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Brandsma T, Visser K, Volk JJG, Rijn ABV, Dekker LP. A Pilot Study on the Effect of Peer Support on Quality of Life of Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Gender Dysphoria. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:997-1008. [PMID: 36484963 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05832-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gender dysphoria (GD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) co-occur relatively often, but there is no evidence-based treatment for this specific group. Therefore, we examined the effects of a group intervention for adolescents with ASD and GD in a pilot study with a pre-post-test design. The adolescents completed questionnaires on quality of life, self-esteem, gender dysphoric feelings, and social responsiveness. Results show that participating in this peer support group seems to increase aspects of quality of life, i.e., increased parent-reported psychological well-being and decreased psychological complaints. Even though more research is needed, these results indicate that peer support is an invaluable part of treatment for adolescents with ASD and GD.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Brandsma
- Sarr Autism Rotterdam, Youz & Antes, Parnassiagroep, Dynamostraat 18, 3083, AK Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Youz, Parnassiagroep & Praktijk Buitengewoon, Gorinchem, The Netherlands.
| | - K Visser
- Sarr Autism Rotterdam, Youz & Antes, Parnassiagroep, Dynamostraat 18, 3083, AK Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Rotterdam Autism Consortium (R.A.C.), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J J G Volk
- Sarr Autism Rotterdam, Youz & Antes, Parnassiagroep, Dynamostraat 18, 3083, AK Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Balleur van Rijn
- Youz, Parnassiagroep & Praktijk Buitengewoon, Gorinchem, The Netherlands
| | - L P Dekker
- Rotterdam Autism Consortium (R.A.C.), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychology Education and Child Studies, Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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de Maat DA, Van der Hallen R, de Nijs PFA, Visser K, Bastiaansen D, Truijens FL, van Rijen EHM, Ester W, Prinzie P, Jansen PW, Dekker LP. Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Times of COVID-19: Examining Emotional and Behavioral Problems, Parental Well-Being, and Resilience. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-022-05846-y. [PMID: 37213037 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05846-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This longitudinal study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 62; Mage = 13 years) by measuring emotional and behavioral problems before and during the pandemic, and by comparing this change to a matched sample of children without ASD (n = 213; Mage = 16 years). Moreover, we examined whether indicators of parental well-being promoted resilience of children with ASD. Results showed that the mean change in problems did not differ between children with and without ASD. Importantly, some children showed an increase in problems, while others showed resilience. Parental well-being indicators were not related to resilience among children with ASD. The interindividual variability in responses, particularly among children with ASD, highlights the need for personalized support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna A de Maat
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam, 3000 DR, The Netherlands.
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ruth Van der Hallen
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam, 3000 DR, The Netherlands
- Rotterdam Autism Consortium (R.A.C.), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Pieter F A de Nijs
- Rotterdam Autism Consortium (R.A.C.), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten Visser
- Rotterdam Autism Consortium (R.A.C.), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Sarr Autism Rotterdam, Youz Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Parnassia Group, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dennis Bastiaansen
- Rotterdam Autism Consortium (R.A.C.), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Yulius Center for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Femke L Truijens
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam, 3000 DR, The Netherlands
- Rotterdam Autism Consortium (R.A.C.), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elisabeth H M van Rijen
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam, 3000 DR, The Netherlands
- Rotterdam Autism Consortium (R.A.C.), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wietske Ester
- Rotterdam Autism Consortium (R.A.C.), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Sarr Autism Rotterdam, Youz Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Parnassia Group, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Curium-LUMC, Oegstgeest, The Netherlands
- Parnassia Bavo Group, Parnassia Bavo Academy, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Prinzie
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam, 3000 DR, The Netherlands
| | - Pauline W Jansen
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam, 3000 DR, The Netherlands
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Linda P Dekker
- Department of Psychology, Education, and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, Rotterdam, 3000 DR, The Netherlands
- Rotterdam Autism Consortium (R.A.C.), Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Dekker LP, van der Vegt EJM, Louwerse A, Visser K, van der Ende J, Maras A, Verhulst FC, Greaves-Lord K. Complementing or Congruent? Desired Characteristics in a Friend and Romantic Partner in Autistic versus Typically Developing Male Adolescents. Arch Sex Behav 2023; 52:1153-1167. [PMID: 36241943 PMCID: PMC10102130 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-022-02444-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Ideal friend and romantic partner characteristics related to self-perceived characteristics have been investigated in typically developing (TD) individuals, but not in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Considering the autistic symptoms and challenges, investigating these concepts in autistic individuals is relevant. Given the lack of consensus, identity-first ("autistic person") and person-first ("person with autism") language are mixed throughout, to cover all preferences. This study explored (1) the association between self-perceived characteristics and desires in a friend/romantic partner, as well as (2) compare two groups (ASD and TD) in their desires for a friend/romantic partner. Two matched groups (ASD and TD) of 38 male adolescents (age 14-19 years) reported on the desire for nine characteristics (i.e., funny, popular, nice, cool, smart, trustworthy, good looking, similar interests, and being rich) in a friend/partner, and to what extent they felt they themselves possessed seven characteristics (i.e., funny, popular, nice, cool, smart, trustworthy, and good looking). Results showed both groups sought a friend and partner similar to themselves on intrinsic characteristics (e.g., trustworthiness), but less similar on extrinsic and social status characteristics (e.g., being less cool and popular). Particularly intrinsic characteristics, more than extrinsic and social status characteristics, were valued in both partners and friends, regardless of group. No significant differences were found between groups concerning to what extent characteristics were desired. Overall, adolescents with ASD desire similar characteristics as TD adolescents in their potential romantic partners and friends. There is some indication that the match between self-perception and desired characteristics is different.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda P Dekker
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burg. Oudlaan 50, Room T13-24, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
- Yulius, Organization for Mental Health, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Anneke Louwerse
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Yulius, Organization for Mental Health, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kirsten Visser
- Yulius, Organization for Mental Health, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Youz Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Team Sarr Autism Expertise Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan van der Ende
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Athanasios Maras
- Yulius, Organization for Mental Health, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank C Verhulst
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kirstin Greaves-Lord
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Yulius, Organization for Mental Health, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Autism Team Northern-Netherlands of Jonx, Department of (Youth) Mental Health and Autism, Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Dekker LP, Visser K, van der Vegt EJM, Maras A, van der Ende J, Tick NT, Verhulst FC, Greaves-Lord K. Insight into Informant Discrepancies Regarding Psychosexual Functioning of Adolescents with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Res Adolesc 2020; 30:487-501. [PMID: 31802571 DOI: 10.1111/jora.12539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The private nature of psychosexual functioning leads adolescents and their parents to have different perspectives, which highlights studying parent-child informant discrepancies in this domain. We investigated informant discrepancy in psychosexual functioning, using the self-report and parent report versions of the Teen Transition Inventory (TTI), of adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; 136 parent-child dyads) compared to adolescents from the general population (GP; 70 parent-child dyads). Significantly larger informant discrepancies exist in ASD dyads than GP dyads in most domains of psychosexual functioning, except for Body image, Sexual behavior, and Confidence in the future. It is important to use and pay attention to both informants, as discrepancies are relevant for both research and clinical practice regarding psychosexual functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kirsten Visser
- Erasmus MC-Sophia
- Yulius, Organization for Mental Health
- Youz Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Team Sarr Autism Expertise Centre
| | | | | | | | - Nouchka T Tick
- Yulius, Organization for Mental Health
- University Utrecht
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Dekker LP, van der Vegt EJM, van der Ende J, Tick N, Louwerse A, Maras A, Verhulst FC, Greaves-Lord K. Psychosexual Functioning of Cognitively-able Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder Compared to Typically Developing Peers: The Development and Testing of the Teen Transition Inventory- a Self- and Parent Report Questionnaire on Psychosexual Functioning. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:1716-1738. [PMID: 28299510 PMCID: PMC5432605 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3071-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
To gain further insight into psychosexual functioning, including behaviors, intrapersonal and interpersonal aspects, in adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), comprehensive, multi-informant measures are needed. This study describes (1) the development of a new measure of psychosexual functioning in both parent- and self-reports (Teen Transition Inventory; TTI) covering all three domains of psychosexual functioning (i.e. psychosexual socialization, psychosexual selfhood, and sexual/intimate behavior). And (2) the initial testing of this instrument, comparing adolescents with ASD (n = 79 parent-report; n = 58 self-report) to Typically Developing (TD) adolescents (n = 131 parent-report; n = 91 self-report) while taking into account gender as a covariate. Results from both informants indicate more difficulties regarding psychosexual socialization and psychosexual selfhood in the ASD group. With regard to sexual/intimate behavior, only parents reported significantly more problems in adolescents with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda P Dekker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia, Wytemaweg 8, Room KP 2881, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Yulius Academy & Yulius Autism, Yulius, Mental Health Organisation, Dennenhout 1, 2994 GC, Barendrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Esther J M van der Vegt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia, Wytemaweg 8, Room KP 2881, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Yulius Academy & Yulius Autism, Yulius, Mental Health Organisation, Dennenhout 1, 2994 GC, Barendrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan van der Ende
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia, Wytemaweg 8, Room KP 2881, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nouchka Tick
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia, Wytemaweg 8, Room KP 2881, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Yulius Academy & Yulius Autism, Yulius, Mental Health Organisation, Dennenhout 1, 2994 GC, Barendrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Anneke Louwerse
