Characteristics of First Visit Pediatric Patients with Suicidal Ideation and Behavior: An 8-Year Retrospective Chart Review

Objectives@#Our study aimed to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of children and adolescents during their first visit to psychiatric outpatient departments for the management of suicidal ideation and behavior, and to compare the changes before and in 2012 or later. @*Methods@#This multicenter study was conducted at five university hospitals in a metropolitan area in South Korea. Medical records of patients aged 6–18 years were retrospectively reviewed from January 2009 to December 2016. Patients were analyzed by classifying them into suicidal and non-suicidal groups based on their visit to the hospital for management of suicidal ideation or suicide attempt and other mental problems, respectively. @*Results@#There were differences in the year of visit, diagnosis, education level, and referral sources between patients in the suicidal and non-suicidal groups. Multiple regression analysis was conducted based on the sex, education level, referral by school, and diagnosis of depression in patients in the suicidal group, which revealed significant association. @*Conclusion@#Suicide-related problems were significantly associated with the sex, education level, referral by school, and a diagnosis of depression in the patients. A well-connected referral system would be necessary for professional mental health management of high-risk children and adolescents.

Influence of Area-Level Characteristics on the Suicide Rate in Korean Adolescents

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the influence of area-level factors on adolescent suicide and to determine which variables differ according to age and sex.METHODS: We selected variables that were available for collection through an online database from 2005 to 2015 in the Korean Statistical Information Service and the Korea Labor Institute. We used administrative districts of Korea in 2017 for geographical classification. We examined the relationships between regional suicide rates and area-level variables in male and female subjects aged 10–14 years and 15–19 years. In addition, we analyzed area-level variables in adolescents aged 15–19 years according to sex.RESULTS: Our findings indicated that several area-level variables affected adolescent suicide rates, varying according to age and sex. Economic problems were shown to be more associated with suicide in male adolescents than in female adolescents. On the other hand, social fragmentation and health services were shown to be more associated with suicide in females.CONCLUSION: Suicide in adolescents was attributable to area-level factors such as economic status, social fragmentation, and community health services. By identifying area-level variables affecting adolescent suicide rates, we will be able to contribute to implement mental health policies related to adolescent suicide.

Cross-Cultural Aspect of Behavior Assessment System for Children-2, Parent Rating Scale-Child: Standardization in Korean Children

PURPOSE: Our study aimed to examine psychometric properties and cross-cultural utility of the Behavior Assessment System for Children-2, Parent Rating Scale-Child (BASC-2 PRS-C) in Korean children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two study populations were recruited: a general population sample (n=2115) of 1st to 6th graders from 16 elementary schools and a clinical population (n=219) of 6–12 years old from 5 child psychiatric clinics and an epidemiological sample of autism spectrum disorder. We assessed the validity and reliability of the Korean version of BASC-2 PRS-C (K-BASC-2 PRS-C) and compared subscales with those used for US populations. RESULTS: Our results indicate that the K-BASC-2 PRS-C is a valuable instrument with reliability and validity for measuring developmental psychopathology that is comparable to those in Western population. However, there were some differences noted in the mean scores of BASC-2 PRS-C between Korean and US populations. CONCLUSION: K-BASC-2 PRS-C is an effective and useful instrument with psychometric properties that permits measurement of general developmental psychopathology. Observed Korean-US differences in patterns of parental reports of children's behaviors indicate the importance of the validation, standardization and cultural adaptation for tools assessing psychopathology especially when used in populations different from those for which the instrument was originally created.

Predictors of Suicide Attempts in Clinically Depressed Korean Adolescents

We examined predictors of suicide attempts in clinically depressed adolescents in Korea and gender differences in suicidal behavior. In total, 106 adolescents diagnosed with depressive disorder were recruited in South Korea. We assessed various variables that might affect suicide attempts, and used a structured interview for the diagnosis of depression and comorbidities and to evaluate suicidality. Demographic and clinical characteristics of the subjects were compared between suicide attempt and non-suicide attempt groups and we examined significant predictors of suicide attempts. Gender differences in suicidal ideation and suicidal behavior were also analyzed. Among 106 depressed participants, 50 (47.2%) adolescents were classified in the suicide attempt group. Generally, the suicide attempt and non-suicide attempt group shared similar clinical characteristics. The suicide attempt group had more females, more major depressive disorder diagnoses, more depressive episodes, and higher suicidal ideation than the non-suicide attempt group. Suicidal ideation was the only significant predictor of suicidal attempt, regardless of gender. Higher suicidal ideation frequency scores and more non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors were shown in the female suicide attempt group than the male suicide attempt group. It is recommended that suicidal ideation be assessed regularly and managed rigorously to decrease suicide risks in depressive adolescents.

