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Mental Health Issues from Child to Adult

A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Mental Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 September 2021) | Viewed by 20591

Special Issue Editors

Department of Psychiatry, Myongji Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Goyang 10475, Republic of Korea
Interests: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; autism spectrum disorder; abuse
School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
Interests: attention deficit disorder; development; child psychiatry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Developmental concepts are emphasized for major mental health issues in childhood, including ADHD and ASD, and it is accepted as a given fact that adverse childhood experiences can alter the developmental trajectory of individuals. Mental health issues have negative impacts on individual, families, and society, and also result in stigma. Much research is underway to uncover the interplay of biological substrates, psychological temperament, and environmental experiences.

This Special Issue aims to share and highlight the research findings on various issues experienced from childhood to adulthood. It is not limited to ADHD and ASD, but also includes media exposure, trauma, self-harm, etc.

Prof. Minha Hong
Prof. Geon Ho Bahn
Prof. In-Hwan Oh
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
  • abuse
  • self-harm
  • suicide

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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7 pages, 779 KiB  
Article
Nationwide Rate of Adult ADHD Diagnosis and Pharmacotherapy from 2015 to 2018
by Sang-Min Lee, Hyeon-Kyoung Cheong, In-Hwan Oh and Minha Hong
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11322; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182111322 - 28 Oct 2021
Viewed by 1989
Abstract
There is a paucity of published literature on the epidemiology of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We investigated the time trends of the diagnostic and pharmacotherapy incidence of ADHD, including the first used medication, in the adult population based on a Korean population-based database [...] Read more.
There is a paucity of published literature on the epidemiology of adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We investigated the time trends of the diagnostic and pharmacotherapy incidence of ADHD, including the first used medication, in the adult population based on a Korean population-based database from 2015 to 2018. The number of diagnosed cases of ADHD significantly increased from 7782 in 2015 to 17,264 in 2018 (p = 0.03), which is 0.02% to 0.04% of the total population. Similarly, the number of pharmacotherapy cases of ADHD significantly increased from 3886 in 2015 to 12,502 in 2018 (p = 0.01), which is 0.01% to 0.03% of total population. The most commonly used medication at the initiation of pharmacotherapy shifted from Penid in 2015 to Concerta in 2018. Furthermore, combination therapy with two or more drugs was the preferred method in 2016–2018. In conclusion, the identified diagnoses and pharmacotherapy incidences were very low, highlighting the need to improve the public’s awareness of adult ADHD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Issues from Child to Adult)
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10 pages, 1117 KiB  
Article
Trends of Mental Disorders and Treatment Continuity Predictors of New Patients in the Paediatric Psychiatry Clinic of a University Hospital
by Ah-Rah Lee and Geon-Ho Bahn
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(18), 9613; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18189613 - 12 Sep 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1539
Abstract
This study analysed trends of first-time patients visiting the paediatric psychiatry clinic in a university hospital. The medical records from 2009 to 2016 of first-time patients visiting the Kyung Hee University Hospital were reviewed, focusing on children in grades 1–12. We analysed the [...] Read more.
This study analysed trends of first-time patients visiting the paediatric psychiatry clinic in a university hospital. The medical records from 2009 to 2016 of first-time patients visiting the Kyung Hee University Hospital were reviewed, focusing on children in grades 1–12. We analysed the clinical diagnosis rate of mental disorders per 100,000 in the general population by gender and grade, and the characteristics of patients who sought outpatient care more than three times. The study included 1467 participants, of which 931 were males (63.5%). The number of male patients per 100,000 population significantly decreased from 4.14 in 2009 to 2.03 in 2016. While hyperkinetic disorders had the highest prevalence in males, neurotic disorders were most frequent in females. The rate of disruptive behaviour disorders in males and mental retardation in females decreased significantly during the data collecting period. The factors affecting treatment continuity were being female, 7th–12th graders, and diagnosis of depressive, hyperkinetic, and tic disorders. Physicians should consider the new paediatric patients’ gender, grade, and expected diagnosis from their first visit to improve treatment compliance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Issues from Child to Adult)
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9 pages, 327 KiB  
Article
Parental Factors Related to Adolescent Girls’ Suicide Attempts: A Cross-Sectional Study from 2015 to 2018
by Yeon-Jung Lee, Jin-Young Lee and Minjae Kim
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(15), 8122; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18158122 - 31 Jul 2021
Viewed by 1531
Abstract
Adolescent suicide is a serious global health concern. Although familial transmission of suicidal behaviors has been identified in previous research, the effects of parental gender remain unknown. This study identified the influence of parental suicidal behaviors on suicide attempts among adolescent girls. We [...] Read more.
