{"title":"Stress, loneliness, depression, anxiety and problematic smartphone use among a sample of Syrian refugee adolescents: a network approach.","authors":"Onat Yetim, Lut Tamam, Ayşegül Efe, İlham Sebea Alleil, Resul Çakır","doi":"10.1186/s13034-025-00936-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13034-025-00936-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Previous studies have demonstrated the existence of complex associations between stress, loneliness, depression, anxiety, and smartphone addiction in adolescents. However, the paucity of studies evaluating the relevant relationships in migrant adolescents demands the elimination of uncertainty in a sample of adolescents exposed to trauma and chronic stressors.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This study utilizes network analysis to identify the central factors and potential bridging paths among these variables. Identifying central symptom clusters contributing to the maintenance of the overall network provides potential targets for clinical or policy-level interventions. Network analysis also enables a more nuanced understanding of how internalizing symptoms and behavioral dysregulation co-occur and reinforce one another. Employing 836 Syrian refugee adolescents, we obtained a stable network of the above variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our results revealed that problematic smartphone use (PSU) was the most central node in the network. Both generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and panic disorder also emerged as central nodes, reinforcing their transdiagnostic relevance. Bridge expected influence analysis revealed that stress, GAD, and PSU were key connectors between symptom domains.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our findings indicate that PSU may not simply be a byproduct of emotional problems but a key component of psychopathology in refugee adolescents. Notably, PSU exhibited strong partial correlations with GAD and social anxiety disorder, supporting prior research that links maladaptive smartphone use to emotional dysregulation and anxiety-related avoidance. Future research investigating protective factors, such as family support, peer support, and cultural integration, in the correlations between PSU and psychopathologies will lead to the development of effective interventions.</p>","PeriodicalId":9934,"journal":{"name":"Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health","volume":"19 1","pages":"70"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12175421/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144324552","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Shoko Hamada, Hitoshi Kaneko, Masayoshi Ogura, Andre Sourander
{"title":"Changes in body dissatisfaction and dieting, and its association with mental health problems among Japanese eighth year adolescents: a 11-year time trend study.","authors":"Shoko Hamada, Hitoshi Kaneko, Masayoshi Ogura, Andre Sourander","doi":"10.1186/s13034-025-00934-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13034-025-00934-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study examined the time trends of body dissatisfaction and dieting among Japanese adolescents and the possible associated mental health problems.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Two cross-sectional studies were conducted in 2011 and 2023 in the same 17 schools in one prefecture of Japan. Participants comprised 1865 (a 92.8% response rate) and 1174 (a 71.5% response rate) eighth grade students, who participated in the 2011 and 2023 surveys, respectively. Body dissatisfaction and dieting were assessed via a scale that assesses eating behavior and dieting. Mental health problems were assessed via the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The total score on items for eating behavior and dieting did not change between 2011 and 2023. Moreover, no significant interaction was observed between gender and years surveyed. The associated factors measured in the SDQ were similar in 2011 and 2023. An item-level analysis revealed an increase in score of items related to dieting, the fear of getting fat, and wanting to lose weight by not eating among male adolescents. Furthermore, among females, an increase was observed in items on experiences of losing weight and a decrease in items related to dissatisfaction with body image.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The extent of body dissatisfaction and dieting remained stable among Japanese adolescents from 2011 to 2023. Those who were dieting or had eating problems reported higher emotional problems. More males reported dieting and fear of getting fat in the 2023 survey than was reported in 2011. Future studies should conduct surveys in Asian countries other than Japan, including low- and middle-income countries.</p>","PeriodicalId":9934,"journal":{"name":"Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health","volume":"19 1","pages":"69"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12175348/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144324551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jörg M Fegert, Götz Gottschalk, Renee Schneider, Emily Sitarski, Viknesh Sounderajah, Garth Graham
