmmm . . . "

Editor's Note: This article is adapted from the address Dr. Wysocki delivered as the recipient of the American Diabetes Association's Richard R. Rubin Award for 2018. This award recognizes a behavioral researcher who has made outstanding, innovative contributions to the study and understanding of the behavioral aspects of diabetes in diverse populations. Dr. Wysocki delivered the address in June 2018 at the association's 78th Scientific Sessions in Orlando, Fla.

Sleep and type 1 diabetes in children and adolescents: Proposed theoretical model and clinical implications

Youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) experience more sleep disturbances and shorter sleep durations compared to their healthy peers. Researchers have now uncovered the negative mental health and physical health outcomes associated with poor sleep in youth with T1D. The field of T1D sleep research currently operates under the broad notion that sleep behaviors impact treatment adherence, which ultimately lead to worse long-term health outcomes. This model however does not explain how behavior influences T1D management and sleep outcomes on a day-to-day basis, leading to difficulties in providing tailored treatment recommendations. In this review, we present a theoretical framework that describes the recursive cycle between sleep behaviors, T1D outcomes, and symptoms of negative affect/stress over a 24-hour period. This model is guided by the sleep literature, showing a clear relationship between poor sleep and negative affect, and the T1D literature demonstrating a link between poor sleep and disease management for youth with T1D. Further, emerging literature indicates a need for additional parent sleep assessment considering that T1D management and fear of hypoglycemia negatively impact parent sleep behaviors. Recommendations are provided to move the field toward effective intervention studies and new areas of research to evaluate and modify the proposed model.

Depressive symptoms and diabetes management from late adolescence to emerging adulthood

OBJECTIVE

To examine changes in depressive symptoms as well as between- and within-person associations between depressive symptoms and Type 1 diabetes (T1D) management across the transition from late adolescence to emerging adulthood.

METHOD

Beginning in the senior year of high school, 197 late adolescents with T1D (M_age = 17.77) reported on their student status and living situation, and completed self-report measures of depressive symptoms and adherence to the diabetes regimen, annually at 3 time points. Glycemic control was gathered from hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) assay kits at the same time points.

RESULTS

Results of multilevel models demonstrated high depressive symptoms at baseline, with significant increases in depressive symptoms across time when participants were not living in their parental home, but no change when living with parents. Participants with higher mean levels of depressive symptoms relative to peers (between-person association) had poorer adherence and glycemic control (i.e., higher HbA1c) on average. Within-person fluctuations in depressive symptoms were significantly associated with adherence: greater increases in depressive symptoms (relative to adolescents' own average) were associated with greater deteriorations in adherence. There was not a significant within-person effect of depressive symptoms on glycemic control.

CONCLUSIONS

The transition from late adolescence to emerging adulthood is particularly challenging for those with T1D. The findings that individuals with greater depressive symptoms have poorer adherence and glycemic control relative to those with lower depressive symptoms, and that increases in depressive symptoms are associated with declines in adherence, highlight the importance of screening and monitoring depressive symptoms during this life transition. (PsycINFO Database Record

Disparities in the management of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psychiatric disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The high cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality reported for patients with psychiatric disorders may possibly be due to a poorer management of CV risk factors (CVRFs). However, these healthcare disparities remain poorly understood. In this paper, studies comparing the management of smoking, diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidaemia, in patients with and without depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar or personality disorder, were reviewed.

METHODS

Prospective studies comparing rates of screening, diagnosis, treatment and control of CVRFs were searched in PubMed, Embase, PsychInfo, Scopus and Web of Science (inception to January 2017). The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) criteria were used. Studies were assessed for quality. Wherever possible, meta-analyses were conducted to summarize the findings.

RESULTS

Twenty studies, out of the 18 333 references initially identified, were included. Most studies were heterogeneous in design. Two areas permitted meta-analyses: the pooled odds ratio for quitting smoking for those with depression was 0.64 (0.49-0.80) p < 0.001; the pooled difference of glycated haemoglobin for patients with type 2 diabetes and depression was 0.18 (0.06-0.31) p = 0.005. Individual studies showed associations between: schizophrenia and lower probability of having smoking habit recorded; schizoid personality disorder and higher probability of remaining non-smokers after quitting; anxiety and poorer control of type I diabetes; depression, anxiety or schizophrenia and lower probability of having a diagnosis of hypertension; schizophrenia or bipolar disorder and lower use of antihypertensive and lipid-lowering drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

A proactive clinical management, together with further studies, are needed to reduce the CV morbidity and mortality of patients with psychiatric disorders.

