rss_2.0Scandinavian Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology FeedSciendo RSS Feed for Scandinavian Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychologyhttps://sciendo.com/journal/SJCAPPhttps://www.sciendo.comScandinavian Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Feedhttps://sciendo-parsed.s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/64737f174e662f30ba53fd04/cover-image.jpghttps://sciendo.com/journal/SJCAPP140216Normative reference interval for youths on the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS)https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-0014<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>The Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) is widely used in both clinical and non-clinical research to assess emotional regulation difficulties. To guide interpretation of scores, establishing thresholds for normative DERS scores is informative. However, despite its widespread use, to date no study has provided such threshold for youths. This literature review aimed to fill this gap by examining the 90% reference interval for the DERS in youths aged 11–19 years.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>We conducted a systematic search on PubMed (MEDLINE) on 12 March 2024, to identify studies reporting DERS-36 total scores (DERS-T) in youths aged 11–19 years from either community-based populations or healthy volunteers.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>A total of 34 studies were included; 20 studies included community-based participants (n = 6,960), while the remaining 14 studies included healthy volunteers (n = 766), resulting in a total of 7,726 participants. The 90% reference interval for DERS-T from all included participants had a threshold of 121.8 normative emotion regulation in youths.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusion and significance</title>
<p>This threshold is considerably higher than DERS-T scores reported in most clinical studies and a substantial variation in reference intervals across studies is observed. We identify five main methodological factors related to the DERS-36 and discuss their potential impact on the validity, reliability, and generalizability of findings. Given the DERS-T range of 36–180, we conclude that the 90% reference interval derived from our review is not sufficiently robust to guide clinical or scientific interpretations. Our work is not exhaustive, and further research is needed to validate and test the reliability of this reference interval.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-00142024-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00The Spanish version of the Level of Personality Functioning Scale – Brief Form 2.0 (LPFS-BF 2.0): Psychometric evaluation in adolescents who have suffered from parental abuse and neglect and a community samplehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-0012<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<p>Given shifts to dimensional models of personality pathology and a growing consensus that personality disorder (PD) often onsets during adolescence, there is a need for validated measures of PD in adolescents. Level of Personality Functioning (LPF) is particularly relevant for the identification of emerging personality dysfunction in adolescents given its ability to capture developmental discontinuity as metacognitive capacities in self- and interpersonal-functioning emerge. However, no studies as of yet have validated a measure of LPF in a sample of Spanish-speaking adolescents. In addition, no study has evaluated whether LPF associates with status as victim of parental neglect vs. community adolescents. A total of 570 Spanish-speaking adolescents between the ages of 11 and 18 (<italic>n</italic> = 168 with a history of parental neglect, <italic>n</italic> = 402 from a community sample) completed the briefest form of LPF, the LPFS-BF 2.0. Results from the confirmatory factor analysis revealed adequate fit of a unidimensional model, and invariance analyses suggested measurement invariance across gender and age (early versus late adolescents). Internal consistency was adequate, and convergent validity was supported through negative correlations of the LPFS-BF 2.0 with empathy and reflective function, and positive associations with alexithymia. Contrary to expectations, total scores on the LPFS-BF 2.0 did not distinguish adolescents with a history of parental neglect and adolescents from a community sample. Overall, results support the Spanish translation of the LPFS-BF 2.0 as a valid measure for use in adolescents.</p>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-00122024-12-21T00:00:00.000+00:00Long-Term Outcomes of Adolescent Outpatient Treatment for Substance Use Problems: Exploring the Co-occurrence of Mental Health and Substance Use Problemshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-0013<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Adolescents with substance use problems (SUP) constitute a group expected to face increased mental health problems (MHP). SUP can exacerbate mental health issues while also serving as a coping mechanism. Understanding the interplay between psychological, substance-related, and social factors is crucial for shaping effective interventions for this demographic. This article presents a three-year follow-up study with adolescents who had outpatient treatment for SUP, focusing on MHP and psychiatric conditions.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Objective</title>
<p>This study aims to determine the prevalence of ongoing SUP and MHP in adolescents who received outpatient treatment at a specialized substance use clinic three years post-treatment initiation. Additionally, it seeks to explore psychosocial risk factors distinguishing adolescents with solely MHP from those with both MHP and persistent SUP (co-occurring problems) three years post-treatment initiation.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Method</title>
