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Mental disorders in children and adolescents may follow different trajectories, such as remission, change of diagnosis, or addition of two or more comorbid diagnoses, showing a heterotypic pattern. This study aims to describe the main diagnostic trajectories across a broad range of mental disorder diagnostic categories, from childhood to adolescence and from adolescence to young adulthood in a clinical population. A prospective study was conducted among a clinical sample of children and adolescents who were aged 3-17 years at the face-to-face baseline interview. Electronic health records of these participants were reviewed 10 years later. The diagnostic stability over time was examined using the kappa coefficient, and factors associated with stability were explored using simple logistic regression. The study included a sample of 691 participants. The kappa coefficient for diagnostic stability across all diagnoses was 0.574 for the transition from childhood to adulthood, 0.614 from childhood to adolescence, and 0.733 from adolescence to adulthood. Neurodevelopmental diagnoses had the highest stability. Factors associated with higher diagnostic stability included family history of mental disorders, receiving psychopharmacological treatment, and symptom severity at baseline. We found a variable diagnostic stability across different diagnoses and age categories. The different life transitions represent complex periods that should not be overlooked from a clinical standpoint. An appropriate transition from child and adolescent mental health services to adult mental health services may have a positive impact on children and adolescents with mental disorders.

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BACKGROUND: Children and young people's mental health is a growing public health concern, which is further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mobile health apps, particularly those using passive smartphone sensor data, present an opportunity to address this issue and support mental well-being. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop and evaluate a mobile mental health platform for children and young people, Mindcraft, which integrates passive sensor data monitoring with active self-reported updates through an engaging user interface to monitor their well-being. METHODS: A user-centered design approach was used to develop Mindcraft, incorporating feedback from potential users. User acceptance testing was conducted with a group of 8 young people aged 15-17 years, followed by a pilot test with 39 secondary school students aged 14-18 years, which was conducted for a 2-week period. RESULTS: Mindcraft showed encouraging user engagement and retention. Users reported that they found the app to be a friendly tool helping them to increase their emotional awareness and gain a better understanding of themselves. Over 90% of users (36/39, 92.5%) answered all active data questions on the days they used the app. Passive data collection facilitated the gathering of a broader range of well-being metrics over time, with minimal user intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The Mindcraft app has shown promising results in monitoring mental health symptoms and promoting user engagement among children and young people during its development and initial testing. The app's user-centered design, the focus on privacy and transparency, and a combination of active and passive data collection strategies have all contributed to its efficacy and receptiveness among the target demographic. By continuing to refine and expand the app, the Mindcraft platform has the potential to contribute meaningfully to the field of mental health care for young people.

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Objective: Bipolar disorder (BD) is a highly prevalent, chronic and recurrent mental illness. The smoking rates in patients with BD are much higher than those of the general population, and BD is associated with an increased risk of suicide. An association between smoking and suicidal behavior has been found in the general population, this systematic review examines whether there is evidence of an association between smoking and suicide behavior in patients with BD. Method: A database search was carried out in Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science, updated until December 31st, 2021, according to the 2020 PRISMA guidelines. We identified prospective and retrospective studies that included patients diagnosed with BD types I, II, and not otherwise specified, and in which smoking and suicidal behavior were correlated. Articles that focused exclusively on other mental disorders were excluded. The Ottawa-Newcastle scale was used to assess the methodological quality of the included articles. Results: Fifteen articles (n = 7,395) met all the inclusion criteria. In nine of these articles, the authors found an association between smoking and suicidal behavior in BD, while in the remaining six articles, this association was not found. A great deal of variability was observed between articles, particularly in the measurement of suicidal behavior and tobacco consumption. The risk of bias, as assessed by the NOS, was high for most of the included articles, except for two papers, whose risk was low. Conclusion: It was not possible to establish a clear relationship between tobacco use and the risk of suicide in BD patients due to the heterogeneity of the articles included in this systematic review, which had different sample sizes and methodological issues. However, both conditions are highly prevalent and have a negative impact on the prognosis of BD. Therefore, a systematic approach is needed, based on accurate measurement of a patient's smoking habits and their risk of suicidal behavior, in order to establish an appropriate therapeutic plan. Additional information: This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors and was registered on PROSPERO with the CRD42022301570 on January 21th 2022.

