Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health最新文献

{"title":"Young people's experiences of transition from child and adolescent mental health services to adult mental health services: A qualitative study.","authors":"Abimbola Adanijo, Jessica C Bird","doi":"10.2989/17280583.2025.2533162","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2025.2533162","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> The transition from child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) to adult mental health services (AMHS) is a vulnerable time for young people.<i>Objective:</i> This study aimed to explore young people's experiences of transitioning from CAMHS to AMHS in the United Kingdom and sought their views on improving the process.<i>Method:</i> Eight young people, purposively sampled from a local database, were interviewed post-transition using videoconferencing software. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis and the presence of four recommended components of an 'optimal transition' was assessed.<i>Results:</i> Three main themes and nine subthemes were identified. These included young people's feelings concerning 'leaving CAMHS behind', their experience of 'the transition process', and 'adjusting to adult services' post-transition. Participants made six recommendations for improving transitions: providing more information about the process, greater involvement of young people and family members, more joint working between CAMHS and AMHS, better communication from AMHS, training clinicians to ensure AMHS foster age-appropriate and welcoming environments, and the development of an 18 to 25-year-old service. At least three of four optimal transition components were absent for 62.5% (<i>n</i> = 5) of the participants.<i>Conclusions:</i> The young people interviewed had predominantly negative experiences before, during, and after transitioning from CAMHS to AMHS. Further research with larger and more diverse samples is needed to understand how to improve transitions for young people from a range of backgrounds and across different services.</p>","PeriodicalId":45290,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973523","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Coping and psychological well-being: Investigating the relations between specific coping strategies, anxiety, and depression among adolescents in a South African township.","authors":"Busisiwe S Hlatshwayo, Lauren G Wild","doi":"10.2989/17280583.2025.2535702","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2025.2535702","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Coping strategies are important in the development and prevention of mental health problems in adolescents. However, there is a paucity of research investigating the links between specific coping strategies and mental health in at-risk adolescents from socioeconomically vulnerable communities in South Africa.<i>Objective:</i> This study aimed to determine whether specific coping strategies predicted anxiety and/or depression among South African adolescents living in an impoverished township.<i>Method</i>: Data were collected from 415 adolescents from two secondary schools in Etwatwa, Gauteng, using a cross-sectional survey design. Adolescents ranged in age from 15 to 19 years (mean = 16.09 years, SD = 1.03 years), and 70% identified as female. Participants completed the Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced Inventory, the 10-item Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale.<i>Results:</i> Prevalence rates of depression and anxiety were high, with girls reporting significantly more symptoms than boys. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses indicated that using substances, behavioural disengagement, and self-blame predicted more symptoms of both anxiety and depression among adolescents. Denial was associated with more symptoms of anxiety, while venting was associated with more symptoms of depression.<i>Conclusion:</i> While longitudinal research is recommended to determine the direction of effects, the findings of this study suggest that interventions targeting maladaptive coping strategies may help to prevent emotional distress among vulnerable adolescents.</p>","PeriodicalId":45290,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144973506","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Self-esteem and mental health among coastal adolescents in West Sumatra, Indonesia: A cross-sectional study.","authors":"Rika Sarfika, Elvi Oktarina, Mahathir Mahathir, Khatijah L Abdullah, I M M Y Saifudin, Ni M D Sulistiowati, Putu A E S Karin, Gusmunardi Gusmunardi, Dwi I Iswanti","doi":"10.2989/17280583.2025.2507322","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2025.2507322","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Adolescents <i>in West Sumatra's coastal regions face elevated mental health challenges, yet limited research examines self-esteem's protective role in these unique environments.</i><i>Objective:</i> This study examined the influence of self-esteem and related factors on adolescent mental health in coastal West Sumatra, Indonesia.<i>Methods:</i> This cross-sectional study involving 295 adolescents (mean age = 16.2 years) utilised the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and the Self-Report Questionnaire 29 to assess self-esteem and mental health symptoms. Data were analysed using <i>t</i>-tests, ANOVAs, Pearson's correlations, and multiple regression.<i>Results:</i> Self-esteem was negatively correlated with neurosis (<i>r</i> = -0.452), psychosis (<i>r</i> = -0.205), and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) (<i>r</i> = -0.333). Females exhibited higher neurosis (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and PTSS (<i>p</i> = 0.022). Higher maternal education was associated with fewer psychotic symptoms (<i>p</i> = 0.006). Regression analyses confirmed self-esteem as a significant negative predictor of neurosis (<i>β</i> = -0.426, <i>p</i> < 0.001), psychosis (<i>β</i> = -0.177, p = 0.003), and PTSS (<i>β</i> = -0.375, <i>p</i> = 0.063). Sex was positively associated with neurosis (<i>β</i> = 0.169, <i>p</i> = 0.001) and PTSS (<i>β</i> = -0.139, <i>p</i> = 0.011), while it was negatively associated with psychoactive symptoms (<i>β</i> = -0.154, <i>p</i> = 0.009). No significant interaction between self-esteem and sex was found. Additionally, maternal education predicted psychosis (<i>β</i> = -0.156, <i>p</i> = 0.006), and school origin predicted PTSS (<i>β</i> = -0.139, <i>p</i>= 0.011).