<p>The study utilizes a longitudinal design, combining structured interview data at intervention onset with national register data at one- and three-years post-treatment initiation. A total of 451 adolescents participated, with 29% females and a median age of 17 years. Descriptive statistics and gender distribution of outcome groups are presented, alongside logistic regressions to assess the predictive value of risk factors for psychiatric conditions, substance use, and co-occurring conditions.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>Nearly three-quarters of enrolled youth show no ongoing SUP, and one-third exhibit indications of MHP three years after treatment initiation. Risk factors diverge when distinguishing adolescents with MHP from those with co-occurring problems at the three-year mark post-treatment. School problems, depression, female gender, and low primary drug use increase the likelihood of solely exhibiting MHP.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>Integrated outpatient clinics like Maria clinics could play a crucial role in early detection and management of both SUP and MHP. The findings offer hope, suggesting positive outcomes regarding substance use even for individuals with heavy risk loads or severe SUP.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-00132024-12-21T00:00:00.000+00:00Adaptation and Feasibility of KONTAKT™ Social Skills Toolbox Group Program for Australian Autistic Childrenhttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-0011<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Although autistic individuals are interested in interacting with peers, they express a need for social skills programs that could support them in navigating their daily social world, which is governed by neurotypical social norms.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Aim</title>
<p>This study investigated the feasibility and adaptability of the manualised and evidence-based program KONTAKT™ Social Skills Toolbox Group Program in supporting autistic children aged 8 to 12 years in navigating their everyday social worlds.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Material and Methods</title>
<p>KONTAKT™ was delivered to 15 autistic children (Mage=10.87, SDage=1.04; 67% male) over 16, 60-minute sessions. A pre-test and post-test design was employed evaluating changes in personally meaningful social goals, social skills, quality of friendship and autistic traits. Focus groups were also conducted and analysed using thematic analysis post completion of the program, exploring participants, their parents and the KONTAKT™ trainer’s perceptions of the program.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>Findings suggest stakeholders’ satisfaction with the program’s content and structure, indicating the potential cross-age feasibility of KONTAKT™ in supporting autistic children to achieve their personally meaningful social goals and in improving their social performance navigating their daily social lives.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusion and significance</title>
<p>This feasibility study supported the finalisation of KONTAKT™ children’s manual and workbooks, preparing it for further evaluation of its efficacy in a randomised controlled trial. (Australian New Zealand Clinical Registry: 12619000994189; ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04024111).</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-00112024-12-05T00:00:00.000+00:00Comparison of the real-world safety of two different long-acting methylphenidate formulations (Medikinet MR and Concerta) – a Danish nationwide register-based cohort studyhttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-0009<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Medikinet<sup>®</sup> MR and Concerta<sup>®</sup> are long-acting methylphenidate formulations used for the treatment of pediatric and adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The two formulations have shown comparable safety profiles in two head-to-head randomized controlled trials. However, real-world studies comparing the safety profiles of these products are not available.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Objective</title>
<p>This study aimed to compare the real-world safety of Medikinet<sup>®</sup> MR and Concerta<sup>®</sup> using register data.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Method</title>
<p>This population-based cohort study was conducted based on data from Danish registries. The study included patients with continuous long-term (i.e., ≥12 months) exposure to either Medikinet<sup>®</sup> MR or Concerta<sup>®</sup> between 1995 and 2018. Outcomes included several selected adverse events of interest. A sensitivity analysis was performed, excluding patients exposed to Concerta<sup>®</sup> generics. For each outcome, Fisher’s exact test was performed to compare the number of cases between the two groups. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using logistic regression models with patients exposed to Concerta<sup>®</sup> as the reference group.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>The study population included 1249 patients exposed to Medikinet<sup>®</sup> MR and 2455 patients exposed to Concerta®. No cases of cerebral arteritis or priapism were identified in either cohort. ORs for sudden death and anorexia could not be calculated due to the absence of cases in the Medikinet<sup>®</sup> MR cohort. For the remaining outcomes, no statistically significant difference in risk was found between Medikinet<sup>®</sup> MR-exposed and Concerta<sup>®</sup>-exposed patients. The sensitivity analysis produced results consistent with those obtained in the main analysis.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>The results of this population-based cohort study indicate that Medikinet<sup>®</sup> MR and Concerta<sup>®</sup> have comparable real-world safety profiles.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-00092024-11-16T00:00:00.000+00:00Sensory white noise in clinical ADHD: Who benefits from noise, and who performs worse?https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-0010<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Experimental research has shown the benefits of auditory white noise on cognitive performance in children with attention problems. However, little is currently known about individual differences in noise response amongst children with a clinical diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition, no research has so far tested the effects of visual white noise on children with ADHD.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Objectives</title>