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OBJECTIVE: To compare psychiatric emergencies and self-harm at emergency departments (EDs) 1 year into the pandemic, to early pandemic and pre-pandemic, and to examine the changes in the characteristics of self-harm presentations. METHOD: This retrospective cohort study expanded on the Pandemic-Related Emergency Psychiatric Presentations (PREP-kids) study. Routine record data in March to April of 2019, 2020, and 2021 from 62 EDs in 25 countries were included. ED presentations made by children and adolescents for any mental health reasons were analyzed. RESULTS: Altogether, 8,174 psychiatric presentations were recorded (63.5% female; mean [SD] age, 14.3 [2.6] years), 3,742 of which were self-harm presentations. Rate of psychiatric ED presentations in March to April 2021 was twice as high as in March to April 2020 (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.93; 95% CI, 1.60-2.33), and 50% higher than in March to April 2019 (IRR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.25-1.81). Rate of self-harm presentations doubled between March to April 2020 and March to April 2021 (IRR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.68-2.34), and was overall 1.7 times higher than in March to April 2019 (IRR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.44-2.00). Comparing self-harm characteristics in March to April 2021 with March to April 2019, self-harm contributed to a higher proportion of all psychiatric presentations (odds ratio [OR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.05-1.62), whereas female representation in self-harm presentations doubled (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.45-2.72) and follow-up appointments were offered 4 times as often (OR, 4.46; 95% CI, 2.32-8.58). CONCLUSION: Increased pediatric ED visits for both self-harm and psychiatric reasons were observed, suggesting potential deterioration in child mental health. Self-harm in girls possibly increased and needs to be prioritized. Clinical services should continue using follow-up appointments to support discharge from EDs. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT: One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science. We actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our author group. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our reference list. The author list of this paper includes contributors from the location and/or community where the research was conducted who participated in the data collection, design, analysis, and/or interpretation of the work.

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BACKGROUND: Post-psychotic depression (PPD) after a FEP (first-episode psychosis) differs from other depressive symptoms in chronic schizophrenia in its aetiology, symptomatology, and prognostic implications. The objective was to search if any pharmacological or non-pharmacological interventions have proven to be effective on depressive symptoms after a FEP. METHODS: for this systematic review we systematically searched and screened PubMed for articles published from August 1975 to October 15, 2020, with the terms: treatment AND first-episode psychosis OR post-psychotic OR post-schizophrenic AND depression. RESULTS: we identified 139 articles of which 20 met the inclusion criteria. These interventions were then categorized into four subgroups (antipsychotics, antidepressants, psychological and miscellaneous). LIMITATIONS: this review has several limitations. The reviewed studies were heterogeneous as to assessments, interventions, and samples; furthermore, only one study had PPD in FEP as its primary outcome. CONCLUSIONS: to our knowledge, this is the first review of PPD in a FEP's treatment. PPD continues to be a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The available evidence for the use of treatment whether pharmacological or non-pharmacological is limited. However, certain approaches such as online therapy and treatment with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) show promising results. It could be of interest for future studies to focus not only on the treatment of PPD but also on the diagnostic heterogeneity of the sample and the adaptation of the content of the intervention to the individual.

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BACKGROUND: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms may persist into adulthood and are likely to cause great problems in young adults. To date, few studies have explored the characteristics of patients diagnosed with ADHD that might influence the utilization of adult mental health services (AMHS). We aimed to examine and identify predictive symptoms of AMHS. METHODS: We analysed data from 114 participants diagnosed with ADHD from a cohort of adolescents recruited at the age of 12-17 years, who, at the time of data analysis, were over 18 years old. RESULTS: Among AMHS users, hyperactivity/impulsivity measures were significantly more severe (t = 2.668, df = 112, p < .001), ADHD combined subtype diagnosis (χ2  = 4.66, df = 1, p = .031) was more frequent and dysregulation profile in the SDQ-P was also significantly higher (t = -2.497, df = 109, p = .014). However, the dysregulation profile did not remain statistically significant after controlling for type of AMHS contact. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that adolescents with ADHD are more likely continue their care under AMHS if they present more severe symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and emotional dysregulation. The better characterization of the patient profile will help clinicians to early identify groups at-risk and to tailor interventions and prevention strategies.

