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

The objectives of the study were to determine which parents or teachers predict attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) better in children and adolescents, and to detect both diagnostical a...

This descriptive phenomenological study aimed to evaluate the perception and experiences of adolescents with mental disorders and their parents about the use of and adherence to psychotropic medications. A total of 12 semi-structured interviews with adolescents between the ages of 12 to 18 who were attending an outpatient psychiatric clinic for children and adolescents and 12 interviews with parents were conducted between October 2021 and January 2022 in Manisa, Turkey. Colaizzi’s phenomenological interpretation method was used for the analysis of the participants’ statements. Our study highlights the main positive effects of psychotropic medication and barriers to medication intake and adherence. Positive effects included symptom management and health improvement. Barriers varied from those directly linked to medication effects (e.g., negative side effects or lack of perceived effect) to personal barriers (e.g., forgetting to take medication or feelings of not being oneself due to medication intake) and societal barriers. In general, the barriers were reflected in concerns related to long-term consequences, such as medication dependence, and in concerns about diminished life prospects. Possible recommendations to improve the use of and adherence to psychotropic medication among adolescents include educating adolescents and parents not only about treatment options but also about mental disorders.

Observational reports of parents and teachers might conflict in the diagnostic process of pediatric Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This study investigates the diagnostic accuracy of parents and teachers in identifying ADHD in children, focusing on the influences of parental education level, child gender, and age. Data were derived from the Turkish Epidemiological Survey in Childhood Psychopathologies, encompassing 5,830 children aged 6-13 years. ADHD diagnoses were determined using a semi-structured interview and impairment ratings from both parents and teachers. Both groups completed the ADHD Rating Scale-IV to identify ADHD-related symptoms. Diagnostic accuracy was evaluated by comparing sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value across informants. Parental education was categorized into lower (LEL) and higher education levels (HEL). Teachers exhibited significantly higher diagnostic accuracy (93.7%) compared to parents (89.9%, p < 0.001), a trend consistent across gender and age groups. Teachers predicted ADHD in girls (95.2%) with greater accuracy than boys (92.1%), and similar patterns were observed for parents (girls: 92.0%, boys: 88.0%, p < 0.001). Parents with HEL demonstrated better diagnostic performance (91.3%) than those with LEL (89.4%, p < 0.05), though both were outperformed by teachers. Accuracy slightly declined in older children (10-13 years), but the differences were statistically insignificant. The findings highlight teachers' superior ability to predict ADHD, likely due to their comparative observational advantages in structured settings. Parental education and child gender also influenced diagnostic performance. These results underscore the importance of incorporating teacher reports into diagnostic protocols while addressing socio-educational disparities to improve parent-reported accuracy.

The aim of this study is to determine the functioning of adults with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) diagnosed in childhood and depression and burnout levels among their parents. A total of 261 adults with ASDs and their parents were recruited for the study. Both parents completed the Beck Depression and Maslach Burnout Inventories and reported the functioning of their adult offspring with ASDs. Only 5.4 % of our sample reported “good” or “very good” outcomes. The most common psychiatric comorbidities were intellectual disabilities and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Maternal burnout and depression scores were significantly elevated compared to those of fathers. There is an undeniable urgent need for more research to identify the needs of adults and families suffering from ASD. Modifications for those with 10.13039/100007726 ASD may have to be made for support in workplaces, achieving driving licenses, using public transportation and attendance at tertiary education.