<p>The present work aimed at testing the effect of visual and auditory white noise on cognitive performance in children diagnosed with ADHD.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Method</title>
<p>Forty-three children with ADHD diagnosis performed a visuo-spatial working memory test with experimentally controlled auditory and visual white noise. Symptomatic and demographic data were collected.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>Surprisingly, results did not show significant effects of noise across the full sample of ADHD children. However, responses to noise appeared to affect subgroups of ADHD children differently: Those with relatively more inattentive traits responded positively on noise exposure whereas those with relatively more hyperactive/impulsive traits performed worse during noise exposure. Individual differences in noise response in the auditory and visual modalities were strongly correlated.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>It is important to consider individual differences in response to noise exposure, and to take into account the specific ADHD symptom profile (inattentive vs. hyperactive/impulsive) in applying noise to support cognitive performance in children with ADHD.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-00102024-11-23T00:00:00.000+00:00Psychometric Properties of the Arabic Vanderbilt Children's ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale (VADRS-A) in a Saudi Population Samplehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-0008<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Objective</title><p>This study aimed to utilize Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) to investigate the constructive validity of the Arabic translation of the Vanderbilt Attention Deficit/Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) Diagnostic Scale (VADRS-A) using its two versions, the Arabic Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale (VADPRS-A) and the Arabic Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Teacher Rating Scale (VADTRS-A).</p></sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Method</title><p>A descriptive research design was employed. Children were assessed by their parents and teachers, and a cluster sample of 1812 participants was chosen from many schools in Saudi Arabia, divided into two groups: parents (504) and teachers (1308) of children whose ages ranged between 5 to 12 years old. The VADPRS-A and VADTRS-A were administered to parents and teachers under the supervision of the Saudi ADHD Society.</p></sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title><p>The results of the PCA of VADPRS-A found that the six factors saturate one general factor that explained (59%) of the total variance of the factor matrix with eigenvalues (3.540). Similarly, the PCA of VADTRS-A demonstrated that the five factors were saturated on a general factor that explained (69.20%) of the total variance of the factor matrix with eigenvalues (3.460). Also, the results indicate the high internal consistency of VADPRS-A and VADTRS-A, all factors correlated together and the total scores positively and significantly statistically (p>.001) correlation coefficients ranged between (0.296 to 0.843) for VADPRS-A, and ranges between (0.432 to 0.939) for VADTRS-A. Also, the Cronbach's α coefficient values for the six factors and total score of VADPRS-A were (.906, .925, .900, .896, .853, .872, .959) respectively, and these values are close to the values of the McDonald's ω for the factors and the total score were (.908, .923, .901, .871, .850, .877, .925) respectively. In the same way, Cronbach's α coefficients were (.967, .921, .914, .858, .948, .971) for all factors and the total score of VADTRS-A respectively, and these values are close to the values of the McDonald's ω (.968, .921, .919, .856, .943, .965) for all factors and the total score of VADTRS-A. In addition CFA for VADPRS-A and VADTRS-A models showed acceptable factor loading and good values of goodness-of-fit indices; CFI, TLI, RMSEA, IFI, and GFI (0.956, 0.942, 0.049, 0.956, 0.952) respectively for VADPRS-A model, and were (0.958, 0.932, 0.051, 0.963, 0.964) for VADTRS-A model, all of these were at an acceptable range. These results suggest a fit with the previous theoretical literature about VADPRS and VADTRS and DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria of ADHD.</p></sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusion</title><p>These findings highlighted the good psychometric properties of VADRS-A in both its versions VADPRS-A and VADTRS-A in the Saudi environment. Due to these findings, we suggest utilizing VADPRS-A and VADTRS-A during ADHD diagnosis in children 5-12 years old in Saudi Arabia, to facilitate early diagnosis and intervention, and to help mitigate the risks of ADHD during subsequent developmental phases in children's lives.</p></sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-00082024-10-24T00:00:00.000+00:00Dealing with overwhelming life situations - young people’s experiences of becoming depressedhttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-0007<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Depression is common and increasing in young people, who seem especially vulnerable, both in the probability of developing depression, and in the resulting negative consequences across the lifespan. Unfortunately, available treatments rarely lead to full remission and even in cases of remission relapse rates are high. Different explanatory models have been proposed, and research indicates a multifaceted etiology. The descriptive DSM-5 has low diagnostic validity in this age-group, especially for depressive disorders, and limited attention has been given to young people’s own experiences of becoming depressed. Hence, there is a risk of missing clinical information that is important for the therapeutic alliance and treatment.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Objective</title>
