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Stepanova E, Langfus JA, Youngstrom EA, Evans SC, Stoddard J, Young AS, Van Eck K, Findling RL. Finding a Needed Diagnostic Home for Children with Impulsive Aggression. Clin Child Fam Psychol Rev 2023; 26:259-271. [PMID: 36609931 DOI: 10.1007/s10567-022-00422-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Aggressive behavior is one of the most common reasons for referrals of youth to mental health treatment. While there are multiple publications describing different types of aggression in children, it remains challenging for clinicians to diagnose and treat aggressive youth, especially those with impulsively aggressive behaviors. The reason for this dilemma is that currently several psychiatric diagnoses include only some of the common symptoms of aggression in their criteria. However, no single diagnosis or diagnostic specifier adequately captures youth with impulsive aggression (IA). Here we review select current diagnostic categories, including behavior and mood disorders, and suggest that they do not provide an adequate description of youth with IA. We also specifically focus on the construct of IA as a distinct entity from other diagnoses and propose a set of initial, provisional diagnostic criteria based on the available evidence that describes youth with IA to use for future evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Stepanova
- Virginia Commonwealth University, 1308 Sherwood Ave, Richmond, VA, 23220, USA.
| | - Joshua A Langfus
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 235 E Cameron Ave, CB# 3270, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514, USA
| | - Eric A Youngstrom
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 103 Westchester Pl, Chapel Hill, NC, 27514-5237, USA
| | - Spencer C Evans
- University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd, Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Joel Stoddard
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, 13123 East 16Th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Andrea S Young
- Johns Hopkins University, 1800 Orleans Street, Bloomberg 12N, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Kathryn Van Eck
- Johns Hopkins University, 1800 Orleans Street, Bloomberg 12N, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Robert L Findling
- Virginia Commonwealth University, 501 N 2Nd St 4Th Floor, PO Box 980308, Richmond, VA, 23298-0308, USA
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Carlson GA, Singh MK, Amaya-Jackson L, Benton TD, Althoff RR, Bellonci C, Bostic JQ, Chua JD, Findling RL, Galanter CA, Gerson RS, Sorter MT, Stringaris A, Waxmonsky JG, McClellan JM. Narrative Review: Impairing Emotional Outbursts: What They Are and What We Should Do About Them. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:135-150. [PMID: 35358662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Impairing emotional outbursts, defined by extreme anger or distress in response to relatively ordinary frustrations and disappointments, impact all mental health care systems, emergency departments, schools, and juvenile justice programs. However, the prevalence, outcome, and impact of outbursts are difficult to quantify because they are transdiagnostic and not explicitly defined by current diagnostic nosology. Research variably addresses outbursts under the rubrics of tantrums, anger, irritability, aggression, rage attacks, or emotional and behavioral dysregulation. Consistent methods for identifying and assessing impairing emotional outbursts across development or systems of care are lacking. METHOD The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Presidential Task Force (2019-2021) conducted a narrative review addressing impairing emotional outbursts within the limitations of the existing literature and independent of diagnosis. RESULTS Extrapolating from the existing literature, best estimates suggest that outbursts occur in 4%-10% of community children (preschoolers through adolescents). Impairing emotional outbursts may respond to successful treatment of the primary disorder, especially for some children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder whose medications have been optimized. However, outbursts are generally multi-determined and often represent maladaptive or deficient coping strategies and responses. CONCLUSION Evidence-based strategies are necessary to address factors that trigger, reinforce, or excuse the behaviors and to enhance problem-solving skills. Currently available interventions yield only modest effect sizes for treatment effect. More specific definitions and measures are needed to track and quantify outbursts and to design and assess the effectiveness of interventions. Better treatments are clearly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabrielle A Carlson
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, Putnam Hall, South Campus, Stony Brook, New York.