Association of Norepinephrine Transporter Gene and Side Effects of Osmotic-Release Oral System Methylphenidate in Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

OBJECTIVES: The aim of our study was to investigate association of norepinephrine transporter gene (SLC6A2) polymorphism and side effects of osmotic-release oral system methylphenidate (OROS MPH) in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). METHODS: We recruited drug naive children with ADHD (N=97). We administered OROS MPH by tolerable dosage. At week 8 of treatment, parents completed the Barkley's side effect rating scale. We analyzed two SLC6A2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs192303 and rs3785143, with blood of subjects. We compared the frequency and severity of each side effect among SLC6A2 genotypes of 2 SNPs. RESULTS: In the analysis of frequency of each side effect, irritability differed according to rs192303 and rs3785143 genotype. In comparisons of severity, talking less and disinterest differed according to rs192303 genotype. In the case of rs3785143, severities of disinterest and irritability were involved with genotype. CONCLUSION: Side effects of OROS MPH showed an association with SLC6A2 genotype.

Efficacy of OROS Methylphenidate for the Treatment of ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the common psychiatric problems in childhood. The symptoms of ADHD tend to last for adulthood and the patients suffer from various comorbid problems and functional impairments. Methylphenidate (MPH) is the first choice of pharmacotherapy for ADHD and many researches have demonstrated its efficacy. We reviewed the clinical trials for efficacy of MPH focusing on Osmotic-Controlled Release Oral delivery System Methylphenidate (OROS MPH). It was identified that MPH improved core symptom of ADHD, peer relationship and health related quality of life and might improve various aspects of cognitive function. It was proved that the efficacy of OROS MPH was better than placebo and comparable to immediate release MPH (IR MPH) dosed three times daily in various studies. Especially, parent's preference of OROS MPH was better than IR MPH. The efficacy of MPH for academic achievement was equivocal. Long-term efficacy of OROS MPH was also inconclusive and further study is necessary.

Efficacy of OROS Methylphenidate for the Treatment of ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the common psychiatric problems in childhood. The symptoms of ADHD tend to last for adulthood and the patients suffer from various comorbid problems and functional impairments. Methylphenidate (MPH) is the first choice of pharmacotherapy for ADHD and many researches have demonstrated its efficacy. We reviewed the clinical trials for efficacy of MPH focusing on Osmotic-Controlled Release Oral delivery System Methylphenidate (OROS MPH). It was identified that MPH improved core symptom of ADHD, peer relationship and health related quality of life and might improve various aspects of cognitive function. It was proved that the efficacy of OROS MPH was better than placebo and comparable to immediate release MPH (IR MPH) dosed three times daily in various studies. Especially, parent's preference of OROS MPH was better than IR MPH. The efficacy of MPH for academic achievement was equivocal. Long-term efficacy of OROS MPH was also inconclusive and further study is necessary.

The Characteristics of Associative Learning of Reward Approach and Loss Aversion in Schizophrenia / 대한정신분열병학회지

OBJECTIVES: Schizophrenia patients have deficits of prediction and learning related to dopaminergic dysfunction. It is hypothesized that there would be different characteristics in associative learning of reward approach and loss aversion between controls and patients. METHODS: Participants were 23 healthy participants and 20 out-patients fulfilling criteria for schizophrenia according DSM-IV-TR. Using a monetary incentive contingency reversal task, successful learning rates, numbers of trials and errors till learning, numbers of trials of maintaining learning, response times were measured. Characteristics of learning were compared between controls and patients. RESULTS: Physical anhedonia and PANSS negative symptom scores correlated with the number of trials while loss aversion was maintained. Overall correct response rates were decreased in patient group, particularly during reward approach learning. Patients required more trials and errors to learn reward approach than controls. There were no significant differences in learning performance and reaction times between groups during loss avoidance learning. CONCLUSION: These results support previous reports of deficits in reward-driven learning in schizophrenia. However, anhedonia and negative symptoms were associated with the preserved function of loss avoidance learning.