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Growing use of mobiles phones (MP) and other wireless devices (WD) has raised concerns about their possible effects on children and adolescents' wellbeing. Understanding whether these technologies affect children and adolescents' mental health in positive or detrimental ways has become more urgent following further increase in use since the COVID-19 outbreak. To review the empirical evidence on associations between use of MP/WD and mental health in children and adolescents. A systematic review of literature was carried out on Medline, Embase and PsycINFO for studies published prior to July 15th 2019, PROSPERO ID: CRD42019146750. 25 observational studies published between January 1st 2011 and 2019 were reviewed (ten were cohort studies, 15 were cross-sectional). Overall estimated participant mean age and proportion female were 14.6 years and 47%, respectively. Substantial between-study heterogeneity in design and measurement of MP/WD usage and mental health outcomes limited our ability to infer general conclusions. Observed effects differed depending on time and type of MP/WD usage. We found suggestive but limited evidence that greater use of MP/WD may be associated with poorer mental health in children and adolescents. Risk of bias was rated as 'high' for 16 studies, 'moderate' for five studies and 'low' for four studies. More high-quality longitudinal studies and mechanistic research are needed to clarify the role of sleep and of type of MP/WD use (e.g. social media) on mental health trajectories in children and adolescents.

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PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the evidence about video game-based therapeutic intervention for people diagnosed with depressive disorders. RECENT FINDINGS: Psychotherapy has been proved to reduce depressive symptoms and is a key element in the treatment of depressive disorders. However, geographical, economical and stigmatized concerns are barriers to access to psychotherapy. New technologies and videos games can overcome some of these barriers by providing teleconferencing evidence-based therapy as time as they may offer an interactive entertainment. Overall, video game-based interventions were useful and effective in reducing symptoms of depressive disorders. Seven of the studies were published in the last 5 years, which reflects the increased research interest in video game-based interventions for depression. Overall, when adherence was reported, rates of acceptability and feasibility were high.

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BACKGROUND: Post-psychotic depression (PPD) is an important and frequent clinical phenomenon featuring controversial complexity in its nosological and aetiopathogenic cataloguing. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this research was to review the published literature on PPD. The second objective was to indicate its clinical importance, either comorbid or as an entity of its own. To answer these questions, a historical review of the term is made and a search about the clinical, evolutionary, predisposal, and prognostic variables that characterize the PPD. METHODS: The international recommendations were followed according to the Preferred Items for Reporting of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The databases used were Web of Science and PubMed, with the deadline for the inclusion of articles in November 2019. The MeSH used were the following: "post" AND "psych *" AND "psich" AND "depr." RESULTS: The search resulted in 64 articles. Only 19 of these met the pre-specified inclusion criteria and were finally included in the review. One article found that reading this literature was added due to its relevance. Despite its high prevalence (around 30%), there is little research about the term PPD. Nevertheless, results show data to improve the description of the syndrome, revealing differential characteristics from other depressive symptoms in chronic psychosis due to its clinical implications. CONCLUSIONS: Coinciding with the latest classification manuals that do not include the term, there appears to be an abandonment of its use despite its high prevalence. Data suggest that PPD is a nosological entity different from a secondary effect to antipsychotics, the negative symptoms of psychosis, and other clinical disorders that combine psychotic and depressive symptoms such as bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or depression with psychotic symptoms. PPD also has differential characteristics concerning further depressive symptoms, especially important clinical implications such as higher suicide risk and poorer quality of life.