{"title":"Navigating life transitions and mental wellbeing in the digital age: a call for stakeholders to embrace innovation and collaboration.","authors":"Jörg M Fegert, Götz Gottschalk, Renee Schneider, Emily Sitarski, Viknesh Sounderajah, Garth Graham","doi":"10.1186/s13034-025-00932-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13034-025-00932-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Life transitions, such as adolescence, starting higher education or employment, and parenthood, are universally experienced yet psychologically demanding phases that can compromise mental health. While some transitions may promote positive growth, many transitions can also engender significant stress, which can potentially culminate in mental health difficulties and, in some unfortunate instances, psychopathology, especially when individuals lack adequate support. Traditional healthcare systems, already strained by increasing demands and limited resources, frequently offer inflexible, diagnostic-driven pathways with limited accessibility. Therefore, individuals, especially adolescents and emerging adults, have turned increasingly to non-traditional sources for mental health information and support. The internet, in particular, has become an indispensable resource for individuals seeking support around difficult life transitions, including the transition to adulthood. Multimedia content, especially videos, offers unique advantages: cultural sensitivity, peer-shared experiences, the ability to overcome language and literacy barriers and many more which are tailored to individual needs. Innovative content strategies, such as storytelling or expert interviews, can play a pivotal role in reducing the stigma associated with seeking mental health help during life transitions, which may, in turn, increase the likelihood for at-risk individuals to seek formal support if required, and can supplement traditional care with low-threshold information. However, the digital landscape is not without its inherent challenges, including misinformation. While there are frameworks to evaluate and promote credible, evidence-based health content online, there needs to be greater effort to ensure its frictionless integration into formal clinical pathways, when appropriate. To address the complex challenges and fully realize the benefits of digital media mental health care during life transitions, a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach is essential: this includes collaboration between healthcare providers, policymakers, researchers, technology companies and content creators. We should prioritise developing culturally inclusive, engaging, evidence-based content; promoting digital literacy among users and providers; and expanding access to information, support, and self-management tools specifically designed for individuals navigating life's transitions. Investment in research and further advocacy for policies is necessary to ensure quality and sustainability of content as well as equitable access for a more resilient and mentally healthy society.</p>","PeriodicalId":9934,"journal":{"name":"Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health","volume":"19 1","pages":"67"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12166554/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144293407","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Parental psychopathology and expressed emotion in children with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder.","authors":"Hannah Lea Klüber, Annick Martin, Franziska Schlensog-Schuster, Andreas Hiemisch, Wieland Kiess, Anja Hilbert, Ricarda Schmidt","doi":"10.1186/s13034-025-00929-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13034-025-00929-x","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9934,"journal":{"name":"Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health","volume":"19 1","pages":"66"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12142924/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144246714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Giulia Lamiani, Federica Bonazza, Michela Maxia, Massimo Walter Rivolta, Giovanni Mistraletti, Elena Vegni
{"title":"Visiting a loved one in the ICU with the aid of dedicated booklets is associated with reduced separation anxiety in children and adolescents.","authors":"Giulia Lamiani, Federica Bonazza, Michela Maxia, Massimo Walter Rivolta, Giovanni Mistraletti, Elena Vegni","doi":"10.1186/s13034-025-00906-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13034-025-00906-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Opening visits in Intensive Care Units (ICU) to children and adolescents encounters fears and resistance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact on children's psychological well-being of a prepared visit to family members hospitalized in the ICU.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quasi-experimental, pre-post-intervention design was implemented in 3 ICUs where children were allowed to visit. Children (7-17 years) with a close family member (parent, sister/brother, grandparent) hospitalized in ICU on mechanical ventilation for ≥ 48 h were eligible to participate. Within three days of the family member's admission, children completed online pre-questionnaires to assess separation anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms and positive and negative affects. After completion of pre-questionnaires, if parents and children expressed the desire to visit, an age-appropriate educational booklet, which was purposefully developed, was offered and the visit was planned and prepared by ICU staff. After the visit, children completed the same questionnaires. Children who did not visit completed the same questionnaires a week after having completed the pre-questionnaires.