Trends in the relationship between suicide behaviors and obesity among adolescents in the United States from 1999 to 2019

Previous studies indicate that obesity is a risk factor of suicide behaviors among adolescents. Whether this association has remained consistent during the ongoing obesity epidemic remains unknown. The time trends of the obesity-suicide association were examined using the 1999-2019 biannual Youth Risk Behavior Survey data (n = 161,606). Prevalence odds ratio of suicide behaviors among adolescents with obesity (vs. adolescents with no obesity) for each survey year and time trends using National Cancer Institute Joinpoint regression analysis was calculated. For each year post-baseline, there was a significant increase of prevalence odds ratio of 1.4 (1.2-1.6)-1.6 (1.3-2.0) for suicide ideation, 1.3 (1.1-1.7) -1.7 (1.4-2.0) for plan, and 1.3 (1.0-1.7) -1.9 (1.5-2.4) for an attempt, except for the 2013 survey for attempt (1.19 [0.9-1.6]). Significant positive trends were found from1999 to 2019 for ideation and plan, with biannual %-changes of + 0.92 and + 1.22%, respectively. Adolescents with obesity have consistently higher odds of engaging in suicide behaviors than their peers without obesity since the beginning of the United States obesity epidemic, and this association grew stronger as the obesity epidemic continued.

Characterizing Measurement-Based Care in the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN)

Integration of measurement-based care (MBC) into clinical practice has shown promise in improving treatment outcomes for depression. Yet, without a gold standard measure of MBC, assessing fidelity to the MBC model across various clinical settings is difficult. A central goal of the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN) was to characterize MBC across the state of Texas through the development of a standardized tool to assess the use of MBC strategies when assessing depression, anxiety, side effects, and treatment adherence. A chart review of clinical visits indicated standardized depression measures (71.2%) and anxiety measures (64%) were being utilized across sites. The use of standardized measures to assess medication adherence and side effects was limited to less than six percent for both, with the majority utilizing clinical interviews to assess adherence and side effects; yet medication was changed in nearly half. Rates of utilization of standardized measures for participants with multiple MBC forms were similar to those who only provided one form.

Remission, Recovery, Relapse, and Recurrence Rates for Suicide Attempts and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury for Suicidal Youth Treated With Dialectical Behavior Therapy or Supportive Therapy

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate rates of remission, recovery, relapse, and recurrence in suicidal youth who participated in a clinical trial comparing Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Individual and Group Supportive Therapy (IGST).

METHOD

Participants were 173 youth, aged 12 to 18 years, with repetitive self-harm (including at least 1 prior suicide attempt [SA]) and elevated suicidal ideation (SI). Participants received 6 months of DBT or IGST and were followed for 6 months post-treatment. The sample was 95% female, 56.4% White, and 27.49% Latina. Remission was defined as absence of SA or nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) across one 3-month interval; recovery was defined across 2 or more consecutive intervals. Relapse and recurrence were defined as SA or NSSI following remission or recovery. Cross-tabulation with χ2 was used for between-group contrasts.

RESULTS

Over 70% of the sample reported remission of SA at each treatment and follow-up interval. There were significantly higher rates of remission and recovery and lower rates of relapse and recurrence for SA in DBT than for IGST. Across treatments and time points, SA had higher remission and recovery rates and lower relapse and recurrence rates than NSSI. There were no significant differences in NSSI remission between conditions; however, participants receiving DBT had significantly higher NSSI recovery rates than those receiving IGST for the 3- to 9-month, 3- to 12-month, and 6- to 12-month intervals.

CONCLUSION

Results showed higher percentages of SA remission and recovery for DBT as compared to IGST. NSSI was less likely to remit than SA.

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT

We worked to ensure race, ethnic, and/or other types of diversity in the recruitment of human participants.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Collaborative Adolescent Research on Emotions and Suicide (CARES); https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov/; NCT01528020.

Measurement Choices for Youth Suicidality

Suicide is among the leading causes of death among individuals ages 10-24, making suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) a serious public health crisis among youth. Suicide risk screening and assessment are vital to addressing this public health crisis. In fact, many youths that screen positive for suicidal ideation do not have known mental health concerns and would have been missed if not asked directly. Medical settings are an optimal setting to detect suicidality early and provide appropriate follow-up monitoring and care as needed. To support effective and efficient screening and assessment of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, providers must choose measures with both strong psychometric properties and clinical utility. While measurement of STBs can vary across health settings, suicide risk screening and assessment typically involves gathering information about current suicidal ideation, suicidal behaviors, and suicidal plans via self-report questionnaires, clinical interviews, and/or computerized adaptive screens. In alignment with measurement-based care efforts, the current manuscript will provide a scoping review of measures of youth suicidal ideation, behavior, plans, and their risk factors. Specifically, the psychometric properties, clinical utility, and other key considerations for screening and assessment of adolescent suicide risk are discussed.

Advancing Suicide Intervention Strategies for Teens (ASSIST): study protocol for a multisite randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Brief interventions that reduce suicide risk following youth's experience with acute care due to suicidality are needed.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The study will use a three-arm randomised controlled trial designed to test the effectiveness of the Safety Planning Intervention with structured follow-up (SPI+) and the Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) compared with enhanced usual care. The primary outcomes measure will be suicidal events, defined as death by suicide, attempted suicide, preparatory acts toward imminent suicidal behaviour or suicidal ideation resulting in a change in emergency evaluation or inpatient admission. Secondary measures will be the number of suicide attempts and severity of suicidal ideation. The experimental interventions, SPI+ and CAMS, consist of up to eight sessions over approximately 8 weeks that are designed to manage (SPI+) or treat (CAMS) patient-identified 'drivers' of suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Mechanisms and moderators of change will be evaluated to understand treatment impacts.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study has been approved by the Seattle Children's Institutional Review Board and is monitored by external agencies including the University of Washington Institute for Translational Health Sciences, and a National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)-appointed Data Safety and Monitoring Board. Trial results will help establish evidence towards safe and effective treatment strategies for youth transitioning from acute to outpatient care due to a suicidal crisis. The data will be shared with the NIMH Data Archives and disseminated through publications and conferences.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT05078970.

Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN) research registry and learning healthcare network: Rationale, design, and baseline characteristics

BACKGROUND

American youth are seriously impacted by depression and suicide. The Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN) Participant Registry Study was initiated in 2020 to develop predictive models for treatment outcomes in youth with depression and/or suicidality. This report presents the study rationale, design and baseline characteristics of the first 1000 participants.