Identifying and addressing gaps in reproductive health education for adolescent girls with type 1 diabetes

Aims

Adolescent girls with diabetes are at risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes due to age, risk-taking behavior, poor glycemic control, and lack of knowledge. Our aims were to assess attitudes and behaviors related to reproductive health education (RHE) among diabetes healthcare providers and adolescent girls with diabetes, and to pilot a brief clinic-based RHE intervention.

Methods

We surveyed 29 providers and 50 adolescent girls with type 1 diabetes about RHE experiences, attitudes, and behaviors. We piloted the RHE intervention with 9 adolescent-parent dyads.

Results

50% of providers were very uncomfortable discussing pregnancy or contraception. Most (72%) did not proactively initiate RHE; common barriers included insufficient time and subject knowledge. Fewer than 10% recommended long-acting reversible contraceptives. A minority (10%) of adolescents had discussed pregnancy or contraception with a provider. RHE sessions lasted a median of 16 (range 13–24) minutes, and there were promising trends for changes in adolescents’ self-efficacy and intentions to use contraception and seek preconception counseling and in their knowledge of reproductive health.

Conclusion

Adolescent girls with diabetes rarely receive education on pregnancy and contraception due to provider discomfort, limited knowledge, and limited time. RHE using easily-accessible materials with an educator may help address this gap in care.

Hope and mealtime insulin boluses are associated with depressive symptoms and glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Adherence to treatment regimen is associated with improved glycemic control and is particularly problematic during adolescence for those with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). Both glycemic control and adherence may be negatively impacted by poor psychological outcomes in adolescence, such as depressive symptoms and low hopefulness. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between the mealtime insulin bolus score (BOLUS), a more robust proxy measure of adherence than frequency of blood glucose monitoring or self-report, with depressive symptoms, hope, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Ninety adolescents completed measures of hope (Children's Hope Scale) and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale), as well as lab-based measures of HbA1c and mealtime insulin bolus scores (BOLUS). Higher levels of hope were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms, more frequent mealtime insulin boluses, and better glycemic control. Higher levels of BOLUS behavior were associated with lower depressive symptoms and better glycemic control. Both BOLUS behavior and hope independently and significantly impacted the relationship between depressive symptoms and HbA1c, suggesting a possible mediation. Since hope and BOLUS were each associated with the relationship between depressive symptoms and glycemic control, following confirmation of this relationship in a longitudinal study, clinics may consider measuring hope and BOLUS among youth with high depressive symptoms and further investigating BOLUS behavior and hope as potential intervention targets to improve glycemic control.

"Anxiety and Type 1 diabetes are like cousins": The experience of anxiety symptoms in youth with Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is one of the most common chronic health conditions in youth in the United States, and its incidence is rising worldwide. Youth with T1D are at a high risk of psychological comorbidity, for example, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Psychological comorbidities, especially anxiety symptoms, have been correlated with poorer diabetes outcomes, but anxiety symptoms have not been well studied in these youth. The primary aim of this study was to describe the experience of anxiety symptoms in youth with T1D, especially as those symptoms relate to diabetes self-management tasks. We used a qualitative descriptive approach, consisting of an in-depth, semi-structured interview comprising 10 open-ended questions with follow-up probes. The analysis was guided by the principles of thematic analysis. Demographic data, Hemoglobin A1c levels, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children survey data were also collected and analyzed. We identified four themes and seven sub-themes. Participants (n = 29, ages 10-16, 55% female) reported that T1D was an extra layer of responsibility that took time away from their ability to participate fully in other aspects of their lives. Some participants were able to integrate diabetes management into their lives, while others were not. Some participants were dependent on parents and the school nurse for diabetes management. Participants described two types of anxiety symptoms, general and diabetes-specific, and they noted that their experience of anxiety was associated with poor quality sleep, general lifestyle factors, and diabetes.