<p>This study aimed to explore young people’s experiences of becoming depressed.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Method</title>
<p>A qualitative study was performed. Six participants with clinical depression, currently in treatment at child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinics in northern Sweden were recruited. Interviews followed a semi-structured manual, and data was analyzed with inductive qualitative content analysis.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>Participants described different reasons for their depression, and from their stories four categories were identified: “Being subjected to violence”, “Suffering separation and loss”, “Feeling abandoned”, and “Feeling burdened and vulnerable”. These categories were interpreted in the theme: “Dealing with an overwhelming life situation”.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>The participants presented mainly stressful external and relational events preceding their depression. A combination of overwhelming stressors, lack of support and lack of time for recovery was described. This points to the importance of validating the narratives of young patients with depression and to offer trauma-informed treatment approaches in mental health care.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-00072024-10-17T00:00:00.000+00:00Digital Psychosocial Follow-up for Childhood Critical Illness Survivors: A Qualitative Interview Study on Health Professionals’ Perspectiveshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-0006<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Digital solutions have been reported to provide positive psychological and social outcomes to childhood critical illness survivors, a group with an increased risk for long-term adverse psychosocial effects.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Objective</title>
<p>To explore health professionals’ perspectives on the potential of digital psychosocial follow-up for childhood critical illness survivors.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>Using a qualitative approach, expert interviews with six health professionals working at a Norwegian hospital were conducted. Transcribed interviews were analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis framework. Concurrent data collection and analysis using inductive coding was also employed, and a model of codes was constructed.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>The interview yielded thirteen unique codes regarding the health professionals’ perspectives on the potential for digital psychosocial follow-up for childhood critical illness survivors, organized in a model comprising the two main themes: <italic>Affecting Factors</italic> and <italic>Digital Usage</italic>. Demographic factors (the child’s medical condition, age, gender, and residence) and environmental factors (the child’s family and health professionals) tended to affect the current psychosocial follow-up. Hospital limitations concerning a lack of digital solutions, worse relationship building with video communication, and children’s already high screen time reflected the current state of digital usage. However, ongoing digitalization, existing successful digital solutions, children’s good digital skills, and an ongoing process of creating an artifact are also seen as opportunities for digital usage in future psychosocial follow-up for childhood critical illness survivors.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>Researchers can build further on these findings to investigate the potential of digital psychosocial follow-up for childhood critical illness survivors, and clinicians can use it as a starting point for improving psychosocial follow-up.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-00062024-07-18T00:00:00.000+00:00The Critical Role of Attachment Theory in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Carehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-0005ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-00052024-07-15T00:00:00.000+00:00Coping Styles and Defense Mechanisms Mediate Associations Between Exposure to Adverse Childhood Experiences and CPTSD Symptoms in Faroese Adolescentshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-0004<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>The experience of several adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has been shown to be associated with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Disturbances in Self-Organization (DSO) symptoms among adolescents. Defense mechanisms and coping styles are psychological processes involved in the association of ACEs with PTSD and DSO symptoms. However, there is a lack of research on the joint association of these variables among Faroese adolescents.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Aim</title>
<p>The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of exposure to ACEs on PTSD and DSO symptoms trough the indirect effect of defense mechanisms and coping styles in a sample of Faroese adolescents.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Method</title>