METHODS

TX-YDSRN consists of the Network Hub (coordinating center), 12 medical school "Nodes" (manage/implement study), each with 1-5 primary care, inpatient, and/or outpatient Sub-Sites (recruitment, data collection). Participants are 8-20-year-olds who receive treatment or screen positive for depression and/or suicidality. Baseline data include mood and suicidality symptoms, associated comorbidities, treatment history, services used, and social determinants of health. Subsequent assessments occur every two months for 24 months.

RESULTS

Among 1000 participants, 68.7 % were 12-17 years, 24.6 % were ≥ 18 years, and 6.7 % were < 12. Overall, 36.8 % were non-Hispanic Caucasian, 73.4 % were female, and 79.9 % had a primary depressive disorder. Nearly half of the sample reported ≥1 suicide attempt, with rates similar in youth 12-17 years old (49.9 %) and those 18 years and older (45.5 %); 29.9 % of children <12 reported at least one suicide attempt. Depression and anxiety scores were in the moderate-severe range for all age groups (Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents [PHQ-A]: 12.9 ± 6.4; Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD-7]: 11.3 ± 5.9).

LIMITATIONS

The sample includes youth who are receiving depression care at enrollment and may not be representative of non-diagnosed, non-treatment seeking youth.

CONCLUSIONS

The TX-YDSRN is one of the largest prospective longitudinal cohort registries designed to develop predictive models for outcome trajectories based on disorder heterogeneity, social determinants of health, and treatment availability.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in youth seeking mental health treatment in Texas: Youth Depression and Suicide Network research registry

INTRODUCTION

Suicidality in youth is a serious public health problem. The Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN) was initiated in 2020 to create a research registry for youth with depression and/or suicidality in Texas. This report presents baseline clinical/demographic characteristics of the first 1000 participants, focusing on suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

METHODS

The registry includes 8-20-year-old youth receiving treatment for depression, or who screen positive for depression and/or suicidal ideation/behavior. Baseline data include diagnosis, depression/anxiety severity, suicidal ideation/behavior, trauma history, and measures of resilience.

RESULTS

We present baseline data on the first 1000 participants. Most (79.6%) of the sample had a primary depressive disorder. The sample had moderate to severe depression (Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents, PHQ-A; 12.9 ± 6.4) and anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder, GAD-7; 11.3 ± 5.9). Nearly half reported ≥1 lifetime suicide attempts and 90% reported lifetime or current suicidal ideation. Participants with past/current suicidality (attempts and/or ideation) had greater illness severity (depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts/behaviors), lower resilience, and higher rates of trauma exposure than those without suicidality.

CONCLUSIONS

Baseline data indicate moderate levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidality and their correlates in this cohort. Future reports will determine trajectories of outcomes and predictors, moderators, and social determinants related to these outcomes.

Predicting suicidal events: A comparison of the Concise Health Risk Tracking Self-Report (CHRT-SR) and the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)

This report examines the predictive capabilities of two scales of suicidality in high-risk adolescents. Charts of adolescents with severe suicidality participating in an intensive outpatient program were reviewed. Self-report data from the 9-item Concise Health Risk Tracking Self-Report (CHRT-SR9) and clinician-completed data from the Columbia Suicide Severity Risk Scale (C-SSRS) were obtained at entry. Scales' performances in predicting suicide attempts and suicidal events were evaluated using logistic regression models and ROC analyses. Of 539 adolescents, 53 had events of which 19 were attempts. The CHRT-SR9 total score predicted events (OR=1.05) and attempts (OR=1.09), as did the C-SSRS Suicide Ideation (SI) Intensity Composite for events (OR=1.10) and attempts (OR=1.16). The CHRT-SR9 AUC was 0.70 (84.2% sensitivity; 41.7% specificity; PPV=5.0%; NPV=98.6%) for attempts. The C-SSRS Intensity Composite AUC was 0.62 (89.5% sensitivity; 24.1% specificity; PPV=4.2%; NPV=98.4%) for attempts. Both the CHRT-SR9 and C-SSRS capture important parameters related to suicidal events or attempts that can help assess suicidal risk in adolescents.

Suicide risk assessment and suicide risk management protocol for the Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network

Introduction

Suicide prevention research is a national priority, and national guidance includes the development of suicide risk management protocols (SRMPs) for the assessment and management of suicidal ideation and behavior in research trials. Few published studies describe how researchers develop and implement SRMPs or articulate what constitutes an acceptable and effective SRMP.

Methods

The Texas Youth Depression and Suicide Research Network (TX-YDSRN) was developed with the goal of evaluating screening and measurement-based care in Texas youth with depression or suicidality (i.e., suicidal ideation and/or suicidal behavior). The SRMP was developed for TX-YDSRN through a collaborative, iterative process, consistent with a Learning Healthcare System model.

Results

The final SMRP included training, educational resources for research staff, educational resources for research participants, risk assessment and management strategies, and clinical and research oversight.

Conclusion

The TX-YDSRN SRMP is one methodology for addressing youth participant suicide risk. The development and testing of standard methodologies with a focus on participant safety is an important next step to further the field of suicide prevention research.

Suicide in young people: screening, risk assessment, and intervention

Suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among young people worldwide and the third leading cause of death among those in the US. This review outlines the epidemiology of suicide and suicidal behavior in young people. It discusses intersectionality as an emerging framework to guide research on prevention of suicide in young people and highlights several clinical and community settings that are prime targets for implementation of effective treatment programs and interventions aimed at rapidly reducing the suicide rate in young people. It provides an overview of current approaches to screening and assessment of suicide risk in young people and the commonly used screening tools and assessment measures. It discusses universal, selective, and indicated evidence based suicide focused interventions and highlights components of psychosocial interventions with the strongest evidence for reducing risk. Finally, the review discusses suicide prevention strategies in community settings and considers future research directions and questions challenging the field.

Association of Obesity, Suicide Behaviors, and Psychosocial Wellness Among Adolescents in the United States

BACKGROUND

Adolescents with obesity are more likely to exhibit suicide behaviors, but this association may be confounded by psychosocial stigma related to obesity. We examined whether the obesity is independently associated with suicide behaviors among United States adolescents, after adjusting for the psychosocial factors.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 2019 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data (N = 13,871 United States adolescents) on recent (past year) suicide behavior (attempt, ideation, and plan); demographics (age, sex, and race/ethnicity); and psychosocial factors (feeling sad/hopeless, alcohol and illegal drug use, being bullied, and sexually abused). Participants were classified as having obesity (Y/N) per standardized percentiles. Logistic regression was employed to examine the association between obesity and suicide attempt, ideation, and plan, while adjusting for psychosocial covariates.