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia, Wytemaweg 8, Room KP 2881, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Yulius Academy & Yulius Autism, Yulius, Mental Health Organisation, Dennenhout 1, 2994 GC, Barendrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Athanasios Maras
- Yulius Academy & Yulius Autism, Yulius, Mental Health Organisation, Dennenhout 1, 2994 GC, Barendrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Frank C Verhulst
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia, Wytemaweg 8, Room KP 2881, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kirstin Greaves-Lord
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/psychology, Erasmus MC-Sophia, Wytemaweg 8, Room KP 2881, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Yulius Academy & Yulius Autism, Yulius, Mental Health Organisation, Dennenhout 1, 2994 GC, Barendrecht, The Netherlands
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Louwerse A, Eussen MLJM, Van der Ende J, de Nijs PFA, Van Gool AR, Dekker LP, Verheij C, Verheij F, Verhulst FC, Greaves-Lord K. ASD Symptom Severity in Adolescence of Individuals Diagnosed with PDD-NOS in Childhood: Stability and the Relation with Psychiatric Comorbidity and Societal Participation. J Autism Dev Disord 2016; 45:3908-18. [PMID: 26395112 PMCID: PMC4653230 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2595-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The current 7-year follow-up study investigated: (1) the stability of ASD severity, and (2) associations of ASD severity in adolescence with (a) childhood and concurrent psychiatric comorbidity, and (b) concurrent societal functioning. The Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children were administered in childhood (ages 6-12) and in adolescence (ages 12-20) to 72 individuals with a pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). ADOS calibrated severity scores showed a large stability (r = .51). Psychiatric comorbidity in childhood and adolescence were not associated with ASD severity in adolescence. Mental health care use (87 %) and special education needs were high (71 %). Reevaluation of ASD severity and psychiatric comorbidity later in life seem useful when PDD-NOS is diagnosed in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Louwerse
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Wytemaweg 8, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. .,Yulius, Organisation for Mental Health, Yulius Academy, Hellingen 21, 3311 GZ, Dordrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - M L J M Eussen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Wytemaweg 8, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Yulius, Organisation for Mental Health, Yulius Academy, Hellingen 21, 3311 GZ, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J Van der Ende
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Wytemaweg 8, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P F A de Nijs
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Wytemaweg 8, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A R Van Gool
- Yulius, Organisation for Mental Health, Yulius Academy, Hellingen 21, 3311 GZ, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - L P Dekker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Wytemaweg 8, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Yulius, Organisation for Mental Health, Yulius Academy, Hellingen 21, 3311 GZ, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - C Verheij
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Wytemaweg 8, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F Verheij
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Wytemaweg 8, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - F C Verhulst
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Wytemaweg 8, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K Greaves-Lord
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Wytemaweg 8, 3015 CN, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Yulius, Organisation for Mental Health, Yulius Academy, Hellingen 21, 3311 GZ, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
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Dekker LP, Hartman CA, van der Vegt EJ, Verhulst FC, van Oort FV, Greaves-Lord K. The longitudinal relation between childhood autistic traits and psychosexual problems in early adolescence: The Tracking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey study. Autism 2014; 19:684-93. [PMID: 25192861 DOI: 10.1177/1362361314547114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with autistic traits are considered to be prone to develop psychosexual problems due to their limited social skills and insight. This study investigated the longitudinal relation between autistic traits in childhood (T1; age 10-12 years) and parent-reported psychosexual problems in early adolescence (T2; age 12-15 years). In a general population cohort study (n = 1873; the Tracking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS)), autistic traits and psychosexual problems were determined. Logistic regression analyses were used to investigate whether childhood autistic traits, in individuals displaying no psychosexual problems in childhood, predicted the presence of psychosexual problems in adolescence, while controlling for pubertal development and conduct problems. Higher levels of autistic traits at T1 significantly predicted mild psychosexual problems at T2, above and beyond pubertal development and conduct problems. Particularly two dimensions of autistic traits at T1 were significant predictors; i.e. 'reduced contact/social interest' and 'not optimally tuned to the social situation'. Children with autistic traits - especially those with limited social interest and social regulation problems - showed to have a higher risk to develop psychosexual problems, albeit mild, in early adolescence as reported by parents. Although we showed that autistic traits predict psychosexual problems, it is only one of multiple predictors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda P Dekker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University MC - Sophia, The Netherlands Yulius, Organization for Mental Health, The Netherlands
| | - Catharina A Hartman
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Jm van der Vegt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University MC - Sophia, The Netherlands Yulius, Organization for Mental Health, The Netherlands
| | - Frank C Verhulst
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University MC - Sophia, The Netherlands
| | - Floor Va van Oort
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University MC - Sophia, The Netherlands
| | - Kirstin Greaves-Lord
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus University MC - Sophia, The Netherlands Yulius, Organization for Mental Health, The Netherlands
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