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Shepard E, Sweeney C, Thompson L, Jacobs S, Grimm J, Weyandt LL. Effectiveness of executive functioning training among heterogeneous adolescent samples: A systematic review. APPLIED NEUROPSYCHOLOGY. CHILD 2023; 12:327-343. [PMID: 35914534 DOI: 10.1080/21622965.2022.2106436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present systematic review was to discuss the reported efficacy of executive functioning training techniques among adolescents. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to retrieve and consolidate findings from articles evaluating executive functioning training techniques among adolescents. A total of 26 articles were located that examined the role of executive functioning training techniques among adolescents (age 10-19 years). Articles retrieved enabled comparison across psychiatric and medical diagnoses including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as adolescents with physical health concerns. Results revealed that among typically developing adolescents, executive functioning training was non-significant or yielded small effect size improvements in executive functioning as measured by behavioral and neuroimaging tasks among 62.5% of studies reviewed. In contrast, in those with medical conditions, ASD, ADHD, and conduct disorder, all but two studies reviewed yielded a medium to large effect size, supporting the effectiveness of EF training. Future research is needed to identify the long-term efficacy of these treatments, as well as their generalizability to real-world conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Shepard
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Caroline Sweeney
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Lauren Thompson
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Sophie Jacobs
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jessica Grimm
- Department of Psychology, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Lisa L Weyandt
- Department of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
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Albermann M, Emery S, Baumgartner N, Strumberger M, Erb S, Wöckel L, Müller-Knapp U, Rhiner B, Contin-Waldvogel B, Bachmann S, Schmeck K, Berger G, Häberling I. Executive functions and borderline personality features in adolescents with major depressive disorder. Front Hum Neurosci 2023; 17:957753. [PMID: 37425294 PMCID: PMC10325791 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2023.957753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Executive functions (EF) consolidate during adolescence and are impaired in various emerging psychiatric disorders, such as pediatric Major Depressive Disorder (pMDD) and Borderline Personality Disorder. Previous studies point to a marked heterogeneity of deficits in EF in pMDD. We examined the hypothesis that deficits in EF in adolescents with pMDD might be related to comorbid Borderline Personality features (BPF). Methods We examined a sample of 144 adolescents (15.86 ± 1.32) diagnosed with pMDD. Parents rated their child's EF in everyday life with the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and BPF with the Impulsivity and Emotion Dysregulation Scale (IED-27). The adolescents completed equivalent self-rating measures. Self- and parent-ratings of the BRIEF scores were compared with paired t-Tests. Correlation and parallel mediation analyses, ICC, and multiple regression analyses were used to assess symptom overlap, parent-child agreement, and the influence of depression severity. Results Over the whole sample, none of the self- or parent-rated BRIEF scales reached a mean score above T > 65, which would indicate clinically impaired functioning. Adolescents tended to report higher impairment in EF than their parents. Depression severity was the strongest predictor for BPF scores, with Emotional Control predicting parent-rated BPF and Inhibit predicting self-rated BPF. Furthermore, the Behavioral Regulation Index, which includes EF closely related to behavioral control, significantly mediated the relationship between depression severity and IED-27 factors emotional dysregulation and relationship difficulties but not non-suicidal self-injuries. Conclusion On average, adolescents with depression show only subtle deficits in executive functioning. However, increased EF deficits are associated with the occurrence of comorbid borderline personality features, contributing to a more severe overall psychopathology. Therefore, training of executive functioning might have a positive effect on psychosocial functioning in severely depressed adolescents, as it might also improve comorbid BPF. Clinical trial registration www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03167307.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Albermann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Sophie Emery
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | | | - Michael Strumberger
- Research Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospitals Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Suzanne Erb
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Lars Wöckel
- Research Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospitals Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Clienia Littenheid AG, Littenheid, Switzerland
| | | | - Bruno Rhiner
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Thurgau, Weinfelden, Switzerland
| | | | - Silke Bachmann
- University Clinic of the Martin-Luther University Halle – Wittenberg’s Medical Faculty, Halle, Germany
- Département de Psychiatrie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Klaus Schmeck
- Research Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychiatric University Hospitals Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gregor Berger
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Häberling
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry Zurich, University of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Tornivuori A, Kronström K, Aromaa M, Salanterä S, Karukivi M. Accessible mental well-being intervention for adolescents in school settings: a single-group intervention study using a pretest-post-test design. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:28. [PMID: 36805796 PMCID: PMC9940674 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00576-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing number of adolescents seek treatment for mental health problems, a circumstance that stresses the importance of implementing accessible treatment options. This study evaluates the impacts of brief, mental well-being intervention for adolescents in a school environment. As mental health interventions are often targeted at specific disorders, we sought a comprehensive approach to reach adolescents with a range of mental health symptoms. METHODS Single-group intervention study with a pretest-posttest design was utilized and conducted in lower, upper secondary, and vocational schools on adolescents ages 12-18 who sought medical attention for mental health symptoms. The cut-off point for inclusion was ≥ 14, for the Young Persons Clinical Outcomes for routine Evaluation (YP-CORE) measurement. The intervention included six face-to-face visits implemented by psychiatric nurses who received a 3-day training course. The impacts were evaluated after 6 weeks (n = 87) and again at 6 months (n = 68) and assessed using the YP-CORE, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Overall Anxiety Severity and Impairment Scale (OASIS). RESULTS The participants reported significant levels of mental distress at baseline with a YP-CORE mean score = 21.48, a BDI-II mean score = 23.60, OASIS mean score = 10.98. Post-intervention results at 6 weeks for the primary outcome YP-CORE showed a significant (p < .001) mean score decrease of - 3.82, a medium effect size d = .627. For participants attending upper secondary and vocational schools the YP-CORE scores changed significantly from baseline to 6-weeks (p = .005) and from baseline to 6-months (p < .001). Long-term outcomes at 6-months showed a - 1.14 decrease (p = non-significant), effect size d = .175. After the 6-week intervention, 12% of the participants were assessed as not requiring additional visits. CONCLUSIONS This easily accessible intervention in a school setting indicated improvement for those participants with mild to moderate mental disorder symptoms and attending upper secondary and vocational schools. After the 6-week intervention, significant positive effects were observed. Participants reported substantial levels of mental distress at the baseline, which could contribute to the decline of symptoms and need for extended care during the 6 months follow-up. Trial registration Retrospectively registered with Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT05356949.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tornivuori