RESULTS

The prevalence of suicide attempt, ideation, and plan was 8.90%, 18.75%, and 15.71%, respectively. Obesity prevalence was 15.5%. The odds of suicide attempt, ideation, and plan were 1.65 (1.30-2.11), 1.31 (0.89-1.61), and 1.27 (1.02-1.57), respectively, among those with obesity versus without obesity.

DISCUSSION

Obesity is significantly associated with a suicide attempt, ideation, and plan among United States adolescents, even after adjusting for confounding psychosocial factors. Further research on the temporality and causality of this association is needed.

Examining a Resilience Mental Health App in Adolescents: Acceptability and Feasibility Study

BACKGROUND

Resilience is defined as the ability to rely on internal characteristics and external strengths to adapt to adverse events. Although universal resilience-enhancing programs are effective for adolescents, there is a need for interventions that are more easily accessible and can be customized for individual teens. Phone apps are easy to use, can be tailored to individuals, and have demonstrated positive effects for mental health outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a resilience app for adolescents. This app aimed to enhance resilience through modules focused on depression prevention, stress management, and healthy lifestyle approaches containing videos, measures, and practice suggestions. Furthermore, the study aimed to evaluate the effect of short-term app use on changes in resilience.

METHODS

In study 1, individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with adolescents, parents, teachers, and clinicians to discuss possible incentives for using a mental health app, the benefits of app use, and concerns associated with app use. Feedback from study 1 led to ideas for the prototype. In study 2, individual interviews and focus groups were conducted with adolescents, parents, teachers, and clinicians to gather feedback about the resilience app prototype. Feedback from study 2 led to changes in the prototype, although not all suggestions could be implemented. In study 3, 40 adolescents used the app for 30 days to determine feasibility and acceptability. Additionally, resilience and secondary mental health outcomes were measured before and after app use. Dependent samples 2-tailed t tests were conducted to determine whether there were changes in resilience and secondary mental health outcomes among the adolescents before and after app use.

RESULTS

Multiple themes were identified through study 1 individual interviews and focus groups, including app content, features, engagement, benefits, concerns, and improvement. Specifically, the adolescents provided helpful suggestions for making the prototype more appealing and functional for teen users. Study 2 adolescents and adults reported that the prototype was feasible and acceptable through the Computer System Usability Questionnaire (mean 6.30, SD 1.03) and Mobile App Rating Scale (mean 4.08, SD 0.61). In study 2, there were no significant differences in resilience and mental health outcomes after using the app for 30 days. There was variation between the participants in the extent to which they used the app, which may have led to variation in the results. The users appeared to prefer the depression module and survey sections, which provided mental health feedback.

CONCLUSIONS

Qualitative and quantitative data provide evidence that youth are interested in a resilience mental health app and that the current prototype is feasible. Although there were no significant mental health changes in study 3 users, practical implications and future directions are discussed for mental health app research.

Trajectories of Treatment Response and Nonresponse in Youth at High Risk for Suicide

OBJECTIVE

To examine trajectories of treatment response in suicidal youth who participated in a randomized controlled trial comparing dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and individual and group supportive therapy.

METHOD

Using latent class analysis across both treatment conditions, secondary analyses were conducted of data from a multisite randomized controlled trial comprising 173 youths ages 12-18 with repetitive self-harm (SH) (including ≥1 lifetime suicide attempts) and elevated suicidal ideation (SI). The sample was 95% female, 56.4% White, and 27.49% Latina. Participants received 6 months of DBT or individual and group supportive therapy and 6 months of follow-up. Primary outcomes were SH and SI.

RESULTS

Of the sample, 63% and 74% were members of latent classes that showed improvement in SI and SH, respectively; 13% were total nonresponders, with no improvement in SI or SH. SH nonresponse emerged at the midpoint of treatment (3 months), with nonresponders showing a sharp increase in SH over the remainder of treatment and follow-up. Youth receiving DBT were significantly more likely to be an SH responder vs nonresponder than youths in individual and group supportive therapy (ꭓ21 = 6.53, p = .01). An optimal threshold cut point using multivariate predictors of total nonresponse (White, externalizing symptoms, total SH, and SI) predicted total nonresponders to DBT with 100% accuracy.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to identify trajectories of both SI and SH response to treatment in a sample of adolescents at risk of suicide. Results may inform personalized treatment approaches.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Collaborative Adolescent Research on Emotions and Suicide (CARES); https://www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov/; NCT01528020.

Experiencing bullying's impact on adolescent depression and anxiety: Mediating role of adolescent resilience

Youth who experience bullying are at risk for psychopathology, indicating the necessity of identifying factors that may protect against the deleterious effects of being bullied. The present study expands upon prior research by examining resilience as a mediator of the effects of experiencing bullying on depression and anxiety within a sample of 2155 adolescents. Results indicated that youth who experienced bullying were more likely to have higher symptoms of depression and anxiety and lower resilience, while higher levels of resilience were associated with fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety. Resilience partially mediated the associations of experiencing bullying with depression and anxiety symptoms, suggesting that resilience may serve as a protective factor for adolescents who experience bullying. These findings have implications for programming that seeks to address bullying, peer victimization, and promotion of adolescent mental health.

Psychometric Evaluation of the Pediatric Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire in a General Youth Population

Pediatric Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire is a brief 15-item self-report measure of quality of life and life satisfaction originally developed for clinical populations (6 to 17 years old). The current paper examines the initial factor structure proposed by the developers and underlying psychometric properties of the measure in a non-clinical population of teens. A cross-sectional adolescent sample (N = 3222) completed self-report measures as part of mental health promotion program. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted with construct validity analyses. The original factor structure was replicated with strong internal consistency (Cronbach α = .912). Strong construct validity (e.g. resilience, well-being, depression, and anxiety) was found. Minimal differences were found based on gender, race, and ethnicity. PQ-LES-Q has strong, replicable psychometric properties, which makes it a generally reliable and valid assessment tool to evaluate the quality of life and life satisfaction in adolescents.

Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) Program With Texas Adolescents: Depression, Anxiety, and Substance Use Outcomes

Objective: To determine the state of mental health problems among a general youth population and assess whether the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) intervention can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety. Methods: We implemented YAM with a cluster quasi-experimental study design from August 2017 through June 2019 in 29 middle schools and high schools in North Texas. Students completed the Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, Adolescent version; the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Screener; and additional substance use questionnaires before YAM delivery and 3-6 months after implementation. Multilevel models, with students nested within schools, were used to model difference scores of depression and anxiety, controlling for various student-level and school-level characteristics. Missing data were imputed during analysis. Sensitivity analyses were performed on non-imputed data. Results: Among 3,302 adolescents at pre-test, 27% had moderate-to-severe depression, 22% had moderate-to-severe anxiety, and 4% expressed suicidal ideation. We found that on average, compared to those who had no depression at pre-test, depression decreased at post-test by (a) 4.62 units (P < .05) for those who had severe to very severe depression at pre-test, (b) 2.92 units (P < .0001) for those who had moderate depression at pre-test, and (c) 1.5 units (P < .001) for those who had mild depression at pre-test, controlling for all other factors in the model. Similar significant decreases were observed in anxiety, controlling for student-level characteristics. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of YAM in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety among adolescents in North Texas.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults with current and prior depression: initial findings from the longitudinal Texas RAD study

BACKGROUND

Emerging work has suggested worsening mental health in the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is minimal data on individuals with a prior history of depression.

METHODS

Data regarding depression, anxiety and quality of life in adult participants with a history of a depressive disorder (n = 308) were collected before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mixed effects regression models were fit for these outcomes over the period May - August 2020, controlling for pre-pandemic depressive groups (none, mild, moderate-to-severe), demographic characteristics, and early COVID-19 related experiences (such as disruptions in routines, mental health treatment, and social supports).

RESULTS

In pre-to-early pandemic comparisons, the 3 pre-pandemic depressive categories varied significantly in anxiety (F_df=2,197 = 7.93, p < 0.0005) and psychological QOL (F_df=2,196 = 8.57, p = 0.0003). The mildly depressed group (F_df=1,201 = 6.01, p = 0.02) and moderate-to-severely depressed group (F_df=1,201 = 38.51, p < 0.0001) had a significant reduction in anxiety. There were no changes among the groups in any outcome from May to August 2020. However, early impact on mental health care access and disruption in routines predicted worse outcomes during this time.

LIMITATIONS

Follow-up data were self-reported. Furthermore, the duration was a relatively short span into the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

Symptoms of depression, anxiety, and quality of life were generally stable from 2019 throughout August 2020 in adults with a history of depression. Disruption in mental health care access and routines in May 2020 predicted worse symptom outcomes through August 2020.

Psychometric properties of the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale in youth: Screening in a primary care sample

BACKGROUND

Anxiety disorders in youth are frequently underdiagnosed and untreated, partly due to a lack of screening in primary care. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale is a brief self-report measure designed to screen for anxiety in primary care settings. However, little is known about the psychometrics of this scale with adolescents.

METHODS

Participants included 579 youth age 11 to 17 years who received screening for depression in a primary care setting through a web-based application, VitalSign⁶, over a 4-year period. Psychometric analyses were completed based on classical test theory (CTT) and item response theory (IRT).

RESULTS

Using CTT and IRT methods, the GAD-7 has a unidimensional structure with good psychometric properties. In addition, the IRT analysis demonstrates that items 1 and 2 are strongly associated with the total score, and thus are good choices as a 2-item screening tool. Convergent validity was demonstrated, with high correlations between the GAD-7 and other measures of anxiety, and discriminant validity was also demonstrated, with low correlations to measures of other psychological states.

CONCLUSIONS

This psychometric evaluation of the GAD-7 provides support for the utility of this measure with adolescents. The GAD-2 is a good estimate of GAD-7 total score.

The Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire: Validation of a Shortened Version in U.S. Youths

Introduction

Resilience is a factor in how youth respond to adversity. The 88-item Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire is a comprehensive, multi-dimensional self-report measure of resilience developed with Australian youth.

Methods

Using a cross-sectional adolescent population (n = 3,222), confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to replicate the original factor structure. Over half of the adolescents were non-white and 9th graders with a mean age of 15.5.

Results

Our exploratory factor analysis shortened the measure for which we conducted the psychometric analyses. The original factor structure was not replicated. The exploratory factor analysis provided a 49-item measure. Internal consistency reliability for all 12 factors ranged from acceptable (α> 0.70–0.80). The revised factor total scores were highly and significantly correlated with item–total correlation coefficients (r > 0.63, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This revised shorter 49-item version of the Adolescent Resilience Questionnaire could be deployed and has acceptable psychometric properties.

Predicting future suicidal events in adolescents using the Concise Health Risk Tracking Self-Report (CHRT-SR)

BACKGROUND

Several self-report rating scales have been developed to assess suicidal ideation, yet most have limited utility in predicting future suicide attempts. This is particularly critical in adolescence, where suicide is the second leading cause of death. This study evaluated the Concise Health Risk Tracking Self-Report (CHRT-SR) as a prospective predictor of suicide attempts and events in high-risk adolescents enrolled in a suicide-prevention intensive outpatient program (IOP).

METHODS

Data were collected by retrospective chart review of adolescents treated in IOP for youth with severe suicidality. At baseline, youth completed the 14-item CHRT-SR (CHRT-SR₁₄), which assesses suicide risk based on 3 subscales: Propensity, Impulsivity, and Suicidal Thoughts. Two outcomes were assessed: actual suicide attempts and suicidal events (suicide attempt, inpatient hospitalization, or emergency department visit) during the IOP.

RESULTS

Of the 251 adolescents who completed the baseline CHRT-SR₁₄, 26 had a suicidal event during IOP (mean time in IOP: 5.4 ± 2.3 weeks), of whom 14 had an actual suicide attempt. Youth with any suicidal event had higher scores than those without an event on the CHRT-SR₁₄ Total (p = .005), Propensity (p = .008), and Suicidal Thoughts (p = .001) scales at baseline. Youth who made a suicide attempt had significantly higher scores than those without an event for the Total Score, Propensity, and Suicidal Thoughts subscales. CHRT-SR₁₄ Total Score of 28 had a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 56.5% in predicting suicide attempts. A score of 22 predicted suicidal events, with a sensitivity of 80.8% and specificity of 40.9%. CHRT-SR₇ Total Score of 12 predicted suicide attempts, with a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 53.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

The CHRT-SR₁₄ self-report predicts suicide attempts and events with at least 80% sensitivity and acceptable specificity in adolescents at high-risk for suicide.

The Youth Aware of Mental Health Intervention: Impact on Help Seeking, Mental Health Knowledge, and Stigma in U.S. Adolescents

PURPOSE

Suicide is a leading cause of death among U.S. youth aged 12-18 years. Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM), a promising, universal, school-based mental health promotion/suicide primary prevention intervention for adolescents, has been evaluated in Europe but not in the U.S. The present study used an uncontrolled, pretest/post-test design to document the potential for YAM to reduce suicidal ideation, attempt, and suicide. A demonstration that help seeking behaviors, mental health literacy, and mental health stigmatizing attitudes improve after the intervention would suggest that the program is promising in the U.S., as well as in Europe, and that further investigation is merited.