Adolescent suicide is a serious global health concern. Although familial transmission of suicidal behaviors has been identified in previous research, the effects of parental gender remain unknown. This study identified the influence of parental suicidal behaviors on suicide attempts among adolescent girls. We collected data through a cross-sectional, nationwide, population-based survey in South Korea and evaluated data from 890 adolescent girls (aged 12–18 years) who had attempted suicide and their parents. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors related to suicide attempts among adolescent girls. The final model indicated that mothers’ suicidal plans and attempts (OR = 6.39, OR = 12.38, respectively) were important risk factors for suicide attempts in adolescent girls. Future studies should identify specific methods for effective prevention and treatment through path analysis of the related factors affecting suicidal behavior of adolescents according to their parents’ gender. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Issues from Child to Adult)
11 pages, 349 KiB  
Article
Callous–Unemotional Traits among Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or Typical Development: Differences between Adolescents’ and Parents’ Views
by Chen-Lin Chang, Tai-Ling Liu, Ray C. Hsiao, Pinchen Yang, Yi-Lung Chen and Cheng-Fang Yen
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 3972; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18083972 - 09 Apr 2021
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Abstract
This study examined parent–adolescent agreement on the callous, uncaring, and unemotional dimensions of callous–unemotional (CU) traits and the differences in adolescent-reported and parent-reported CU traits among 126 adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 207 adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and 203 typically developing [...] Read more.
This study examined parent–adolescent agreement on the callous, uncaring, and unemotional dimensions of callous–unemotional (CU) traits and the differences in adolescent-reported and parent-reported CU traits among 126 adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), 207 adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and 203 typically developing (TD) adolescents. Adolescent-reported and parent-reported CU traits on the three dimensions of the Inventory of Callous and Unemotional Traits were obtained. The strength of CU traits and the differences between adolescent-reported and parent-reported traits were compared among the three groups using analysis of covariance. Parent–adolescent agreement was examined using intraclass correlation. The results reveal that both adolescent-reported and parent-reported callousness and uncaring traits in the ASD and ADHD groups were significantly stronger than those in the TD group. Parent–adolescent agreement on the uncaring trait was fair across the three groups, whereas that on callousness was poor across all three groups. Parent–adolescent agreement on unemotionality was fair in the TD group but poor in the ADHD and ASD groups. ASD and ADHD groups had significantly greater differences in scores reported by parents and adolescents on the callousness trait than the TD group. The parent–adolescent score differences in the uncaring trait were also larger in the ASD group than in the TD group. Thus, these results support the application of a multi-informant approach in CU trait assessment, especially for adolescents with ASD or ADHD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Issues from Child to Adult)
12 pages, 786 KiB  
Article
Psychiatric Comorbidity in Mexican Adolescents with a Diagnosis of Eating Disorders Its Relationship with the Body Mass Index
by David Ruiz-Ramos, José Jaime Martínez-Magaña, Ana Rosa García, Isela Esther Juarez-Rojop, Thelma Beatriz Gonzalez-Castro, Carlos Alfonso Tovilla-Zarate, Emmanuel Sarmiento, María Lilia López-Narvaez, Humberto Nicolini and Alma Delia Genis-Mendoza
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 3900; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18083900 - 08 Apr 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3245
Abstract
The prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders among patients with eating disorders (ED) is higher than the general population. Individuals diagnosed with eating disorders have changes in their body mass index which could promote severe metabolic disruptions. This study aimed (1) to report the [...] Read more.
The prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders among patients with eating disorders (ED) is higher than the general population. Individuals diagnosed with eating disorders have changes in their body mass index which could promote severe metabolic disruptions. This study aimed (1) to report the prevalence of comorbid psychiatric disorders among a Mexican adolescent sample diagnosed with eating disorders, (2) to compare our results with the prevalence of psychiatric disorders reported from a national survey of mental health of adolescents, (3) to compare the presence of psychiatric comorbidities between ED diagnoses, and (4) to explore the relationship of these comorbidities with the body mass index. In the study, we included 187 Mexican adolescents diagnosed with eating disorders. The psychiatric comorbidities were evaluated using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for children/adolescents, and a revised questionnaire on eating and weight patterns. We found that 89% of the Mexican adolescents diagnosed with ED had another psychiatric comorbidity. Major depressive disorder (52.40%) and suicide risk (40%) were the most prevalent comorbidities. Attention and deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) prevalence was different between ED diagnosis, and adolescents with binge-eating disorder and ADHD had the higher body mass index. Our results showed that in this sample of Mexican adolescents, the presence of comorbidities could impact body mass index. This emphasizes the importance that clinicians take into consideration the presence of psychiatric comorbidities to achieve an integrative treatment for adolescents diagnosed with ED. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Issues from Child to Adult)
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15 pages, 482 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between Adverse Childhood Experiences and Sleep Problems among Adolescent Students: Mediation by Depression or Anxiety
by E-Jin Park, Shin-Young Kim, Yeeun Kim, Dajung Sung, Bora Kim, Yerin Hyun, Kyu-In Jung, Seung-Yup Lee, Hayeon Kim, Subin Park, Bung-Nyun Kim and Min-Hyeon Park
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(1), 236; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010236 - 30 Dec 2020
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5299
Abstract
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are known to be closely related to depression, anxiety and sleep problems. However, it remains unclear whether adolescents with ACEs have sleep problems regardless of depression or anxiety or under a mediating effect from depression or anxiety. Therefore, our [...] Read more.