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
| | - Kim Kronström
- Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Minna Aromaa
- Outpatient Clinic for Children and Adolescents, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Outpatient Clinic for Children and Adolescents, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Sanna Salanterä
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Turku University Hospital, Administration, Turku, Finland
| | - Max Karukivi
- Department of Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
- Psychiatric Care Division, Satakunta Hospital District, Pori, Finland
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Harper A, Brewer TL. A homeschool-based cognitive behavioral program to improve adolescent mental health. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING 2021; 35:179-188. [PMID: 34951077 DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PROBLEM Anxiety and depression are prevalent in the adolescent population and can have significant consequences. Treatment recommendations are established but rates of utilization remain low, often due to a lack of access to mental health providers. Availability of mental health services in a school-based setting may increase access, but homeschooled children do not have access to these services. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the number of homeschooled children and compounded the problem of adolescent mental health disorders. METHODS This pilot evidence-based practice project aimed to increase access to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in adolescents. Eight students from a local homeschool cooperative participated in the Creating Opportunities for Personal Empowerment (COPE) program. A Friedman test was used to evaluate median differences on anxiety and depression screening instruments at baseline, program completion, and 1 month after the program. Students also completed an adapted COPE program evaluation. RESULTS Median scores on screening instruments decreased from pre-COPE to 1 month after, although results were not statistically significant. Students reported that the COPE program was helpful, and they learned new ways to deal with their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. CONCLUSION COPE is a feasible option to increase access to CBT in a homeschool setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Harper
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tracy L Brewer
- College of Nursing, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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Garney W, Wilson K, Ajayi KV, Panjwani S, Love SM, Flores S, Garcia K, Esquivel C. Social-Ecological Barriers to Access to Healthcare for Adolescents: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4138. [PMID: 33919813 PMCID: PMC8070789 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18084138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Access to healthcare for adolescents is often overlooked in the United States due to federal and state-sponsored insurance programs such as Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program. While these types of programs provide some relief, the issue of healthcare access goes beyond insurance coverage and includes an array of ecological factors that hinder youths from receiving services. The purpose of this scoping review was to identify social-ecological barriers to adolescents' healthcare access and utilization in the United States. We followed the PRISMA and scoping review methodological framework to conduct a comprehensive literature search in eight electronic databases for peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2020. An inductive content analysis was performed to thematize the categories identified in the data extraction based on the Social-Ecological Model (SEM). Fifty studies were identified. Barriers across the five SEM levels emerged as primary themes within the literature, including intrapersonal-limited knowledge of and poor previous experiences with healthcare services, interpersonal-cultural and linguistic barriers, organizational-structural barriers in healthcare systems, community-social stigma, and policy-inadequate insurance coverage. Healthcare access for adolescents is a systems-level problem requiring a multifaceted approach that considers complex and adaptive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Garney
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (K.W.); (K.V.A.); (S.P.); (S.M.L.); (S.F.); (K.G.); (C.E.)
- Laboratory for Community Health Evaluation and Systems Science (CHESS), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Kelly Wilson
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (K.W.); (K.V.A.); (S.P.); (S.M.L.); (S.F.); (K.G.); (C.E.)
| | - Kobi V. Ajayi
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (K.W.); (K.V.A.); (S.P.); (S.M.L.); (S.F.); (K.G.); (C.E.)
- Laboratory for Community Health Evaluation and Systems Science (CHESS), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Education, Direction, Empowerment, & Nurturing (EDEN) Foundation, Abuja 900211, Nigeria
| | - Sonya Panjwani
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (K.W.); (K.V.A.); (S.P.); (S.M.L.); (S.F.); (K.G.); (C.E.)
- Laboratory for Community Health Evaluation and Systems Science (CHESS), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Skylar M. Love
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (K.W.); (K.V.A.); (S.P.); (S.M.L.); (S.F.); (K.G.); (C.E.)
- Laboratory for Community Health Evaluation and Systems Science (CHESS), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Sara Flores
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (K.W.); (K.V.A.); (S.P.); (S.M.L.); (S.F.); (K.G.); (C.E.)
- Laboratory for Community Health Evaluation and Systems Science (CHESS), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Kristen Garcia
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (K.W.); (K.V.A.); (S.P.); (S.M.L.); (S.F.); (K.G.); (C.E.)
- Laboratory for Community Health Evaluation and Systems Science (CHESS), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Christi Esquivel
- Department of Health and Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (K.W.); (K.V.A.); (S.P.); (S.M.L.); (S.F.); (K.G.); (C.E.)
- Laboratory for Community Health Evaluation and Systems Science (CHESS), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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Christian BJ. Translational Research - Adolescents and Young Adults with Chronic Conditions and Disabilities Striving for Independence in Self-Management and Navigating Healthcare Transitions. J Pediatr Nurs 2019; 47:159-164. [PMID: 31230849 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2019.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Becky J Christian
- School of Nursing, The University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States of America.
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