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>25 children (8 boys; mean age = 11.3; SD = 2.4) completed pre and post-questionnaires. Children who visited (n = 17) were older than children who did not visit (U = 109.000; p = 0.016), presented higher separation anxiety (U = 102.500; p = 0.043) and lower positive affects (U = 30.000; p =0.027) at pre-questionnaires. Children who visited reported a decrease in separation anxiety (Median-pre = 8; Median-post = 5; p = 0.004), PTSD symptoms (Median-pre = 25; Median-post = 18; p = 0.008) and an increase in positive affect (Median-pre = 33; Median-post = 34; p = 0.004) at post-questionnaires. Children who did not visit reported a decrease in PTSD symptoms (Median-pre = 13; Median-post = 10; p =.018) at post-questionnaires. Compared to children who did not visit, children who visited reported a decrease in separation anxiety (U = 22.500; p =.006) at post questionnaires. All children who visited (100%) were satisfied and 94% perceived the educational booklets as useful.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Findings suggest that a prepared visit to family members in ICU may decrease children's separation anxiety, without evident harm.</p>","PeriodicalId":9934,"journal":{"name":"Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health","volume":"19 1","pages":"65"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12142882/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144246715","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The lifetime prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among high school adolescents in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Berhan Tekeba, Tadesse Tarik Tamir, Derese Abebe Gebrehana, Yohannes Abich, Nebebe Demis Baykemagn, Melaku Alelign Mengstie, Alebachew Ferede Zegeye","doi":"10.1186/s13034-025-00927-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13034-025-00927-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Suicide is a major public health problem and one of the top causes of death among adolescents worldwide. The Ethiopian government works to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being in adolescents through the National Adolescent and Youth Mental Health Strategy. Despite these efforts, suicide in adolescents remains pressing in Ethiopia; however, study findings regarding suicidal ideation and suicide attempts and their associated factors in high school adolescents have been inconsistent and non-conclusive. Therefore, this review aimed to assess the pooled national prevalence and risk factors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among high school adolescents in Ethiopia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guideline was followed for this systematic review. We searched PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases. We included all observational studies that report the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among high school adolescents in Ethiopia. Using a standard data extraction format, two authors separately extracted all required data. The meta-analysis was conducted using Stata version 17 statistical software. The Cochrane Q test and I² statistics were employed to evaluate the heterogeneity among the included studies. Pooled prevalence estimates, along with their 95% confidence intervals, were calculated using a random-effects model. Potential sources of heterogeneity across studies were further explored through subgroup analyses, sensitivity analysis, and meta-regression analysis.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>The review comprised ten studies with 8,620 participants. Out of 1,451 studies identified, 10 studies were included in the analysis. As the random effect model indicated that the pooled prevalence of suicide ideation and suicide attempt among high school adolescents in Ethiopia was 16% (95% CI: 12%, 19%) and 10% (95% CI: 6%, 13%), respectively. The highest prevalence of suicidal ideation was observed after the country's implementation of HSTP II [18 (95% CI: 15-22), I²=83.94, P-value < 0.001], while the lowest prevalence was depicted in adolescents aged 10-19 years [11% (95% CI 10, 13), I²=93.3, P-value < 0.001]. Similarly, the highest pooled prevalence of suicide attempt was observed after the country's implementation of HSTP II [12% (95% CI: 10-13), I²=67.77, P-value < 0.03], while the lowest prevalence was depicted in adolescents aged 10-19 years [5% (95% CI 1, 9), I²=94.43, P-value < 0.001]. The sensitivity analysis indicated that none of the point estimates were outside of the overall 95% confidence interval. No publication bias was seen in suicide ideation. But evidence of publication bias for suicide attempts was identified through the left trim and fill analysis. Gender, disappointment with school results, family history, alcohol use, the presence or absence of fami","PeriodicalId":9934,"journal":{"name":"Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health","volume":"19 1","pages":"63"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12139363/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144224476","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah Forsberg, Amanda E Downey, Lindsey D Bruett, Lisa Hail, Gisele Fernandes-Osterhold, Josh D Woolley, Adele Lafrance, Marissa Raymond-Flesch