<p>Six hundred and eighty-seven Faroese adolescents were recruited from 19 schools. Participants responded to validated self-report questionnaires. A multiple step mediation and a serial mediation methodology were conducted through structural equation modeling.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>Exposure to ACEs was linked to PTSD and DSO symptoms through the indirect effect of immature defense mechanisms, emotional coping, and detachment coping. Exposure to ACEs was linked to PTSD symptoms through rational coping.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>The results suggest a mutual relationship between defense mechanisms and coping styles in coping with multiple adversity among adolescents.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-00042024-06-09T00:00:00.000+00:00Pandemic life in families with health anxiety symptoms, parental perspectiveshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-0003<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>The covid-19 pandemic has influenced children and parents worldwide. The pandemic has also been suggested to especially affect and exacerbate health anxiety (HA) symptoms in children and adolescents. However, there is limited understanding of the potential mechanisms challenges of families where parents themselves experience mental health issues such as high degree of HA symptoms.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Objective</title>
<p>The aim of this study was to explore parental experiences of pandemic life in families with continuously high levels of HA symptoms during the covid-19 pandemic.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Method</title>
<p>Six parents, identified with high levels of HA symptoms, participated in qualitative individual semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analysed according to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis principles.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>Three main themes emerged. Theme 1) “Anxious children in a pandemic world” explores how pandemic – independent child factors including anxious temperament may have influenced the child pandemic experience. Theme 2) “Parental influences on child anxiety” describes parental reflections on their possible influence on child anxious thoughts. Theme 3) “Living with pandemic guidelines and restrictions” demonstrates the varying parental experiences of interventions and how these may affect HA thoughts.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusion</title>
<p>Parents who themselves experience HA symptoms see their children, who also experience HA symptoms, to be particularly susceptible and vulnerable to both content and rhetoric of pandemic information. These children may however, experience school lockdown to be anxiety relieving. Parents who themselves have illness-related fears may not see themselves as perpetuating for their child's anxious thoughts.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-00032024-06-07T00:00:00.000+00:00Psychometric Properties of the Parental Stress Scale in Swedish Parents of Children with and without Neurodevelopmental Conditionshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-0002<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Parents of children with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDC) are at risk of experiencing elevated levels of parental stress. Access to robust instruments to assess parental stress is important in both clinical and research contexts. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of a Swedish version of the Parental Stress Scale (PSS), completed by parents of 3- to 17-year-old children, with and without NDCs.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Method</title>
<p>Main analyses were conducted on data from three independent samples: a community sample (<italic>n</italic>=1018), a treatment-seeking sample of parents of children with various disabilities (<italic>n</italic>=653), and a sample of parents of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) who themselves reported varying ADHD symptom severities (<italic>n</italic>=562). Additional analyses were enabled by the use of data from a complementary test-retest sample (<italic>n</italic>=337).</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>The internal consistency of the PSS was good (Cronbach’s alpha, <italic>α</italic>=.87) and its test-retest reliability moderate (ICC=.66). The scale correlated in the expected direction with related constructs (<italic>r=</italic>.50–.56 in the community sample). An exploratory factor analysis found its internal structure to reflect two aspects of parental stress: Lack of Parental Rewards and Role Satisfaction (factor 1, <italic>α</italic>=.90) and Parental Stressors and Distress (factor 2, <italic>α</italic>=.85). The treatment-seeking parents of children with disabilities reported higher parental stress than community reference parents (<italic>p</italic><.001; Cohen’s <italic>d</italic>=1.17). Moreover, we found that parents with high ADHD symptom severity reported higher parental stress than parents with low ADHD symptom severity (<italic>p</italic><.001; <italic>d</italic>=0.39).</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusion</title>
<p>In summary, we found evidence in support of the reliability and validity of the PSS, which overall was judged to be useful as a measure of parental stress in a Swedish context. In addition, our results underline the importance of considering parental stress and related needs in assessments and intervention planning involving families of children with NDCs.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-00022024-04-19T00:00:00.000+00:00Executive functioning in children with ADHD Investigating the cross-method correlations between performance tests and rating scaleshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-0001<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Objective</title>
<p>Replicated evidence shows a weak or non-significant correlation between different methods of evaluating executive functions (EF). The current study investigates the association between rating scales and cognitive tests of EF in a sample of children with ADHD and executive dysfunction.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Method</title>