METHODS

YAM was delivered to 1,878 students in 11 schools as part of regular school curricula. A subset of these students (n = 436) completed surveys before and 3 months postdelivery. Surveys included five questions about help seeking behaviors, a measure of intent to seek help (General Help Seeking Questionnaire), two mental health literacy scales, and two mental illness stigma scales (Reported and Intended Behavior Scale and Personal Stigma and Social Distance Scale). Both McNemar's test and repeated measures linear models were used to determine whether the survey outcomes changed after YAM delivery.

RESULTS

Among the 436 adolescents (286 and 150 in Montana and Texas, respectively), significant increases were found pre- to post-intervention in three of five help seeking behaviors, along with improved mental health literacy and decreased mental health-related stigma. Intent to seek help was unchanged.

CONCLUSIONS

Several help seeking behavioral factors, mental health knowledge, and stigma improved post-YAM intervention. All three domains are likely protective against suicide. A randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of YAM in preventing suicidal behaviors is warranted.

Feasibility and Acceptability of the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) Intervention in US Adolescents

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among US adolescents, and rates of suicide among youth have been increasing for the past decade. This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of the universal, school-based Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) program, a promising mental health promotion and suicide primary prevention intervention, in US youth. Using an uncontrolled design, the feasibility and acceptability of delivering and studying YAM were assessed in Montana and Texas schools. Thirteen of 16 (81.3%) schools agreed to support YAM delivery, and five Montana and 6 Texas schools were included in analyses. Facilitators delivered YAM in 78 classes (1,878 students) as regular high school curriculum. Of the total number of students who received YAM, 519 (27.6%) provided parental consent and assent. 436 (84.0%) consented students participated in pre- and post-surveys. Students, parents, and school staff found YAM highly acceptable based on satisfaction surveys. In summary, this study found YAM feasible to implement in US schools. Results also suggest students, parents, and school staff supported school-based programs and were highly satisfied with the YAM program. A randomized controlled trial is warranted to test the efficacy of YAM in promoting mental health and preventing suicidal thoughts and behaviors in US adolescents.

Dysfunctional adaptive immune response in adolescents and young adults with suicide behavior

BACKGROUND

Immune system dysfunction has been implicated in the pathophysiology of suicide behavior. Here, we conducted an exploratory analysis of immune profile differences of three groups of adolescents and young adults (ages 10-25 years): healthy controls (n = 39), at risk of major depressive disorder (MDD; at-risk, n = 33), and MDD with recent suicide behavior/ ideation (suicide behavior, n = 37).

METHODS

Plasma samples were assayed for chemokines and cytokines using Bio-Plex Pro Human Chemokine 40-plex assay. Log-transformed cytokine and chemokine levels were compared after controlling for age, gender, body mass index, race, ethnicity, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. In post-hoc analyses to understand the effect of dysregulated immune markers identified in this exploratory analysis, their association with autoantibodies was tested in an unrelated sample (n = 166).

RESULTS

Only levels of interleukin 4 (IL-4) differed significantly among the three groups [false discovery rate (FDR) adjusted p = 0.0007]. Participants with suicide behavior had lower IL-4 [median = 16.8 pg/ml, interquartile range (IQR) = 7.9] levels than healthy controls (median = 29.1 pg/ml, IQR = 16.1, effect size [ES] = 1.30) and those at-risk (median = 24.4 pg/ml, IQR = 16.3, ES = 1.03). IL-4 levels were negatively correlated with depression severity (r= -0.38, p = 0.024). In an unrelated sample of outpatients with MDD, levels of IL-4 were negatively correlated (all FDR p < 0.05) with several autoantibodies [54/117 in total and 12/18 against innate immune markers].

CONCLUSIONS

Adolescent and young adult patients with recent suicide behavior exhibit lower IL-4 levels. One biological consequence of reduced IL-4 levels may be increased risk of autoimmunity.

A Theory-Driven Investigation of the Association Between Emotion Dysregulation and Suicide Risk in a Clinical Adolescent Sample

OBJECTIVE

Emotion dysregulation has been consistently linked to suicide ideation and attempt, but an explanatory model for this relationship has not been adequately investigated in adolescents. This study examined the concurrent relationship among emotion dysregulation, variables from the Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide (IPTS), and suicide risk (operationalized as a continuous variable that increases in intensity from nonspecific to active suicide ideation to suicide ideation with a plan) in a clinical adolescent sample.

METHOD

A total of 151 adolescents (aged 12-17) were recruited from an inpatient psychiatry unit. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted to determine whether the relationship between emotion dysregulation and suicide risk was explained by the variables of perceived burdensomeness (PB), thwarted belongingness, and capability for suicide, as proposed by the IPTS.

RESULTS

As hypothesized, the relationship between emotion dysregulation and suicide risk was explained by PB and capability for suicide. Depressive symptoms had an independent relationship with suicide risk after controlling for IPTS variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from this study suggest that effective treatment strategies that reduce negative cognition tied to PB and depressive symptoms would address the most proximal variables related to suicide risk in adolescents. Enhancing emotion management would serve to maintain low levels of proximal influences on risk.

The Interpersonal-Psychological Theory of Suicide in Adolescents: A Preliminary Report of Changes Following Treatment

This study investigated change in suicide risk in the framework of the interpersonal theory of suicide. Fifty-four adolescents completed measures of interpersonal needs, acquired capability, depressive symptoms, and suicide risk at entry and exit from treatment. There was a significant drop following treatment in unmet interpersonal needs but not in acquired capability, consistent with the theory. Both change in the interaction between interpersonal needs and in depressive symptoms contributed unique prediction to change in suicide risk. These findings extend the research in understanding changes in suicide risk and inform treatment by suggesting cognitive targets for intervention.

Cognitive-Behavioral Family Treatment for Suicide Attempt Prevention: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Suicide is a leading cause of death. New data indicate alarming increases in suicide death rates, yet no treatments with replicated efficacy or effectiveness exist for youths with self-harm presentations, a high-risk group for both fatal and nonfatal suicide attempts. We addressed this gap by evaluating Safe Alternatives for Teens and Youths (SAFETY), a cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavior therapy-informed family treatment designed to promote safety.

