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Ridout B, Forsyth R, Amon KL, Navarro P, Campbell AJ. The Urgent Need for an Evidence-Based Digital Mental Health Practice Model of Care for Youth. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e48441. [PMID: 38534006 PMCID: PMC11004617 DOI: 10.2196/48441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Australian providers of mental health services and support for young people include private and public allied health providers, government initiatives (eg, headspace), nongovernment organizations (eg, Kids Helpline), general practitioners (GPs), and the hospital system. Over 20 years of research has established that many young people prefer to seek mental health support online; however, clear client pathways within and between online and offline mental health services are currently lacking. The authors propose a Digital Mental Health Practice model of care for youth to assist with digital mental health service mapping. The proposed model offers accessible pathways for a client to engage with digital mental health services, provides clear navigation to access support for individual needs, and facilitates a seamless connection with offline mental health services using a transferable electronic health records system. This future-looking model also includes emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the metaverse, which must be accounted for as potential tools to be leveraged for digital therapies and support systems. The urgent need for a user-centered Digital Mental Health Practice model of care for youth in Australia is discussed, highlighting the shortcomings of traditional and existing online triage models evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the complex challenges that must be overcome, such as the integration of diverse mental health care providers and establishment of a robust electronic health records system. Potential benefits of such a model include reduced pressure on emergency rooms, improved identification of immediate needs, enhanced referral practices, and the establishment of a cost-efficient national digital mental health care model with global applicability. The authors conclude by stressing the consequences of inaction, warning that delays may lead to more complex challenges as new technologies emerge and exacerbate the long-term negative consequences of poor mental health management on the economic and biopsychosocial well-being of young Australians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brad Ridout
- Cyberpsychology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rowena Forsyth
- Cyberpsychology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Krestina L Amon
- Cyberpsychology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Andrew J Campbell
- Cyberpsychology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Zhao YV, Gibson JL. Evidence for Protective Effects of Peer Play in the Early Years: Better Peer Play Ability at Age 3 Years Predicts Lower Risks of Externalising and Internalising Problems at Age 7 Years in a Longitudinal Cohort Analysis. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023; 54:1807-1822. [PMID: 35697892 PMCID: PMC10581935 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01368-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Peer play ability may be a protective factor against childhood mental health difficulties but there is lack of empirical evidence to support this hypothesis. We conducted longitudinal structural equation modelling study over a population cohort (N = 1676) to examine the effect of age 3 peer play ability on children's age 7 mental health outcomes (measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire subscales). We modelled effects for the entire population and two sub-groups at high-risk for mental health problems based on age 3 temperament. Controlling for demographic variables, temperament, maternal distress, play with parents and number of siblings, better peer play ability at age 3 years predicted lower risk of problems on all 4 SDQ subscales at age 7 years for the general population. For the low-persistence subgroup, better peer play ability at age 3 predicted lower risk of age 7 hyperactivity, emotional and peer problems, whereas better peer play ability at age 3 predicted only lower risk of age 7 hyperactivity for the high-reactivity group. Taken together our results provide evidence that supports the hypothesis that early peer play ability may be a protective factor against later mental health difficulties. We conclude that further research aimed at establishing causation is worth pursuing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiran Vicky Zhao
- Play and Communication Lab, Centre for Research on Play in Education, Development and Learning, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, 184 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8PQ, UK
| | - Jenny Louise Gibson
- Play and Communication Lab, Centre for Research on Play in Education, Development and Learning, Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge, 184 Hills Road, Cambridge, CB2 8PQ, UK.