<i>Conclusion:</i> Self-esteem played a protective role in adolescent mental health in coastal areas. Sex-specific vulnerabilities and maternal education levels also contributed significantly. Interventions should focus on enhancing self-esteem and addressing sex and educational factors to promote better mental health outcomes among adolescents.</p>","PeriodicalId":45290,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health","volume":" ","pages":"1-22"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144592616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring parents' and professionals' perspectives of a parent-infant psychotherapy approach in the North East of England.","authors":"Emer Cullen, Samantha Burns, Melissa Brown, Judith Rankin","doi":"10.2989/17280583.2025.2509569","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2025.2509569","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Parent-infant psychotherapy is a therapeutic intervention intended to address problems in the parent-infant relationship. In Newcastle Upon Tyne, a family-centred charity, Children North East, began delivering parent-infant psychotherapy in 2017, to support parents and infant relationships by addressing unconscious elements of behaviour which can create relational trauma.<i>Objective:</i> A formative service evaluation explored parents' experiences of the Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Parent-Infant Partnership service, alongside wider healthcare professionals' perspectives of service delivery and impact on the parents and relationship with their babies.<i>Methods:</i> Interviews were undertaken with parents (<i>n</i> = 10) who had previously engaged with the service and healthcare professionals (<i>n</i> = 6) who had referred parents to Newcastle-Upon-Tyne Parent-Infant Partnership.<i>Results:</i> The interviews highlighted a flexible and relational approach to therapy sessions, which created a positive experience for families. However, there is a need to improve public and professional awareness of infant mental health, parent-infant psychotherapeutic and relational approaches.<i>Conclusions:</i> The service proved effective in supporting the relationship between parent and infant identified through the parent-infant psychotherapy approach, which was fluid, open and nurturing, relative to other experiences of therapy and mental health support available in the North East. Service providers would enhance their impact on families by building and strengthening partnerships with the multiple health and social care organisations and systems involved in supporting families, and ensure their services become more inclusive. Further research is required to identify specific needs in local contexts, long-term outcomes, and to define relevant outcome measures in families with relationship concerns.</p>","PeriodicalId":45290,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health","volume":" ","pages":"1-12"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545410","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The impact of a family-based perinatal intervention on the mental health of adolescent mothers in Perú.","authors":"Valeria M Duran, Victor O Cruz, Sixto E Sanchez, Marta B Rondon, Nelida Pinto, Erinn Cameron, Bizu Gelaye, Elizabeth J Levey","doi":"10.2989/17280583.2025.2509568","DOIUrl":"10.2989/17280583.2025.2509568","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Although adolescent births have declined globally, low- and middle-income countries like Peru continue to experience high rates of adolescent fertility. Adolescent parents and their children face elevated health and developmental risks.<i>Aim:</i> This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a perinatal family-based intervention to support the infant-caregiver relationship among adolescent parents in Lima, Perú.<i>Methods:</i> Our study consisted of 54 pregnant adolescents who were randomised to an intervention or usual care. The intervention consisted of 10 telehealth visits beginning during the third trimester of pregnancy and continuing through six months postpartum. Depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and resilience were measured at the time of enrolment and again after completing the intervention. Data were assessed by Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and difference-in-differences models using mixed effects linear regression analyses. This was a pilot study not powered for significance.<i>Results:</i> Median depression and anxiety scores decreased for both intervention and usual care groups from pregnancy to six months postpartum; the median score for resilience increased for both groups. The difference-in-differences models predicted a decrease in depression and anxiety scores and an increase in resilience scores in the intervention group compared to the usual care group. Results demonstrated fewer symptoms of generalised depression and anxiety and higher resilience among those who received the intervention.<i>Conclusion:</i> These findings highlight the need for future studies to further characterise the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of telehealth interventions for adolescent parents and their families in low-resource settings and to compare telehealth with in-person intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":45290,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health","volume":" ","pages":"1-13"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144545423","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Changes in subjective well-being among Korean adolescents, 2016-2021: A nationwide panel survey study.","authors":"Thi Thanh Lan Nguyen, Thi Huyen Trang Ta, Van Cuong Nguyen","doi":"10.2989/17280583.2025.2507321","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2025.2507321","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Subjective well-being (SWB) has been a popular topic in positive psychology and mental health, representing how individuals experience and evaluate their lives.