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are known to be closely related to depression, anxiety and sleep problems. However, it remains unclear whether adolescents with ACEs have sleep problems regardless of depression or anxiety or under a mediating effect from depression or anxiety. Therefore, our aim was to examine whether depression or anxiety mediates the relationship between ACEs and sleep problems in adolescents by using a community sample. The Early Trauma Inventory Self Report–Short Form (ETISR-SF) and List of Threatening Experiences Questionnaire (LTE-Q) were used to assess traumatic ACEs. Ultimately, data from 737 students (M = 448, F = 289, 15.1 ± 1.4 years old) were included in the statistical analysis. A total of 576 (78.1%) participants reported that they had experienced one or more ACEs. Adolescents with ACEs had higher levels of depression, anxiety and sleep problems than did adolescents without ACEs, and boys tended to experience more trauma than girls. Depression and anxiety partially mediated the relationship between ACEs and sleep problems. The results of this study suggest the need for depression and anxiety interventions for adolescents with ACEs to reduce the long-term consequences, including sleep problems and physical health problems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Issues from Child to Adult)
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9 pages, 1499 KiB  
Brief Report
Preliminary Study of ADHD Biomarkers in Adults with Focus on Serum Iron and Transcranial Sonography of the Substantia Nigra
by Geon-Ho Bahn, Sang-Min Lee, Minha Hong and Seung-Yup Lee
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(9), 4875; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18094875 - 03 May 2021
Viewed by 2105
Abstract
As previous studies have reported abnormalities in the iron indices of peripheral blood and hyperechogenicity of the substantia nigra (SN) in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), we aimed to examine the same in adults with ADHD using transcranial Doppler sonography (TCS). [...] Read more.
As previous studies have reported abnormalities in the iron indices of peripheral blood and hyperechogenicity of the substantia nigra (SN) in children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), we aimed to examine the same in adults with ADHD using transcranial Doppler sonography (TCS). In addition, we compared the iron indices and TCS findings before and after methylphenidate (MPH) treatment. A total of 39 participants aged ≥19 years (13 patients and 26 healthy controls) were recruited from Kyung Hee University Hospital between October 2018 and September 2019. All subjects were clinically evaluated based on the ADHD diagnostic criteria in the DSM-5, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, and the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults (DIVA-5). Further, the iron indices including serum iron, ferritin, and mean platelet volume were determined. Additionally, TCS focused on the midbrain and echogenicity of the SN was conducted. Follow-up for all items was conducted for five ADHD patients after MPH treatment. Patients with ADHD had significantly lower education levels (number of years) than controls. There were no statistically significant differences in serum iron indices or the echogenic area between ADHD and control groups. Further, there were no significant changes in iron indices or TCS findings after MPH medication. Unlike previous studies, this study showed no differences between patients with ADHD and controls. Therefore, it is important to determine if these null findings were due to different target populations (children vs. adults) or other factors, including ADHD subtypes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Issues from Child to Adult)
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16 pages, 2161 KiB  
Brief Report
Association of Allelic Variants of the Reelin Gene with Autistic Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Candidate Gene Association Studies
by Ignacio Hernández-García, Antonio-Javier Chamorro, Hugo Guillermo Ternavasio-de la Vega, Cristina Carbonell, Miguel Marcos and José-Antonio Mirón-Canelo
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(21), 8010; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17218010 - 30 Oct 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2055
Abstract
Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disability with a genetic basis, and several studies have suggested a potential role of the reelin gene (RELN) in ASD susceptibility. Accordingly, genetic association studies have explored this potential association, but the results have been [...] Read more.
Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disability with a genetic basis, and several studies have suggested a potential role of the reelin gene (RELN) in ASD susceptibility. Accordingly, genetic association studies have explored this potential association, but the results have been controversial thus far. For this reason, we assessed the association of four genetic variants of RELN (the 5′UTR CGG triplet repeat and polymorphisms rs736707, rs362691, and rs2229864) with ASD by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis. We retrieved studies comparing the distribution of the above-mentioned genetic variants between ASD patients and healthy controls. A meta-analysis was conducted using a random effects model, and calculations of the odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were performed. A sensitivity analysis and tests to determine the heterogeneity of the results were also performed. Eleven previous studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and analyzed the association of the above-mentioned genetic variants and ASD. We did not find any significant association between the allele or genotype frequencies of the analyzed polymorphisms and ASD, and large heterogeneity was found for the rs736707 polymorphism. Moreover, no significant differences were found between the 5′UTR triplet repeat and this disorder. In light of current evidence, no single genetic variant within this gene is clearly associated with the development of ASD, and ethnic differences may explain part of the observed heterogeneity. Larger studies among different ethnic groups are needed to establish the role of specific genetic variants within RELN in the etiology of this disorder. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health Issues from Child to Adult)
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