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3
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Mathews B, Thomas HJ, Scott JG. A new era in child maltreatment prevention: call to action. Med J Aust 2023; 218 Suppl 6:S47-S51. [PMID: 37004187 PMCID: PMC10952631 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ben Mathews
- Queensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLD
- Bloomberg School of Public HealthJohns Hopkins UniversityBaltimoreMDUnited States of America
| | - Hannah J Thomas
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQLD
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health ResearchBrisbaneQLD
| | - James G Scott
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research InstituteBrisbaneQLD
- Child Health Research Centrethe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLD
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Olive L, Dober M, Mazza C, Turner A, Mohebbi M, Berk M, Telford R. Surf therapy for improving child and adolescent mental health: A pilot randomised control trial. PSYCHOLOGY OF SPORT AND EXERCISE 2023; 65:102349. [PMID: 37665831 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychsport.2022.102349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this pilot randomised control trial (RCT) was to test, 1) feasibility and acceptability of a surf therapy program to improve symptoms of mental ill-health among children and adolescents, and 2) the design and procedures of an evaluative study. This pilot RCT compared a 6-week mentor-supported surf therapy program with a wait list control group, in Australian children and adolescents aged 8-18yrs (M age = 11.28, SD = 2.34; 15 females), who were help seeking for issues relating to their mental health. Exclusion criteria included if an individual was actively suicidal or experiencing a psychotic episode or being unavailable for program dates. The primary outcome was the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and study design assessed via 11 pre-defined criteria. A secondary outcome was to investigate the effectiveness signal of the intervention on child indicators of depression and anxiety, assessed via the Revised Children's Anxiety and Depression Scale-Short Form and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Random allocation was computer generated and while it was not possible to blind participants, researchers collecting assessments were blinded to group allocation. Thirty-six youth were randomised (intervention = 18; wait list controls = 18), representing an 84% participation rate among eligible youth. Of the 11 a priori feasibility and acceptability criteria, 4 of 5 relating to the intervention, and 4 of 6 addressing the study design were fully met, with the unmet factors guiding program revision. At the completion of the intervention, children and adolescents receiving the intervention reported reductions in symptoms of depression (ES = 0.57), anxiety (ES = 0.43), emotional problems, (ES = 0.79), peer problems (ES = 0.56), hyperactivity/inattention (ES = 0.28), and overall difficulties (ES = 0.64). These reductions were not sustained 6-weeks after completion of the intervention. Surf therapy is an acceptable and feasible intervention for addressing symptoms of mental ill-health among children and adolescents. Preliminary evidence suggests that surf therapy improves symptoms of mental ill-health in the short-term but that these improvements were not sustained after the intervention is ceased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Olive
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia; IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Centre of Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
| | - Madeleine Dober
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia; IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Catherine Mazza
- School of Psychology, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia; IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Alyna Turner
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Mohammadreza Mohebbi
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Centre of Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Rohan Telford
- IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Barwon Health, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Research Institute of Sport and Exercise, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, Australia
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Garvey W, Schembri R, Oberklaid F, Hiscock H. A health-education intervention to improve outcomes for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties: protocol for a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e060440. [PMID: 35738655 PMCID: PMC9226964 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-060440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION One in seven (14%) children aged 4-17 years old meet criteria for a mental illness over a 12-month period. The majority of these children have difficulty accessing clinical assessment and treatment despite evidence demonstrating the importance of early intervention. Schools are increasingly recognised as universal platforms where children with mental health concerns could be identified and supported. However, educators have limited training or access to clinical support in this area. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is a pilot cluster randomised controlled trial of a co-designed health and education model aiming to improve educator identification and support of children with emotional and behavioural difficulties. Twelve Victorian government primary schools representing a range of socio-educational communities will be recruited from metropolitan and rural regions, with half of the schools being randomly allocated to the intervention. Caregivers and educators of children in grades 1-3 will be invited to participate. The intervention is likely to involved regular case-based discussions and paediatric support. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Informed consent will be obtained from each participating school, educator and caregiver. Participants are informed of their voluntary participation and ability to withdrawal at any time. Participant confidentiality will be maintained and data will be secured on a password protected, restricted access database on the Murdoch Children's Research Institute server. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations. Schools and caregivers will be provided with a report of the study outcomes and implications at the completion of the study. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ACTRN12621000652875.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Garvey
- Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Health Services Research Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel Schembri
