Serum Erythropoietin and Ischemic-Modified Albumin Levels in Adolescents with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Erythropoietin (EPO) has neuroprotective effects by increasing oxidative stress resistance and stabilizing redox balance. Ischemic-modified albumin (IMA) is a product of protein oxidation, and recent evidence suggests that IMA can be used as an indicator of oxidative damage. This study aimed to investigate serum EPO and IMA levels in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients and to investigate the relationship between EPO and IMA levels and clinical variables such as disease duration and disease severity. A total of 68 adolescents (11-18 years old), including 35 OCD patients (18 males/17 females) and 33 healthy controls (14 males/19 females) without comorbid disorders matched for age, gender, and BMI, were included in the study. The enzyme-amplified chemiluminescence technique determined serum EPO levels, and serum IMA levels were determined by the spectrophotometric method. Serum EPO levels were lower in OCD patients compared to healthy controls (p = 0.002; Z = - 3.123), and serum IMA levels (ABSU) were significantly higher in the OCD group (p = 0.005). A significant positive correlation was found between IMA levels and the duration of OCD symptoms (p = 0.015, r = 0.409). The study's findings contribute to the growing body of evidence implicating inflammatory and oxidative processes in the pathogenesis of OCD. The potential of EPO and IMA levels as diagnostic biomarkers for OCD aligns with the ongoing efforts to identify reliable biological markers for the disorder. The positive correlation of IMA levels with the duration of OCD shows the importance of early detection of oxidative damage.

Thiol/Disulfide Homeostasis: A Potential New Peripheral Biomarker in Adolescent Depression.

Background: Thiol-disulfide homeostasis (TDH), one of the most important antioxidants, is involved in the non-enzymatic removal of reactive oxygen molecules in the body and is one of the many methods to measure the level of oxidative stress (OS). In the present study, TDH is investigated in adolescent depression, and its relationship to clinical variables is examined. Methods: Thirty-two (50.0%) patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and without psychotropic drug use and 32 (50.0%) healthy controls were included in the present study. The subjects MDD and control groups were between 13 and 18 years old. Participants completed the DSM-5 Level-2 scales for depression and irritability. A colorimetric method proposed by Erel and Neselioglu was used to analyze the TDH parameters of serum samples. Results: Biochemical analyses of samples from the MDD and control groups showed significant differences between the groups in native thiol (SH) levels (P = .002), disulfide (SS) levels (P = .021), disulfide/total thiol (SS/ToSH) (P = .009), and disulfide/native thiol (SS/SH) (P = .003) levels. Analysis of receiver operating characteristic showed that the area under the curve values with "acceptable discrimination potential" for the TDH parameters were significantly able to discriminate individuals with MDD from healthy controls. Conclusion: Thiol-disulfide homeostasis, one of the OS parameters, was found to be impaired in adolescents with depression. Our results suggest that TDH may contribute to the etiopathogenesis of adolescent MDD and that TDH may be a novel approach to assess OS in adolescent depression.

The role of metacognitions in cyberbullying and cybervictimization among adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders: A case-control study.

Cyberbullying is becoming increasingly widespread as individuals use technology more widely and frequently. Recent studies have shown a growing vulnerability for cyberbullying and cybervictimization, particularly in the adolescent population. We argue that dysfunctional metacognitions, which have been found to be prominent in various psychiatric disorders, may also play a role in predicting cyberbullying and cybervictimization over and above a variety of established factors including daily Internet use, social media use, depression and anxiety. For this purpose, we recruited 121 adolescents diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) and 122 adolescents diagnosed with anxiety disorders (AD) from the child and adolescent psychiatric department of 'Çankiri State Hospital' along with age and gender matched healthy controls (n = 120). Participants completed the DSM-5 Depression and Anxiety Severity Scales, the Social Media Disorder Scale (SMDS), the Metacognitions Questionnaire for Children (MCQ-C) and the Revised Cyberbullying Inventory-II (RCBI-II). Cybervictimization scores were found to be higher in the MDD and AD groups when compared with healthy controls. Cyberbullying scores in the MDD group were higher than healthy controls. Additionally, the Superstition, Punishment and Responsibility subdimension of the MCQ-C was a significant predictor of cybervictimization in the AD group while controlling for daily Internet use, social media use and anxiety. However, metacognitions were not associated with cyberbullying in the MDD and AD groups, as well as with cybervictimization in the MDD group. We concluded that dysfunctional metacognitions may be a preventive therapeutic target in reducing the impact of cyberbullying in adolescents with AD.