METHOD

Randomized controlled trial for adolescents (12-18 years of age) with recent (past 3 months) suicide attempts or other self-harm. Youth were randomized either to SAFETY or to treatment as usual enhanced by parent education and support accessing community treatment (E-TAU). Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, 3 months, or end of treatment period, and were followed up through 6 to 12 months. The primary outcome was youth-reported incident suicide attempts through the 3-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Survival analyses indicated a significantly higher probability of survival without a suicide attempt by the 3-month follow-up point among SAFETY youths (cumulative estimated probability of survival without suicide attempt = 1.00, standard error = 0), compared to E-TAU youths (cumulative estimated probability of survival without suicide attempt = 0.67, standard error = 0.14; z = 2.45, p = .02, number needed to treat = 3) and for the overall survival curves (Wilcoxon χ21 = 5.81, p = .02). Sensitivity analyses using parent report when youth report was unavailable and conservative assumptions regarding missing data yielded similar results for 3-month outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Results support the efficacy of SAFETY for preventing suicide attempts in adolescents presenting with recent self-harm. This is the second randomized trial to demonstrate that treatment including cognitive-behavioral and family components can provide some protection from suicide attempt risk in these high-risk youths. Clinical trial registration information-Effectiveness of a Family-Based Intervention for Adolescent Suicide Attempters (The SAFETY Study); http://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT00692302.

Predictors and Outcomes of Psychiatric Hospitalization in Youth Presenting to the Emergency Department with Suicidality

Youth suicide attempters presenting to the emergency department (ED) are frequently admitted to psychiatric inpatient hospitals, yet little is known about how clinicians decide which youths to admit versus discharge to outpatient care. We examine predictors of inpatient hospitalization and describe service use outcomes associated with hospitalization in 181 youths drawn from consecutive ED admissions for suicidality. Predictors of hospitalization include ED site, suicide plan, and parent report of problems. Hospitalization was associated with improved linkage to outpatient treatment and more intensive service use. Future research is needed to understand the best service delivery and treatments for these high-risk youth.

Emergency Department Screening for Suicide and Mental Health Risk

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among youth ages 10-24. An estimated 1.5 million US adolescents receive their primary health care in the emergency department (ED); this is particularly true for low-income and minority youths who often lack a regular source of care. ED visits can provide a window of opportunity to screen and identify youths with suicide and mental health risk, triage youths based on need, and facilitate effective follow-up care. Recently developed brief therapeutic assessment approaches have demonstrated success in improving rates of follow-up care after discharge from the ED. Furthermore, there is some data supporting clinical benefits when youths receive evidence-based outpatient follow-up care. ED screening combined with effective follow-up, therefore, may provide one strategy for improving mental health and reducing health disparities in our nation. This paper reviews the context in which ED screenings occur, available tools and strategies, and evidence for the effectiveness of tested approaches.

Psychological Science and Innovative Strategies for Informing Health Care Redesign: A Policy Brief

Recent health care legislation and shifting health care financing strategies are transforming health and behavioral health (a broad term referring to mental health, substance use, and health behavior) care in the United States. Advances in knowledge regarding effective treatment and services coupled with incentives for innovation in health and behavioral health care delivery systems make this a unique time for mobilizing our science to enhance the success of health and behavioral health care redesign. To optimize the potential of our current health care environment, a team was formed composed of leaders from the Societies of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, Pediatric Psychology, and Child and Family Policy and Practice (Divisions 53, 54, and 37 of the American Psychological Association). This team was charged with reviewing the scientific and policy literature with a focus on five major issues: (a) improving access to care and reducing health disparities, (b) integrating behavioral health care within primary care, (c) preventive services, (d) enhancing quality and outcomes of care, and (e) training and workforce development. The products of that work are summarized here, including recommendations for future research, clinical, training, and policy directions. We conclude that the current emphasis on accountable care and evaluation of the outcomes of care offer numerous opportunities for psychologists to integrate science and practice for the benefit of our children, families, and nation. The dramatic changes that are occurring in psychological and behavioral health care services and payment systems also require evolution in our practice and training models.

The SAFETY Program: a treatment-development trial of a cognitive-behavioral family treatment for adolescent suicide attempters

The purpose of this article is to describe feasibility, safety, and outcome results from a treatment development trial of the SAFETY Program, a brief intervention designed for integration with emergency services for suicide-attempting youths. Suicide-attempting youths, ages 11 to 18, were enrolled in a 12-week trial of the SAFETY Program, a cognitive-behavioral family intervention designed to increase safety and reduce suicide attempt (SA) risk (N = 35). Rooted in a social-ecological cognitive-behavioral model, treatment sessions included individual youth and parent session-components, with different therapists assigned to youths and parents, and family session-components to practice skills identified as critical in the pathway for preventing repeat SAs in individual youths. Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups. At the 3-month posttreatment assessment, there were statistically significant improvements on measures of suicidal behavior, hopelessness, youth and parent depression, and youth social adjustment. There was one reported SA by 3 months and another by 6 months, yielding cumulative attempt rates of 3% and 6% at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Treatment satisfaction was high. Suicide-attempting youths are at high risk for repeat attempts and continuing mental health problems. Results support the value of a randomized controlled trial to further evaluate the SAFETY intervention. Extension of treatment effects to parent depression and youth social adjustment are consistent with our strong family focus and social-ecological model of behavior change.

Enhanced Mental Health Interventions in the Emergency Department: Suicide and Suicide Attempt Prevention in the ED

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents, and often youths with suicidal behavior or ideation present to the emergency department (ED) for care. Many suicidal youths do not receive mental health care after discharge from the ED, and interventions are needed to enhance linkage to outpatient intervention. This paper describes the Family Intervention for Suicide Prevention (FISP). Designed for use in emergency settings, the FISP is a family-based cognitive-behavior therapy session designed to increase motivation for follow-up treatment, support, coping, and safety, augmented by care linkage telephone contacts after discharge. In a randomized trial of the intervention, the FISP was shown to significantly increase the likelihood of youths receiving outpatient treatment, including psychotherapy and combined medication and psychotherapy. The FISP is a brief, focused, efficacious treatment that can be delivered in the ED to improve the probability of follow-up treatment for suicidal youths.

A microPET study of the regional distribution of [11C]-PK11195 binding following temporary focal cerebral ischemia in the rat. Correlation with post mortem mapping of microglia activation

BACKGROUND

Post-stroke microglial activation (MA) may have both neurotoxic and pro-repair effects, particularly in the salvaged penumbra. Mapping MA in vivo is therefore an important goal. 11C-PK11195, a ligand for the 18 kDa translocator protein, is the reference radioligand for MA imaging, but a correlation between the regional distributions of in vivo tracer binding and post mortem MA after stroke, as assessed with PET and immunohistochemistry, respectively, has not been demonstrated so far. Here we performed 11C-PK11195 microPET in a rat model previously shown to induce extensive cortical MA, and determined the correlation between 11C-PK11195 and immunostaining with the CD11 antibody OX42, so as to verify the presence of activated microglia, in a template of PET-resolution size regions-of-interest (ROIs) spanning the whole affected hemisphere.