- Clinical Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Frank Oberklaid
- Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Health Services Research Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Harriet Hiscock
- Centre for Community Child Health, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Health Services Research Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Shaligram D, Skokauskas N, Aragones E, Azeem MW, Bala A, Bernstein B, Cama S, Canessa L, Silva FD, Engelhard C, Garrido G, Guerrero APS, Hunt J, Jadhav M, Martin SL, Miliauskas C, Nalugya J, Nazeer A, Ong SH, Robertson P, Sassi R, Seker A, Watkins M, Leventhal B. International perspective on integrated care models in child and adult mental health. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:101-117. [PMID: 35699101 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2059346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The dearth of child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) is a global problem. Integrating CAMHS in primary care has been offered as a solution. We sampled integrated care perspectives from colleagues around the world. Our findings include various models of integrated care namely: the stepped care model in Australia; shared care in the United Kingdom (UK) and Spain; school-based collaborative care in Qatar, Singapore and the state of Texas in the US; collaborative care in Canada, Brazil, US, and Uruguay; coordinated care in the US; and, developing collaborative care models in low-resource settings, like Kenya and Micronesia. These findings provide insights into training initiatives necessary to build CAMHS workforce capacity using integrated care models, each with the ultimate goal of improving access to care. Despite variations and progress in implementing integrated care models internationally, common challenges exist: funding within complex healthcare systems, limited training mechanisms, and geopolitical/policy issues. Supportive healthcare policy, robust training initiatives, ongoing quality improvement and measurement of outcomes across programs would provide data-driven support for the expansion of integrated care and ensure its sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Enric Aragones
- Institut de Recerca en Atencio Primaria Jordi Gol, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Shireen Cama
- Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Laura Canessa
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Uruguay
| | | | | | | | | | - Jeffrey Hunt
- Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School, USA
| | | | - Sarah L Martin
- Texas Tech University Health Science Center El Paso, Texas, USA
| | | | - Joyce Nalugya
- Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Uganda
| | | | | | - Paul Robertson
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Roberto Sassi
- University of British Columbia, BC Children's Hospital, Canada
| | - Asilay Seker
- Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, UK
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- The University of Texas System, Texas, USA
| | - Michael Watkins
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Texas, USA
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O'Loughlin R, Hiscock H, Pan T, Devlin N, Dalziel K. The relationship between physical and mental health multimorbidity and children's health-related quality of life. Qual Life Res 2022; 31:2119-2131. [PMID: 35094215 PMCID: PMC9188523 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-022-03095-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To examine the relationships between physical health problems, and borderline or clinical levels of mental health symptoms and children’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Methods Data were from the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (2004–2018). Parents reported on their child’s HRQoL (PedsQL), physical health problems and mental health symptoms (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, SDQ). A pooled cross-sectional analysis using linear regressions examined the relationships between physical health and clinical/borderline mental health symptoms, individually and when multi-morbid, and children’s HRQoL, and whether these relationships vary by a range of child, family and social factors. Results The sample comprised 47,567 observations of children aged 4–17 years. Borderline and clinical levels of mental health symptoms were associated with significantly lower HRQoL, equal to more than two-times (10.5 points) and more than three-times (16.8 points) the clinically meaningful difference, respectively. This was a larger difference than that associated with physical health problems (4.4 points). We found a significant interaction effect between physical health problems and clinical mental health symptoms which was associated with even poorer HRQoL after accounting for the individual relationships of both problems. Mental health problems were associated with poorer HRQoL for older versus younger children; and the interaction effect was significant for boys but not girls. Conclusion Findings highlight the importance of identifying and addressing mental health symptoms in children of all ages, even if these problems do not meet formal clinical criteria. Particular attention should be paid to the mental health and HRQoL of children with physical–mental multimorbidity, who are at risk of disproportionately poorer HRQoL. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11136-022-03095-1. Ongoing physical and mental health problems are common in children and adolescents and, often, children can experience both problems together. Mental and physical health problems can have wide impacts for the child, including their health-related quality of life (HRQoL), which is a measure of the way the child’s health impacts their emotional, social and physical functioning during their day-to-day life. Our study shows that children with high levels of mental health symptoms have much poorer HRQoL than their peers, and we provide new evidence that even milder mental health symptoms are associated with poorer HRQoL than in children with physical health problems. When children have both physical and mental health problems, they are at even greater risk of poorer HRQoL than would be expected. Based on our findings, we recommend that clinicians should monitor and address mental health symptoms in children as young as 4–7 years old, even if these symptoms are milder, and particular attention should be given to children with physical and mental health problems, who are at greater risk of poor HRQoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel O'Loughlin
- Health Economics Unit, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia.