| | | | | | - Tami D Benton
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | | | | | - Jeff Q Bostic
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Jaclyn Datar Chua
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | | | - Cathryn A Galanter
- SUNY Downstate, Brooklyn, New York; Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, New York
| | | | - Michael T Sorter
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital and the University of Cincinnati, Ohio
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Varimo E, Saastamoinen LK, Rättö H, Aronen ET. Polypharmacy in children and adolescents initiating antipsychotic drug in 2008-2016: a nationwide register study. Nord J Psychiatry 2023; 77:14-22. [PMID: 35263210 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2022.2042597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The use of antipsychotics in children and adolescents has increased rapidly. Little is known about psychotropic polypharmacy in children and adolescent initiating an antipsychotic drug. Thus, we investigated the frequency and predictors of polypharmacy during the first year of antipsychotic use in Finnish children and adolescents. METHODS Between 2008 and 2016, 14 848 individuals aged 1-17 years initiating risperidone, quetiapine, aripiprazole, or olanzapine treatment were identified from Finnish Prescription Registry. Data on psychotropic drug prescriptions prior to and during antipsychotic treatment were collected. Associations between predictors and polypharmacy were analyzed with regression models. RESULTS During the study period polypharmacy occurred in 44.9% of the new antipsychotic users, being more frequent in girls (55.5%) than in boys (44.5%, p < 0.001). The two most frequent concomitant psychotropic drug classes were antidepressants (66.2%) and psychostimulants/atomoxetine (30.8%). Adolescents aged 13-15 and 16-17 years, and girls showed an increased risk of polypharmacy during antipsychotic treatment (OR 2.37 [95% CI 1.91-2.92], OR 2.39 [95% CI 1.92-2.98], and OR 1.64 [95% CI 1.51-1.78], respectively). The use of psychostimulants/atomoxetine or antidepressants prior to initiation of antipsychotic treatment was strongly associated with polypharmacy during antipsychotic treatment (OR 8.39 [95% CI 7.49-9.41], OR 3.02 [95% CI 2.75-3.31]). CONCLUSIONS Polypharmacy was common in children and adolescents initiating antipsychotic treatment. Prior use of psychostimulants/atomoxetine and antidepressants increased the risk of polypharmacy. The use of antipsychotics was mainly off-label, thus, the risks of concomitant use of antipsychotics with other psychotropic drugs should be carefully weighed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eveliina Varimo
- Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Laboratory of Developmental Psychopathology, Pediatric Research Center, New Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Hanna Rättö
- Research Unit, Social Insurance Institution, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eeva T Aronen
- Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Laboratory of Developmental Psychopathology, Pediatric Research Center, New Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Suk JW, Soltis-Vaughan B, Mahato K, Hwang S. Practical and Ethical Issues in Pediatric Psychopharmacology: Introductory Considerations. Psychiatr Ann 2021. [DOI: 10.3928/00485713-20210913-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Baker M, Huefner JC, Bellonci C, Hilt R, Carlson GA. Polypharmacy in the Management of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in Children and Adolescents: A Review and Update. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2021; 31:148-163. [PMID: 33600217 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2020.0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Prescription of multiple medications concurrently for children and adolescents has increased in recent years. Examination of this practice has been undervalued relative to its incidence. This article reviews studies investigating effectiveness of medication combinations for youth with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods: A literature search identified studies that combined two or more prescribed medications for the treatment of ADHD. Included studies focused on youth; had study design of randomized controlled trial (RCT), nonrandomized trial, or case review (n > 10); and included an outcome measure of treatment effectiveness. Results: Thirty-nine pertinent studies were identified. All studies combined two medications, with the vast majority including a stimulant (n = 37). The largest group (n = 16) combined stimulant and alpha-agonist, finding greater efficacy than alpha-agonist alone but not stimulant alone in all cases. A few RCTs found benefit from the addition of risperidone or divalproex to stimulant for comorbid aggression. Four studies adding atomoxetine found mixed reports of benefit, including the only small RCT showing no benefit. RCTs with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors found minimal evidence of benefit for mood or anxiety comorbidities. Conclusion: The best studied combination is stimulant and alpha-agonist; addition of alpha-agonist to stimulant seems effective for residual symptoms of ADHD. Stimulant plus risperidone has the most evidence of efficacy for comorbid aggression or disruptive behavior. Limited support exists for the effectiveness of other medication combinations, including no trials studying three or more medications concurrently. Combinations frequently yielded more side effects, leaving monotherapy preferable if a sufficient treatment response can be achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Baker