Clinical Application of Neurodevelopmental Assessment for Infants and Toddlers

Early detection and intervention is critical in improving prognosis of developmental disorders. Developmental delay can have many different causes and the clinical features of developmental delay are diverse according to its etiologic causes and severity. The vast and rapid growth of the child's neurobehavioral repertoire from birth through adolescence requires the physician's abundant experience, knowledge, and understanding of development. Here, we summarize instruments for use in neurodevelopmental assessment of infants and toddlers, focusing on motor development, which is the most frequent complaint listed in the developmental clinic.

Parental Alcohol Problems and Children's Behavior & Psychosocial Characteristics

OBJECTIVES: Alcohol problems of parents have an influence on not only their psychological problems but also on their children's psychosocial adaptation. The purpose of this study was to compare the emotional and behavioral problems, including school bullying and social skills, between children of alcoholics (COAs) and children of non-alcoholics (non-COAs). METHODS: We recruited 4th grade children (n=741) from 7 primary schools in Seoul and their parents as subjects. The self-rated psychiatric symptoms were assessed with the Korean version of the Children of Alcoholics Screening Test (CAST-K), the Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), the Rosenberg's Self-esteem Scale (RSES), the School Bullying Scale, the Social Skill Rating Scale and the Korean version of Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire-Adolescent (AEQ-A). The Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV (ARS) was completed by the parents. RESULTS: 518 children were non-COAs and 223 were COAs. The COAs showed higher CDI and ARS-IV scores and lower RSES scores than the non-COAs. Especially, the COAs also showed higher school bullying scale scores and lower cooperative scale scores on the social skill rating scales. But there was no difference of alcohol expectancy between the COAs and non-COAs. CONCLUSION: It was plausible that the COAs had more behavioral & psychosocial problems than the non-COAs among the school aged children. It is important to identify and intervene to solve the problems of peer relationships of school age COAs in order to prevent victimization by bullying and to improve psychosocial adaptation.

Case-Control Association Study of the Norepinephrine Transporter Gene Polymorphism in Children with ADHD

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the association between norepinephrine transporter gene (SLC6A2) polymorphisms and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to examine the relationship between the genotypes and allele variants of SLC6A2 and results of the Korean version of the parent ADHD rating scale (K-ARS). METHODS: We examined the association between ADHD and norepinephrine transporter gene polymorphism using DNA from 137 Korean children with ADHD and 120 normal controls. We compared the genotype distributions and allele frequencies of SLC6A2 polymorphism between the control group and the ADHD group. Then, we correlated the children's K-ARS mean totals, inattention scores, and hyperactivity/impulsivity scores with the genotypes and alleles for each SLC6A2 polymorphism. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in genotype and allele distribution for each SLC6A2 polymorphism, as shown by the Chi-square test (p>.01). There was a trend toward a difference in allele frequency in rs 5568, but it was not statistically significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons (p=.048). Also, there were no significant differences in K-ARS scores according to the genotypes and alleles for the SLC6A2 polymorphisms. CONCLUSION: Our study found no significant evidence of an association between SLC6A2 polymorphisms and ADHD.

Gender Differences of Externalizing and Internalizing Behavior Problems According to the Extracurricular Education

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate gender differences with respect to the internalization or externalization of symptoms according to the amount of time spent engaged in extracurricular education. METHODS: The study included a community sample of 755 boys and girls (mean age, 6.6 years), collected from five elementary schools in Gunpo, South Korea. Primary caregivers completed a questionnaire which included information on demographics, the amounts of time children spent in extracurricular education and with other activities, and an adapted form of the Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC-2). Gender differences regarding externalizing and internalizing behavior problems were examined according to extracurricular education. RESULTS: With respect to the boys, there was a difference in the frequency of those who had externalizing behavior problems according to their time spent in extracurricular education. In contrast, the girls exhibited no difference. With respect to those children who spent a lot of time engaged in extracurricular education, there was a gender-specific difference only with respect to externalizing behavior problems. CONCLUSION: A gender-specific difference exists only in terms of externalizing behavior problems according to time spent engaged in extracurricular education.