<p>The sample included 139 children (aged 6–13) diagnosed with ADHD and executive dysfunctions. The children completed subtests of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Parents completed the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and the Children’s Organizational Skills Scale (COSS).</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Analysis</title>
<p>Pairwise Spearman correlations were calculated between the composite and separate subscales of cognitive tests and rating scales. In secondary analyses, pairwise Spearman correlations were conducted between all composite scales and subscales, stratified by child sex and child ADHD subtype.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>The correlation analyses between composite scores yielded no significant correlations. The results when comparing CANTAB TO and BRIEF GE are r=−.095, p=.289, and r=.042, p=.643 when comparing CANTAB TO and COSS TO. The analyses between all composite scales and subscales found one significant negative correlation (r=−.25, p<.01). There are significant cross-method differences when stratified by the ADHD-Inattentive subtype, showing significant negative correlations (moderate) between CANTAB and BRIEF composite (r=−.355, p=.014) and subscales.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Discussion</title>
<p>It is possible that the different methods measure different underlying constructs of EF. It may be relevant to consider the effects of responder bias and differences in ecological validity in both measurement methods.</p>
</sec>
<sec><title style='display:none'>Conclusion</title>
<p>The results found no significant correlations. The expectation in research and clinical settings should not be to find the same results when comparing data from cognitive tests and rating scales. Future research might explore novel approaches to EF testing with a higher level of ecological validity, and designing EF rating scales that capture EF behaviors more so than EF cognition.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2024-00012024-04-19T00:00:00.000+00:00Did Stress Prevalence Among Adolescents in Scandinavia Change from 2000 to 2019? A literature reviewhttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2023-0016<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Prolonged stress is a risk factor for developing mental illness and stress-related diseases. As there has been an increase in self-reported psychological symptoms and diagnosis of mental illness among Scandinavian adolescents, more knowledge of stress prevalence in this age group is needed.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Aim</title>
<p>This literature review will investigate a possible increase in stress prevalence among Scandinavian adolescents, aged 13-18, between the years 2000 and 2019.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>A systematic literature search was conducted in the PubMed and PsycInfo databases. In addition, a grey literature search was conducted to find relevant surveys and reports. Altogether, nine papers and nine surveys, and reports containing relevant data were identified, assessed for risk of bias, and included in the analysis.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>The results show higher stress scores among the older participants in the age group 13-18 years and a gender difference, where girls score higher than boys. The literature neither supports nor rejects the hypothesis that stress levels have increased among adolescents in Scandinavia, from year 2000 to 2019. Only two of the included studies used a validated stress questionnaire and there was a substantial risk of non-response bias. Therefore, the existing literature is considered insufficient to determine if there has been an increase in stress over time. A majority of the papers, surveys, and reports had moderate risk of bias.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>Further research using validated stress questionnaires in representative populations is needed to investigate changes in stress prevalence among Scandinavian adolescents. Also, the age and gender difference in stress prevalence among 13-18-year-olds may be of relevance for planning preventive interventions to reduce stress.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2023-00162023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00Eleven years with Scandinavian Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychologyhttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2023-0017ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2023-00172023-12-31T00:00:00.000+00:00Sexual Violence against Children with Disabilities: A Danish National Birth Cohort Prospective Studyhttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2023-0015<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Children with disabilities are at heightened risk of sexual violence compared to non-disabled peers.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Objective</title>
<p>We aimed to examine the associations between ten childhood disabilities and sexual victimization.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Methods</title>