<i>Objective:</i> This study aimed to determine the SWB of Korean adolescents and its change over time.<i>Method:</i> We utilised data from the Korean Children and Youth Well-being Index: Middle School and High School Students Surveys, collected from 2016 to 2021. Bivariate analyses were performed to estimate SWB, and analysis of variance was used to assess differences in SWB based on participant characteristics. Changes in SWB over time were analysed using mean difference values, with subgroup analyses comparing middle and high school students.<i>Results:</i> Findings revealed that while overall SWB remained relatively stable from 2016 to 2019 (with scores of 72.47 and 71.68, respectively), a significant decrease was observed in 2021 (scoring 68.97). Notably, SWB was significantly lower in females compared to males, and in high school students compared to middle school students. A consistent downtrend in SWB was evident over the five years among specific groups, including females, adolescents not living with their parents, those intending to leave home, and those experiencing severe stress.<i>Conclusions:</i> This study examined the SWB of Korean adolescents and its change over time, revealing a significant decline in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring SWB and having informed welfare initiatives to enhance adolescents' quality of life. The insights remain relevant, guiding policymakers in preparing for future pandemics and improving SWB among vulnerable adolescents.</p>","PeriodicalId":45290,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health","volume":" ","pages":"1-21"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144508801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An exploratory study into the effect of an outdoor, cold-water immersion course on mood in adolescents in Norway and the UK.","authors":"C Mark Harper, Viveka Romeyke, Sophie Shergold, Alexandra Ford, Kjersti Karoline Danielsen","doi":"10.2989/17280583.2025.2503348","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2025.2503348","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Increasing evidence supports the mental health benefits of outdoor, cold-water immersion in adults. This explorative study aimed to see if evidence found in adult populations regarding changes associated with the activity on mood could be replicated in adolescents through an educational and practical half-day course. Results will show whether further research is justified in this age group.<i>Methods:</i> Eighty high school students were recruited, 62 from two upper secondary schools in Kristiansand, Norway and 18 from one school in Brighton, United Kingdom. Mood state was assessed using the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaires before and after a cold-water immersion.<i>Results:</i> There were significant reductions in negative subscales and significant increases in positive subscales of the POMS questionnaire. Total Mood Disturbance (TMD) was significantly reduced overall (mean pre-post difference 23.40, 95% CI 16.52 - 30.28) across the four swimming groups (Norway lake, two sheltered beaches in Norway, and the open sea in England). These results indicate a positive effect on mood. Overall, 95% of respondents both enjoyed the experience and would \"definitely\" or \"maybe\" like to repeat it.<i>Conclusion:</i> Outdoor cold-water immersion had a significantly positive effect on mood state in adolescents and was enjoyed by most participants. Further studies are therefore warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":45290,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health","volume":" ","pages":"1-14"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144498341","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Longitudinal associations between lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic and distress among children and adolescents in Montréal.","authors":"Adrien Saucier, Katia Charland, Britt McKinnon, Florence Dupont, Isabelle Laurin, Cat Tuong Nguyen, Laura Pierce, Margot Barbosa Da Torre, Islem Cheriet, Caroline Quach, Kate Zinszer","doi":"10.2989/17280583.2025.2504586","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2025.2504586","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> COVID-19 mitigation measures disrupted many youths' lives. The burden that pandemic changes induced on children and adolescent's mental health requires further research.<i>Objective:</i> This study explores the associations between lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic and distress and/or social impairment (herein abbreviated as \"distress\") among children and adolescents in Montréal, Canada.<i>Methods:</i> Data were collected as part of a longitudinal survey and serology study of two to 20-year-olds at five different time points between October 2020 and June 2023. The outcome, distress, was the dichotomised score on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire impact supplement. Lifestyle changes included changes in sleep, eating, and physical activity, among others. Adjusted risk ratios (RR) measuring associations between lifestyle changes and distress were estimated using regression models.<i>Results:</i> The 2 183 participants contributed 5 359 observations across the five waves of data collection. The crude prevalence of distress was 14.4% (95% CI 13.2, 15.7). In the adjusted analyses, distress was associated with spending both less and more time sleeping (e.g., less: RR = 2.28; 95% CI: 1.98, 2.98), less time engaged in physical activity (RR = 2.14; 95% CI: 1.78, 2.57), and with social media use of greater than three hours per day versus none (RR = 2.22, 95% CI: 1.69, 2.92).