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale- Self Report Form (WFIRSS- TR). / Weiss Islevsellikte Bozulma Ölçegi-Özbildirim Formu Türkçe Güvenilirligi ve Geçerliligi.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the validity and reliability of the WFIRS-S-TR, Turkish version of the Weiss Functional Impairment Rating Scale-Self Report form. METHOD: The study comprised two groups of participants of 15-18 years of age, one consisting of 35 children diagnosed with attention deficit and hyperativity disorder (ADHD) based on the DSM-IV criteria and the other, 510 healthy volunteers attending high school. Apart from the WFIRS-S-TR, the Health Questionnaire for Children and Adolescents (KIDSCREEN-10 Index) which is a general quality of life and functionality measurement instrument, was used to check the concurrent validity of the WFIRS-S-TR. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the total scale was 0.939. The test-retest reliability assessed by repeated measurements two weeks apart gave a high correlation between the results (r=0.804, p<0.0001). Total mean score of the WFIRS-S-TR showed significant correlation with the KIDSCREEN-10 Index total mean score (r= -0.467, p<0.0001). Confirmatory factor analysis was carried out for the construct validity of the WFIRS-S-TR. The RMSEA and the CFI values were found to be 0.065 and 0.68, respectively. CONCLUSION: The WFIRS-S-TR can be used as a valid and reliable tool both in clinical practice and for research purposes.

The role of the kynurenine pathway and quinolinic acid in adolescent major depressive disorder.

BACKGROUND: The biological mechanisms underlying major depressive disorder (MDD) are not yet sufficiently understood. The kynurenine pathway has been proposed to play a key role between peripheral inflammation and alterations in the central nervous system. This is because of reduced usability of tryptophan (TRP) and production of oxygen radicals and highly potent neurotoxic agents in this pathway. OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to compare the metabolites of the serum kynurenine pathway (tryptophan, kynurenine, quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid) and IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-1ß and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in patients with major depressive disorder and in healthy controls and to evaluate the relationship between cytokine levels and the functioning of the kynurenine pathway. METHODS: Clinical and biochemical data from the patients were obtained and assessed in a cross-sectional design. Serum samples were analysed for IL-6, IL-1ß, interferon (IFN)-γ, tryptophan (TRP), quinolinic acid (QUIN), kynurenic acid (KYNA) and kynurenine (Kyn) levels by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. hsCRP test was analysed by the immunoturbidimetric method. RESULTS: In total, 48 adolescent patients with major depressive disorder (no drug use) and 31 healthy controls were included in the study. TRP levels were observed to be significantly lower in patients with MDD than in healthy controls (P = .046); the Kyn/TRP ratio was significantly higher in patients with MDD than in healthy controls (P = .032); the levels of QUIN were significantly higher in patients with MDD than in healthy controls (P = .003). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of other kynurenine metabolites and cytokines levels. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the Kyn and related molecular pathways may play a role in the pathophysiology of MDD. The most important finding was the increased level of QUIN, which has a neurotoxic effect, in the kynurenine pathway.

Hypertension Induced by Aripiprazole Use in an Autistic Child Patient.

