Background/Objectives: This study analyzes the impact of PFAPA syndrome (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and adenitis) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and the psychological functioning of children and adolescents aged 2 to 1 years. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted with 62 participants (31 males and 31 females) diagnosed with PFAPA. The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Family Impact Module scale of Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL) were used to assess psychological functioning and HRQoL, respectively. Results: Participants exhibited predominantly low HRQoL, particularly in physical health and emotional functioning. School functioning was also affected. However, social functioning and family relationships showed more favorable scores. A positive correlation was observed between age and emotional symptoms. Family concern was the most significantly impacted aspect. Conclusions: PFAPA syndrome has a significant impact on the HRQoL of affected children and adolescents, particularly in physical and emotional aspects. A holistic approach is necessary for disease management, considering not only physical symptoms but also psychosocial and academic factors, as well as the impact on the family.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic generated uncertainty and disruption among the child and adolescent population. Multiple studies have documented a worsening of mental health following the pandemic. The main objective of this longitudinal study is to analyze the short-, medium-, and long-term evolution of the overall functioning of children and adolescents treated by a child and adolescent mental health team in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: 420 patients aged 3 to 18 were assessed using the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale at three time points: during the lockdown, three months later, and three years later. Differences based on gender, diagnosis, and time were analyzed. Results: A significant improvement was observed in the short-term (three months) and long-term (three years) compared to the lockdown period. This improvement was maintained in all diagnostic subgroups except for mixed cases (severe mental pathology), which showed the least improvement. No significant differences were found between males and females. Conclusions: The child and adolescent population showed a greater capacity for adaptation to the lockdown than expected. Family support, decreased stress, and therapeutic intervention appear to have played an important role in improving mental health.
Background/Objectives: Mental health disorders represent a growing challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. The Day Hospital model has established itself as an effective strategy for outpatient treatment. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mental Health Day Hospital at Burgos University Hospital, as well as to analyze the influence of sociodemographic factors on the clinical evolution of patients. Methods: A retrospective, longitudinal, single-center study analyzing data from 1629 patients over the age of 18 treated between 1996 and 2022 at the Mental Health Day Hospital of the University Hospital of Burgos, in Spain. Results: Differences in prevalence were observed by gender and age, with a higher frequency of eating disorders in women (92.5%) and substance use disorders in men (67.9%). The average age varied according to diagnosis, being highest in mood disorders (43.00) and lowest in eating disorders (23.00). Significant correlations were observed between most variables (p < .05), especially between anxiety, impulsiveness, and self-esteem symptoms. The overall reduction in symptoms validates the program's effectiveness, although less improvement was identified in self-esteem and assertiveness, especially in psychotic disorders. Furthermore, patients with anxiety disorders showed a lower response in trait anxiety. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of tailoring interventions according to each patient's gender, age, and diagnosis. Optimizing treatments based on these variables will improve care and therapeutic outcomes, especially for those with more complex disorders.
Background/Objectives: Mental health disorders represent a growing challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. The day hospital model has established itself as an effective strategy for outpatient treatment. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mental Health Day Hospital at University Hospital of Burgos, as well as to analyze the influence of sociodemographic factors on the clinical evolution of patients. Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center study with repeated cross-sectional assessments with pre- and post-tests, analyzing data from 1629 patients over the age of 18 treated between 1996 and 2022 at the Mental Health Day Hospital of the University Hospital of Burgos, in Spain, of whom 653 completed the pre-test and post-test. Results: Differences in prevalence were observed by sex and age, with a higher frequency of eating disorders in women (92.5%) and substance use disorders in men (67.9%). The average age varied according to diagnosis, being highest in mood disorders (43.00) and lowest in eating disorders (23.00). Significant correlations were observed between most variables (p < 0.05), especially between anxiety, impulsiveness, and self-esteem symptoms. The overall reduction in symptoms validates the program′s effectiveness, although less improvement was identified in self-esteem and assertiveness, especially in psychotic disorders. Furthermore, patients with anxiety disorders showed a lower response in trait anxiety. Conclusions: The study highlights the importance of tailoring interventions according to each patient′s sex, age, and diagnosis. Optimizing treatments based on these variables will improve care and therapeutic outcomes, especially for those with more complex disorders.