- Momentum for Health, San Jose, California, USA
| | - Jonathan C Huefner
- Boys Town Child and Family Translational Research Center, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA
| | - Christopher Bellonci
- Judge Baker Children's Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert Hilt
- Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Gabrielle A Carlson
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, New York, USA
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Joseph HM, Farmer C, Kipp H, Kolko D, Aman M, McGinley J, Arnold LE, Gadow KD, Findling RL, Molina BS. Attendance and Engagement in Parent Training Predict Child Behavioral Outcomes in Children Pharmacologically Treated for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Severe Aggression. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol 2019; 29:90-99. [PMID: 30592635 PMCID: PMC6442260 DOI: 10.1089/cap.2018.0119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined the association of parent training (PT)-related factors with therapeutic success in the Treatment of Severe Childhood Aggression (TOSCA) study. Our aims were (1) to evaluate demographic and clinical characteristics as predictors of parent attendance and engagement in PT and (2) to examine the associations of parent attendance and engagement in PT with study-targeted child behavior outcomes (i.e., attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD] and disruptive behavior symptoms). TOSCA was a randomized clinical trial evaluating the effect of placebo versus risperidone when added to PT and psychostimulant for childhood ADHD with severe aggression. METHODS Data for 167 parents and children 6-12 years old with ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) or conduct disorder, and severe physical aggression were examined. Analyses used generalized linear models. RESULTS Most parents (72%) attended seven or more of nine sessions. The average parental engagement, that is, the percentage of PT elements fully achieved across participants and sessions, was 85%. The average therapist rating of goal completion was 92%. Parents of non-white and/or Hispanic children (p = 0.01) and children with lower intelligence quotient (p = 0.02) had lower PT attendance; parents with lower family incomes (p = 0.01) were less engaged. Attendance and engagement predicted better scores on the primary child behavior outcomes of disruptive behavior (Nisonger Child Behavior Rating Form Disruptive Behavior Total) and ADHD and ODD symptoms, adjusting for baseline severity. CONCLUSIONS When the clinical picture is sufficiently severe to warrant prescribing an atypical antipsychotic, PT is feasible for families of children with ADHD and co-occurring severe aggression. The promotion of attendance and engagement in PT is important to enhance clinical outcomes among this challenging population. Methods for overcoming barriers to participation in PT deserve vigorous investigation, particularly for those with low family income, non-white race, Hispanic ethnicity, or when children have lower cognitive level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M. Joseph
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Address correspondence to: Heather M. Joseph, DO, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Cristan Farmer
- Office of the Clinical Director, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Heidi Kipp
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David Kolko
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael Aman
- Department of Psychiatry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - James McGinley
- Vector Psychometric Group, LLC, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - L. Eugene Arnold
- Department of Psychiatry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Kenneth D. Gadow
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
| | - Robert L. Findling
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Brooke S.G. Molina
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Aman MG, Arnold LE, Barterian JA. Clinical Relevance Versus Statistical Significance: Aman and Colleagues Respond to Editorial. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2018; 57:352-353. [PMID: 29706166 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2017.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
We would like to respond to the thought-provoking editorial by Dr. Jon McClellan1 regarding our article "Clinical Implications from the Treatment of Severe Childhood Aggression (TOSCA) Study: A Re-Analysis and Integration of Findings," published in the December 2017 issue of JAACAP.2 We address some issues on which we partially disagree, and comment on convergence of opinion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G Aman
- The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus.
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Clinical Relevance Versus Statistical Significance. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2017; 56:1008-1009. [PMID: 29173732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2017.09.431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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