METHODS

Adult spontaneously hypertensive rats underwent 45 min distal middle cerebral artery occlusion and 11C-PK11195 PET at Days 2 and 14 after stroke according to a longitudinal design. Following perfusion-fixation at Day 14, brains were removed and coronally cut for OX42 staining. 11C-PK11195 binding potential (BPND) parametric maps were generated, and in each rat both BP(ND) and OX42 (intensity×extent score) were obtained in the same set of 44 ROIs extracted from a cytoarchitectonic atlas to cover the whole hemisphere. Correlations were computed across the 44 ROIs both within and across subjects.

RESULTS

Significant BPND increases were observed in both the infarct and surrounding areas in all rats at day 14; less strong but still significant increases were present at day 2. There were highly significant (all p<0.001) positive correlations, both within- and across-subjects, between day 14 BPND values and OX42 scores.

CONCLUSIONS

The correlation between Day 14 11C-PK11195 and OX42 across the affected hemisphere from the same brain regions and animals further supports the validity of 11C-PK11195 as an in vivo imaging marker of MA following stroke. The finding of statistically significant increases in 11C-PK11195 as early as 48 h after stroke is novel. These results have implications for mapping MA after stroke, with potential therapeutic applications.

Peanut allergy and allergic airways inflammation

Asthma is a major risk cofactor for anaphylactic deaths in children with peanut allergy. Peanut allergy is generally thought to be a lifelong condition, but some children outgrow their coexistent asthma. It has recently been shown that children who have 'outgrown' their asthma symptoms may have ongoing eosinophilic airways inflammation. The need for regular inhaled corticosteroid treatment in peanut allergic children and adolescents who have outgrown their asthma is however unclear. The aims of our study were to look at fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels (FeNO), as a non-invasive marker of eosinophilic airways inflammation, in peanut allergic children and assess whether children with outgrown asthma had elevated levels. Children with peanut allergy were recruited at two pediatric allergy clinics in Belfast, UK. Exhaled nitric oxide levels (FeNO) were measured using the Niox Mino in all children. Of the 101 peanut allergic children who consented for enrollment in the study, 94 were successfully able to use the NIOX Mino. Age range was 4-15 yr (median 10 yr); 61% were boys. Thirty (32%) had never wheezed, 37 (39%) had current treated asthma, 20 (21%) had at least 1 wheezing episode within the last year but were not taking any regular asthma medication (wheeze no treatment), and 7 (7%) had outgrown asthma. All children with outgrown asthma had elevated levels of FeNO (> 35 ppb), and 75% of children defined as 'wheeze no treatment' had elevated FeNO levels (> 35 ppb). Outgrown asthma and children defined as 'wheeze no treatment' had higher levels of FeNO than those with no history of wheeze or current treated asthma (p = 0.003). In children with peanut allergy, we found that those who had outgrown asthma had elevated FeNO levels in keeping with ongoing eosinophilic airways inflammation.

Effective components of TORDIA cognitive-behavioral therapy for adolescent depression: preliminary findings

In this report, we conducted a secondary analysis of the Treatment of SSRI-Resistant Depression in Adolescents (TORDIA) study to explore the impact of specific cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment components on outcome. In TORDIA, 334 youths (ages 12 to 18 years) with major depressive disorder who had failed to respond to an adequate course of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication were randomized to a medication switch (either to an alternative SSRI or venlafaxine) with or without 12 weeks of adjunctive CBT. Participants who had more than 9 CBT sessions were 2.5 times more likely to have adequate treatment response than those who had 9 or fewer sessions. CBT participants who received problem-solving and social skills treatment components, controlling for number of sessions and other confounding variables, were 2.3 and 2.6 times, respectively, more likely to have a positive response. These preliminary findings underscore the importance of receiving an adequate number of sessions to attain an adequate clinical response. Finally, social skills and problem solving may be active elements in CBT for adolescent depression and should be considered in treatment by those working with seriously depressed youths.

The genome and structural proteome of an ocean siphovirus: a new window into the cyanobacterial 'mobilome'

Prochlorococcus, an abundant phototroph in the oceans, are infected by members of three families of viruses: myo-, podo- and siphoviruses. Genomes of myo- and podoviruses isolated on Prochlorococcus contain DNA replication machinery and virion structural genes homologous to those from coliphages T4 and T7 respectively. They also contain a suite of genes of cyanobacterial origin, most notably photosynthesis genes, which are expressed during infection and appear integral to the evolutionary trajectory of both host and phage. Here we present the first genome of a cyanobacterial siphovirus, P-SS2, which was isolated from Atlantic slope waters using a Prochlorococcus host (MIT9313). The P-SS2 genome is larger than, and considerably divergent from, previously sequenced siphoviruses. It appears most closely related to lambdoid siphoviruses, with which it shares 13 functional homologues. The ∼108 kb P-SS2 genome encodes 131 predicted proteins and notably lacks photosynthesis genes which have consistently been found in other marine cyanophage, but does contain 14 other cyanobacterial homologues. While only six structural proteins were identified from the genome sequence, 35 proteins were detected experimentally; these mapped onto capsid and tail structural modules in the genome. P-SS2 is potentially capable of integration into its host as inferred from bioinformatically identified genetic machinery int, bet, exo and a 53 bp attachment site. The host attachment site appears to be a genomic island that is tied to insertion sequence (IS) activity that could facilitate mobility of a gene involved in the nitrogen-stress response. The homologous region and a secondary IS-element hot-spot in Synechococcus RS9917 are further evidence of IS-mediated genome evolution coincident with a probable relic prophage integration event. This siphovirus genome provides a glimpse into the biology of a deep-photic zone phage as well as the ocean cyanobacterial prophage and IS element ‘mobilome’.

Assessment of safety and long-term outcomes of initial treatment with placebo in TADS

OBJECTIVE

The authors examined whether initial assignment to receive placebo for 12 weeks followed by open active treatment as clinically indicated was associated with different levels of benefit and risk of harm across 36 weeks as compared with initial assignment to receive active treatments.

METHOD

Adolescents with major depressive disorder (N=439) were randomly assigned to receive an initial 12 weeks of treatment with fluoxetine, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), combination treatment with fluoxetine and CBT, or clinical management with placebo; those assigned to placebo received open active treatment as clinically indicated after 12 weeks of placebo. Assessments were conducted every 6 weeks for 36 weeks. The primary outcome measures were response and remission based on scores on the Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised and the Clinical Global Impression improvement subscale.