| | - Harriet Hiscock
- Department of Paediatrics, Melbourne Medical School, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Health Services Research Unit, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Health Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Tianxin Pan
- Health Economics Unit, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Nancy Devlin
- Health Economics Unit, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Kim Dalziel
- Health Economics Unit, Centre for Health Policy, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
- Health Services Research Unit, The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Health Services, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
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Fogarty A, Mensah F. When should we intervene in adolescent depression and with whom? Lancet Psychiatry 2021; 8:1018-1019. [PMID: 34672992 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(21)00350-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alison Fogarty
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fiona Mensah
- Intergenerational Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, The Royal Children's Hospital, VIC 3052, Australia.
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Petrie K, Baldwin P, Crawford J, Harvey SB. The voice of mental health practice in Australia: a mixed-method cross-sectional study of gaps and areas of need. Aust N Z J Public Health 2021; 45:318-324. [PMID: 33617137 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the perceptions of health professionals regarding the gaps in mental health service provision in Australia and their need for assistance in managing patients with mental illness. METHOD A total of 570 health professionals participated in an anonymous online survey in January 2018 that assessed: i) health professionals' current levels of need for assistance in the management of patients with mental health conditions; and ii) perceived gaps in the mental health care system, and how these can be addressed. Data were analysed using a mixed-methods approach. RESULTS Of those surveyed, 71.2% of health professionals and 77.3% of general practitioners reported that they required assistance in managing their patients with at least one stage of care for at least one type of mental disorder. Qualitative analyses revealed eight major themes in health professionals' perceptions of gaps in mental health service provision, including affordability and accessibility, the problems with crisis-driven care and the 'missing middle'. CONCLUSION Overall, the results of this study provide a concerning insight into the substantial gaps in mental health care within the Australian system. Implications for public health: The results of this study add weight to ongoing calls for reform of and increased investment in the Australian mental health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Petrie
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales
| | - Peter Baldwin
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales
| | | | - Samuel B Harvey
- Black Dog Institute, University of New South Wales.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales
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Holmes H, Darmanthe N, Tee K, Goodchild M. Adverse childhood experiences-household stressors and children's mental health: a single centre retrospective review. BMJ Paediatr Open 2021; 5:e001209. [PMID: 34485707 PMCID: PMC8372878 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2021-001209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of reported 'household stressor' adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in families of children presenting with neurodevelopmental, behavioural or emotional difficulties and to determine whether family vulnerabilities, individually or cumulatively, were associated with particular clinical symptomatology. DESIGN Retrospective chart review followed by statistical analysis of family stressors and clinical symptomatology. SETTING A community paediatric clinic in Australia. PARTICIPANTS All 267 children who attended an initial paediatric appointment during 2018. RESULTS 162 (60.7%) children had been exposed to one or more household stressor ACEs, including 116 (43.4%) children exposed to parental mental illness. Behavioural disturbance occurred in 144 (53.9%) children and externalising behaviours (other than attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) were more frequent than internalising behaviours. Externalising and internalising behaviours were associated with individual and cumulative household stressor ACEs. Most other symptomatology apart from genetic/neurological conditions, autistic symptoms and some developmental delays appeared to be partially associated with ACEs. CONCLUSION Household stressor ACEs were common, frequently occurred concurrently, and were associated with much of the symptomatology, in this cohort. Parental mental illness was the most prevalent stressor and behavioural disturbance the most prevalent symptomatology. These findings may have implications for clinical practice and service provision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary Holmes
- Community Paediatric and Child Health Service, ACT Health, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Nicolas Darmanthe
- ANU Medical School, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Kevin Tee
- Paediatrics, ACT Health, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Margaret Goodchild
- Community Paediatric and Child Health Service, ACT Health, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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