{"title":"Leveraging family and caregiver support in psychedelic-assisted therapy: considerations for the treatment of adolescents.","authors":"Sarah Forsberg, Amanda E Downey, Lindsey D Bruett, Lisa Hail, Gisele Fernandes-Osterhold, Josh D Woolley, Adele Lafrance, Marissa Raymond-Flesch","doi":"10.1186/s13034-025-00930-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13034-025-00930-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) is gaining recognition as a promising intervention for treatment-refractory mental health conditions in adults. While interest in its applications for adolescents is growing, critical gaps remain in understanding safe and effective delivery of PAT to this vulnerable population, including implications for caregiver/family (used interchangeably) involvement in the intervention. Caregivers play a crucial role in adolescent mental health treatment by supporting recovery and disrupting illness-maintaining patterns. They also benefit from resources to navigate the challenges of caregiving. This review synthesizes existing literature on evidence-based adolescent mental health treatments, best practices in PAT delivery, and family systems theory to propose a framework for integrating caregivers in adolescent PAT.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Current literature in both PAT and adolescent mental health provides a compelling case for the direct involvement of caregivers in PAT for adolescent populations. In modern PAT, therapeutic setting (i.e., \"set and setting\") is increasingly recognized as essential for optimizing outcomes. Similarly, the family system serves as a critical setting that may shape PAT efficacy in adolescents. This review provides recommendations and unique considerations for the incorporation of caregivers into PAT protocols for adolescents to maximize safety and efficacy of the intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":9934,"journal":{"name":"Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health","volume":"19 1","pages":"64"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12139335/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144224475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jennifer McMahon, Sonja March, Martha Oakes, Wendy K Silverman, Cathy Creswell, Arlen Rowe, Mohsen Rajabi, Simona Skripkauskaite
{"title":"Addressing international research challenges in child and adolescent mental health during global crises: experience and recommendations of the Co-SPACE international consortium.","authors":"Jennifer McMahon, Sonja March, Martha Oakes, Wendy K Silverman, Cathy Creswell, Arlen Rowe, Mohsen Rajabi, Simona Skripkauskaite","doi":"10.1186/s13034-025-00918-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13034-025-00918-0","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9934,"journal":{"name":"Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health","volume":"19 1","pages":"62"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12123706/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144180436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Moa Nilsson, Benjamin Claréus, Jonas Bjärehed, Marlene Bjärehed, Daiva Daukantaitė
{"title":"Adolescent Interpersonal Behaviours and Mental Health Across Two Swedish Cohorts: 15-Year Trends and One-Year Bidirectional Associations in a Mixed-Methods Study.","authors":"Moa Nilsson, Benjamin Claréus, Jonas Bjärehed, Marlene Bjärehed, Daiva Daukantaitė","doi":"10.1186/s13034-025-00913-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13034-025-00913-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>Adolescent mental health has declined in recent decades. Few studies have explored whether shifts in interpersonal behaviours- both in-person and online- can help explain this decline. Using data from two Swedish cohorts (2007-2008, 2023-2024), we examined (1) 15-year time trends (2007-2008 vs. 2023-2024) in interpersonal behaviours (victimization, aggression, prosocial behaviours) and mental health (externalizing/internalizing problems); (2) one-year bidirectional associations between them; (3) the unique role of cybervictimization/cyberaggression in relation to mental health; and (4) adolescents' accounts of online experiences that made them 'feel bad'.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Two longitudinal school cohorts of Swedish adolescents (2007-2008: N = 911-987, M<sub>age</sub> = 13.71-14.76 years; 2023-2024: N = 768-806, M<sub>age</sub> = 13.89-14.89 years) completed self-report measures of interpersonal behaviours and mental health. In 2023-2024, a subset of adolescents (n = 127, 16.5%) answered open-ended questions about negative online experiences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From 2007 to 2008 to 2023-2024, prosocial behaviours moderately declined for girls and boys, while internalizing problems increased moderately for girls and weakly for boys. Meanwhile, victimization, aggression, and externalizing problems increased at a weak-to-moderate level among girls. Victimization and being treated well by others showed moderate bidirectional relationships with mental health. Cybervictimization/cyberaggression had weaker associations with mental health than did in-person behaviours. According to the qualitative analysis of negative online experiences, adolescents reported harassment, social exclusion, perceived standards/expectations, time-consuming activities, and exposure to distressing content.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Deteriorating adolescent mental health over the past 15 years has occurred alongside rising interpersonal difficulties. The findings further suggest a reciprocal relationship between social challenges and mental health, with hostile online environments amplifying- but not primarily driving- these issues. A holistic perspective that accounts for both in-person and online experiences is essential to better understand and support adolescent well-being.</p>","PeriodicalId":9934,"journal":{"name":"Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health","volume":"19 1","pages":"61"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12093687/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144119045","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}