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Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent and serious disorder among children. Video games have shown potential for aiding in child healthcare. Video games could contribute to the assessment and management of ADHD, but there are no previous reviews on this topic. Here, we systematically review the evidence about video game-based assessment tools and interventions for children diagnosed with ADHD. This review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The review protocol was registered in PROSPERO database. We searched four databases-PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase and clinicaltrials.gov-to identify original studies exploring either video game-based interventions or video game-based assessment tools in children with ADHD. After initial screening, full text revision and study selection, 22 articles were finally included in the review. Most studies used PC as platform, with a minority using a video console, pad, or 3D device. Video game-based assessment tools were generally effective in discriminating ADHD cases from controls, and in discriminating between ADHD subtypes. Video game-based therapeutic interventions were well accepted and generally effective in improving cognitive areas and decreasing ADHD symptoms. Gamification and cognitive training could be the main mechanisms underlying the usefulness and effectiveness of video game-based assessment tools and interventions. Software optimization and greater collaboration between developers and healthcare professionals are some of the priorities for future research in this area.

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There is substantial evidence of the high prevalence of obesity (OB) and overweight (OW) and their association with increased medical and psychiatric burden among adults with bipolar disorder (BD). However, little is known regarding its prevalence among young people with BD, other than the risk from psychotropic medication, which has been the focus of research in this population. We present a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature on prevalence and correlates of OB and OW children and adolescents with BD using a different perspective than impact of medication. Four studies met inclusion criteria. The prevalence of OB in children and adolescents with BD was 15% (95% CI 11-20%). We observed a higher prevalence of OB in comparison to the general population. Different studies found significant associations between OB, OW, and BD in young populations including non-Caucasian race, physical abuse, suicide attempts, self-injurious behaviours, psychotropic medication, and psychiatric hospitalizations.

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El síndrome de Prader-Willi (SPW) es un conocido trastorno del neurodesarrollo de origen genético secundario a la falta de expresión de los genes de la región 15q11-q13 del alelo de procedencia paterna, con una prevalencia estimada de 1:25000 nacimientos. Se caracteriza por la presencia de dismorfia, talla baja, hipogonadismo, sobrepeso, y un fenotipo conductual consistente en problemas de aprendizaje, retraso mental variable, rituales, estereotipias y comportamientos compulsivos, dermatilomanía, rabietas frecuentes, irritabilidad, e hiperfagia. El SPW también se asocia con un mayor riesgo de problemas psiquiátricos, entre los que destacan por su gravedad las psicosis y los trastornos afectivos. Se presenta el caso clínico de un varón de 12 años afecto de SPW en el que aparece de forma brusca un cuadro psicótico atípico de carácter recurrente, discutiéndose tanto su filiación diagnóstica como la intervención terapéutica a la luz de la literatura científica publicada

Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a known neurodevelopmental genetic disorder secondary to lack of expression of the genes of the 15q11-q13 region allele of paternal origin, with an estimated prevalence of 1:25000 births. It is characterized by the presence of dysmorphia, short stature, hypogonadism, overweight, and a behavioral phenotype with learning disabilities, mental retardation, rituals, stereotypies and compulsive behaviors, skin-picking, frequent tantrums, irritability, and hyperphagia. The SPW is also associated with an increased risk of psychiatric symptoms, most notably by its severity psychoses and affective disorders. It is presented the case of a 12-years-old male diagnosed with SPW in which suddenly appears an atypical psychotic episode, discussing both its diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in the light of the published scientific literatur

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Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 17 años en seguimiento en nuestra Unidad de Salud Mental Infanto-Juvenil por un cuadro de características compatibles inicialmente tanto con un trastorno atencional como de la comunicación social. Se comenta tanto el proceso de diagnóstico diferencial como su posterior tratamiento y evolución. Posteriormente, se discuten las posibilidades diagnósticas y, sobre todo, la entidad actualmente conocida como Tempo Cognitivo Lento o Trastorno por Déficit de Concentración, realizando una breve revisión y repaso de sus características más destacadas en la literatura existente

It is reported the case of a 17-year-old patient with a symptomatology compatible with both an attentional disorder as a social relationship disorder treated in our Child & Adolescent Mental Health Outpatient Unit. It is described the differential diagnosis and the treatment and evolution of the patient. Before this, we discuss the diagnostic options, and especially the disorder named as Concentration Deficit Disorder or Sluggish Cognitive Tempo. Its more relevant characteristics are review as they are described in the recent medical literature

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