<p>Data were drawn from the Danish Psychiatric Case Register, the Criminal Register, and other population-based registers. Children born between 1994 and 2001 (n=570,351) were followed until 18 years of age. Using logistic regression, the association between the disabilities and risk of sexual victimisation was estimated.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>We identified 8,860 cases of sexual victimization towards children and adolescents. In the fully adjusted models, children with a diagnosis of ADHD, speech disability and intellectual disability were at highest risk of sexual victimization. Children with comorbid disabilities were particularly vulnerable to sexual victimization.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>We found that children with certain types of disability have a higher risk of sexual victimization. Our findings indicate that educational institutions and health care professionals should be aware of and have specialized training in, recognizing and assessing sexual victimization among children with disabilities.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2023-00152023-12-16T00:00:00.000+00:00Compassion in three perspectives: Associations with depression and suicidal ideation in a clinical adolescent samplehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2023-0012<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>Adolescence is a critical period for mental development where the consequences of psychopathologies can be exceedingly harmful, and compassion has been identified as a protective factor for adolescents’ mental well-being.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Aim</title>
<p>The aim of this study was to explore three perspectives of compassion – Self-compassion, Compassion for others, and Compassion from others – and their relationship with depression and suicidal ideation in adolescents.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Method</title>
<p>This Swedish cross-sectional study included 259 psychiatric patients (ages 16–22). Participants completed a survey including the self-assessment scales “Reynolds Adolescent Depression Scale – Second Edition” (RADS-2), “Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire – Junior Version” (SIQ-JR), and “Compassion Engagement and Action Scale – Youth” (CEAS-Y). Linear regression analyses were used to determine whether participants’ levels of compassion predicted depression and suicidal ideation.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>Self-compassion and Compassion from others significantly predicted both depression and suicidal ideation. Girls, on average, reported higher levels of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation and lower levels of self-compassion compared to boys. The correlation between compassion and depressive symptoms, however, appeared to be stronger in boys. There was also a positive correlation between Compassion for others and suicidal ideation.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>The results suggest that Self-compassion and Compassion from others may have a significant protective effect against depression and suicidal ideation, especially in boys. However, due to the relatively small sample of boys (n = 40), further research is needed before any solid conclusion can be drawn regarding possible gender differences. Additionally, the combination of low Self-compassion and higher levels of Compassion for others may be associated with suicidal ideation.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2023-00122023-12-07T00:00:00.000+00:00Pharmacokinetics of a Modified-Release Dexamphetamine Sulfate Formulation Following Single and Multiple Dosing in Healthy Adults: Comparative Bioavailability with Immediate-Release Dexamphetamine Sulfate, between Strengths, Assessment of Food and Meal Composition Effectshttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2023-0014<abstract>
<title style='display:none'>Abstract</title>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Background</title>
<p>A modified-release dexamphetamine sulfate formulation (DEX-MR) is under development for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Objective</title>
<p>We investigated the bioequivalence of once-daily DEX-MR to twice-daily immediate-release dexamphetamine sulfate (DEX-IR) after single and multiple dosing and between strengths, and effects of food and meal types.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Method</title>
<p>Three randomized, open-label, crossover studies in healthy males were conducted. In the single-dose study, participants received DEX-MR 20 mg, DEX-MR 10 mg (20 mg dose), and twice-daily DEX-IR 10 mg under fasted conditions and after a high-fat, high-calorie breakfast. In the breakfast study, participants received DEX-MR 20 mg and twice-daily DEX-IR 10 mg after a normocaloric and a high-fat, high-calorie breakfast. In the multiple-dose study, participants received DEX-MR 20 mg and twice-daily DEX-IR 10 mg for seven days each. In the run-in period (five days), participants consumed a normocaloric breakfast; on profile days, participants consumed a normocaloric breakfast (day 6) or a high-fat, high-calorie breakfast (day 7).</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Results</title>
<p>Once-daily DEX-MR at a dose of 20 mg was bioequivalent to twice-daily DEX-IR 10 mg after single dosing under fasted and fed conditions and after multiple dosing under fed conditions. DEX-MR 10 mg and DEX-MR 20 mg were bioequivalent when administered as a single 20 mg dose. Food slightly reduced the rate and extent of absorption of DEX-MR and delayed the time to peak plasma concentration (<italic>t</italic><sub>max</sub>) by approximately two hours compared to the fasted state. Bioavailability of DEX-MR was comparable under different meal conditions (normocaloric vs. high-fat, high-calorie breakfast) both after single and multiple dosing.</p>
</sec>
<sec>
<title style='display:none'>Conclusions</title>
<p>Bioequivalence of once-daily DEX-MR and twice-daily DEX-IR was established. 1×2 DEX-MR 10 mg was bioequivalent to 1×1 DEX-MR 20 mg. DEX-MR should be administered with/after a meal to achieve the targeted pharmacokinetic profile (delayed <italic>t</italic><sub>max</sub>). Bioavailability of DEX-MR is not affected by meal composition (i.e., fat and caloric content).</p>
</sec>
</abstract>ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2023-00142023-11-30T00:00:00.000+00:00Attachment Insecurity or Disorder: A dichotomy worth revising?https://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2023-0013ARTICLEtruehttps://sciendo.com/article/10.2478/sjcapp-2023-00132023-11-29T00:00:00.000+00:00en-us-1