RESULTS

At week 36, the response rate was 82% in the placebo/open group and 83% in the active treatment groups. The remission rate was 48% in the placebo/open group and 59% in the active treatment groups, a difference that approached statistical significance. Patients who responded to placebo generally retained their response. Those who did not respond to placebo subsequently responded to active treatment at the same rate as those initially assigned to active treatments. There were no differences between groups in rates of suicidal events, study retention, or symptom worsening.

CONCLUSIONS

Remission rates at 9 months were lower in patients treated initially with placebo, but 3 months of placebo treatment was not associated with any harm or diminished response to subsequent treatment.

Developing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Prevent Depressive Relapse in Youth

Relapse rates for children and adolescents with major depressive disorder (MDD) range from 30% to 40% within 1 to 2 years after acute treatment. Although relapse rates are high, there have been relatively few studies on the prevention of relapse in youth. While acute phase pharmacotherapy has been shown to reduce symptoms rapidly in depressed youth, children and adolescents frequently report ongoing residual symptoms and often relapse following acute treatment. Recent adult trials have begun examining augmentation with psychosocial treatment after successful medication treatment to enhance medication response and prevent future relapse. This strategy has not yet been examined in youth with depression. Here we present initial efforts to develop a sequential, combination treatment strategy to promoting rapid remission and to prevent relapse in depressed youth. We describe efforts to adapt CBT to prevent relapse (RP-CBT) in youth who respond to pharmacotherapy. The goals of RP-CBT include: preventing relapse, increasing wellness, and developing skills to promote and sustain a healthy emotional lifestyle. We describe the rationale for, components of, and methods used to develop RP-CBT. The results from a small open series sample demonstrate feasibility and indicate that youth appear to tolerate RP-CBT well. A future test of the treatment in a randomized controlled trial is described.

Reduced structural proteins in the conjunctival epithelium in allergic eye disease

AIMS

Allergic eye disease affects up to 20% of the population with varying severity. The conjunctival epithelium plays a key role in allergic eye disease. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the conjunctival epithelium is abnormal in allergic eye disease.

METHODS

Conjunctival biopsy samples were taken from patients with seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) 'in' and 'out of season' and nonatopic control subjects. Specimens were fixed in glycol methacrylate, 2 microm serial sections cut and Image-J used to assess the sites and areas of immuno-staining.

RESULTS

E-cadherin, CD44, keratins K5/6, K8, K13, K14, K18 and pan-keratin immuno-staining were all significantly lower in patients 'out of season' compared with normal controls. No structural differences in the epithelium were observed between the two groups. The epithelium of patients 'in season' was thicker and immuno-staining of the above markers similar to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The expression of a wide spectrum of epithelial cell adhesion proteins and cytoskeletal elements is downregulated in the conjunctiva of SAC patients 'out of season' compared with normal controls. We suggest that this could have an important impact on the ability of the epithelium to protect itself against allergen penetration, potentially influencing the development and course of allergic eye disease and offering a novel area for therapeutic control.

Relapse and recurrence in pediatric depression

Depression is a chronic illness in children and adolescents that often leads to long-term difficulties with recurrent episodes of depression. Standard treatment must continue beyond acute symptom reduction to a chronic disease management model, such as those used in pediatric asthma and diabetes. Within the chronic disease management model, treatment interventions are directed not only at the urgent or acute concern but also at the prevention of future problems. Lack of consistent efficacy in acute treatment studies has limited long-term prevention treatment research in pediatric depression. The impact of long-term treatments, both psychosocial and pharmacologic, is currently unknown.

Cognitions and depressive symptoms among ethnic minority adolescents

Cognitive models have guided effective intervention strategies in the treatment of depression. However, little is known about the cognitive model's relevance in different cultural ethnic groups in the United States. This study examines the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations among cognitive variables and depressive symptoms among African American, Caucasian, and Hispanic adolescents in the United States. Community adolescents (N = 450) ages 14-18 years (African American n = 79; Caucasian n = 273; Hispanic n = 98) provided information regarding their depressive symptoms and cognitions at two surveys, 6 months apart. Self-efficacy, cognitive errors, and hopelessness were associated with concurrent depressive symptoms at baseline. In addition, cognitive errors at baseline, controlling for baseline depressive symptoms and the occurrence of stressful events, predicted depressive symptoms at follow-up. Ethnic differences disappeared when parent education level was controlled. Our findings demonstrate support for the cognitive model of depression across ethnic groups. The importance of controlling for social class when examining ethnic differences in psychological variables is highlighted by our findings.

More and earlier surfactant for preterm infants

Surfactant administration to infants born at less than 32 weeks gestation was compared between two time periods (1 April 1994 to 31 March 1996 and 1 April 1999 to 31 March 2001). Overall administration increased significantly from 41% to 54%, and within one hour of birth from 13% to 60%. Regional data collection and feedback helps promote quality improvement and implementation of published evidence and guidelines.

Self-administration of epinephrine in children: a survey of current prescription practice and recommendations for improvement

The prevalence of peanut allergy is increasing rapidly and many children are now prescribed self-injectable epinephrine as part of their management. We aimed to examine the current extent of self-injectable epinephrine dispensing to children in the Eastern Health and Social Services Board (EHSSB), Northern Ireland, including indications for prescription, investigations performed, information and training provided and actual usage. Dispensing records held by the EHSSB were examined for the period May to August 1998. All general practitioners prescribing 'Epipens' during this period were contacted and asked to identify the patient and provide contact details. Information was gathered using postal questionnaires sent to General Practitioners and parents. A total of 104 'Epipen' prescriptions were dispensed. Thirty-seven (36%) general practitioners responded to the initial questionnaire; of these 36 (35%) were suitable for analysis. Thirty-four parents were then contacted; 28 (82%) returned questionnaires were reviewed. The commonest indication for 'Epipen' prescription was peanut allergy (32 of 36 (89%) general practitioner responses; 25 of 28 (89%) parent responses). Twenty-six (72%) children had been seen by a specialist; all except one had either blood or skin tests. Six of the remaining eight children had no investigations. General practitioners reported 14 (39%) parents to have basic life support training, compared with six (21%) parents. Eighteen (64%) parents had been given written information regarding their child's allergy, nine (32%) had been referred to a dietician and seven (25%) children wore a medical warning bracelet. The Epipen had been used by three children; all three had multiple food allergies. This study has identified a great variability in the management of children with allergy including the need for specialist referral, further investigation, written allergy advice, referral to a dietician and formalised training in basic life support and administration of epinephrine. It suggests a lack of consensus amongst health care professionals as to the best practice in the management of potentially life threatening food allergy and indicates, at least, a need for better multidisciplinary communication.