<i>Conclusion:</i> This study found that certain lifestyle changes occurring during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with distress and social impairment among children and adolescents.</p>","PeriodicalId":45290,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health","volume":" ","pages":"1-24"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144276238","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence of and factors associated with loneliness, anxiety-induced sleep disturbance, and suicidal ideation among school-going adolescents in Panama.","authors":"Ishrar Tahmin Anika, Habiba Islam, Khalid Hasan","doi":"10.2989/17280583.2025.2507315","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2025.2507315","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> In recent years, mental health issues among adolescents have gained significant attention. Like many other nations, Panama is experiencing a growing prevalence of these challenges within its youth. It is crucial to investigate the prevalence of, and the underlying factors associated with, loneliness, anxiety-related sleep disturbances, and suicide ideation to develop effective intervention strategies<i>Objectives:</i> The study aimed to assess the prevalence of loneliness, anxiety-induced sleep disturbance, and suicidal ideation in Panama's school-going adolescents and to identify the risk factors that make this age group vulnerable to these psychological problems using sex-stratified data.<i>Methods:</i> We used cross-sectional survey data from the Panama Global School-based Student Health Survey 2018 and performed descriptive and inferential statistical analyses.<i>Results:</i> Suicidal ideation was more common (18.5%) than loneliness (16.3%) or anxiety-induced sleep disturbance (10.4%) among adolescents in Panama. Higher odds of loneliness were found among those who had no close friends [AOR =3.553, 95% CI = 2.417 - 5.223], experienced hunger [AOR = 2.606, 95% CI = 1.314 - 5.168], and were bullied on school property [AOR = 1.747, 95% CI = 1.307 - 2.334] than their counterparts (i.e., those who had close friends, did not experienced hunger, and were not bullied on school property. Respondents who had no close friends [AOR = 1.624, 95% CI = 1.016 - 2.598] and suffered bullying both inside [AOR = 1.939, 95% CI = 1.406 - 2.674] and outside [AOR = 1.453, 95% CI = 1.013 - 2.084] of school property were more prone than their counterparts to experience anxiety-induced sleep disturbances. Additionally, adolescents who experienced hunger [AOR = 2.675, 95% CI = 1.396 - 5.126], had no close friends [AOR = 1.605, 95% CI = 1.077 - 2.393], were bullied on school property [AOR = 1.964, 95% CI = 1.499 - 2.571], and consumed alcohol [AOR = 1.425, 95% CI = 1.113 - 1.825] encountered higher odds of suicidal ideation. However, girls were more susceptible to suicidal ideation than boys if they had no close friends, experienced hunger, and were bullied on school property. Conversely, parents' understanding significantly lowered the odds of suicidal ideation compared to their counterparts.<i>Conclusions:</i> Gender-sensitive and proactive community-based initiatives should be implemented to improve adolescents' mental health in Panama. Moreover, an inclusive school curriculum is needed to address adolescents' psychological issues.</p>","PeriodicalId":45290,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health","volume":" ","pages":"1-30"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267575","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Increased risk of suicidality in treatment-seeking transgender adults and adolescents with autism traits and anxiety/depression.","authors":"Katrin Lehmann, Michael Rosato, Gerard Leavey","doi":"10.2989/17280583.2025.2504587","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2025.2504587","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><i>Background:</i> Transgender adolescents and adults appear to be at increased risk of suicidality, but the risk factors are unclear.<i>Aim:</i> This study aimed to examine suicidality in treatment-seeking adolescents and adults. We examined whether autism traits, anxiety/depression, access to gender affirming treatments, or self-identification category affected suicidality in this group.<i>Methods:</i> We conducted a cross-sectional study of 123 patients (16 years and older) currently attending, or previously attended, specialist gender services in Northern Ireland. Main outcome measures included a demographic information questionnaire, the Suicide Behaviour Questionnaire Revised, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire or the Recent Trauma Questionnaire, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Autism traits were measured using the Autism Quotient, the Ritvo Autism and Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised, and the Cambridge Behaviour Scale (Empathy Quotient).<i>Results:</i> Only autism traits and anxiety/depression were independently associated with higher levels of suicidality. Self-reported future risk of suicidality was markedly lower than self-reported past suicidality for the patients who were attending the specialist gender service. This apparent reduction in suicidality is possibly attributable to the impact of being able to access the specialist service. <i>Conclusion:</i> This study highlights increased vulnerability in this population for suicidality, particularly those with autism traits and anxiety/depression. These findings are important in the context of the reclassification of gender incongruence to conditions of sexual health. While a move away from mental health services reduces stigma for individuals seeking gender-affirming interventions, the treatment of co-existing mental health needs requires close involvement with mental health services.</p>","PeriodicalId":45290,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health","volume":" ","pages":"1-16"},"PeriodicalIF":0.3,"publicationDate":"2025-06-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144267574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}