Atypical antipsychotics in children and adolescents are widely used for aggression, emotional variability and psychosis treatment. Aripiprazole is also an atypical antipsychotic that increasingly used in children and adolescents with schizophrenia, autism and bipolar disorder. In this case report, a medically healthy patient with autism associated with behavioral problems is presented with the development of hypertension after the onset of aripiprazole and the return of blood pressure to normal levels after withdrawal of the drug. The purpose of this case study is to discuss and report the emergence of aripiprazole-induced hypertension as a side effect of drugs in children and adolescents.

DSM-5 Level 2 Sleep Disorders Scale Validity and Reliability of Turkish Form (Form for Children Aged 11-17 Years and Parent Form for Children Aged 6-17 Years).

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of Turkish version of DSM-5 Level 2 Sleep Disorders Scale. METHOD: The scale was prepared by translation and back translation of DSM-5 Level 2 Sleep Disorders Scale. Study groups consisted of a clinical sample that contained cases that had sleep related problems and treated in a child and adolescent psychiatry unit and also a community sample. In the assessment process, child and parent forms of DSM-5 Level 2 Sleep Disorders Scale and also Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire-Turkish version (CSHQ) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used. As for reliability analyses, internal consistency coefficient and item-total score correlation analysis, test-retest reliability; and for validity analyses, explanatory factor analysis and for concurrent validity, correlation analyses with Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire-Turkish version (CSHQ) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were made. RESULTS: In reliability analyses, Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient values were found to be very highly reliable regarding child and parent forms. Item-total score correlation coefficients were high for child form while medium and high for parent form; indicating a statistical significance. As for construct validity, two factors were maintained that would count for 74.1% of the variance in child form and 66.9% of the variance in parent form. It was seen that positive and negative statements weighed on two different factors. As for concurrent validity, child and parent form of the scale showed significant correlation with Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire-Turkish version (CSHQ) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). CONCLUSION: It was found that Turkish version of DSM-5 Level 2 Sleep Disorders Scale could be utilized as a valid and reliable tool both in clinical practice and for research purposes.

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of DSM-5 Level 2 Anxiety Scale (Child Form for 11-17 Years and Parent Form for 6-17 Years).

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish Version of DSM-5 Level 2 Anxiety Scale's child and parent forms. METHODS: The scale was constructed by carrying out the translation and back translation of DSM-5 Level 2 Anxiety Scale. The study group consisted of a community and clinical sample. The scale was applied to 148 parents and 189 adolescents that represented the clinical and community sample. During the assessment process, Screen for Childhood Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire - Parent Form were also used. RESULTS: Reliability analyses indicated a high internal consistency regarding Level 2 Anxiety Scales, both for child and parent forms (0.915/0.933). In the meantime, it was shown that child form for Level 2 Anxiety Scale was significantly correlated with Screen for Childhood Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders (r=0.758, p<0.0001) while the parent form was significantly correlated with Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire - Parent Form (r=0.717, p<0.0001). As for the content validity, one factor was obtained for both forms, and it was observed to be consistent with the original construct of the scale. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that Turkish version of DSM-5 Level 2 Anxiety Scale was a valid and reliable tool to be utilized both for clinical practice, and research purposes.

Validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the DSM-5 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale for children aged 11­17 years

Background/aim: This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the DSM-5 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale - Child Form. Materials and methods: The study sample consisted of 32 patients treated in a child psychiatry unit and diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder and 98 healthy volunteers who were attending middle or high school during the study period. For the assessment, the Screen for Child Anxiety and Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) was also used along with the DSM-5 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale - Child Form. Results: Regarding reliability analyses, the Cronbach alpha internal consistency coefficient was calculated as 0.932. The test-retest correlation coefficient was calculated as r = 0.707. As for construct validity, one factor that could explain 62.6% of the variance was obtained and this was consistent with the original construct of the scale. As for concurrent validity, the scale showed a high correlation with SCARED. Conclusion: It was concluded that Turkish version of the DSM-5 Generalized Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale - Child Form could be utilized as a valid and reliable tool both in clinical practice and for research purposes.

Immigration-related mental health disorders in refugees 5-18 years old living in Turkey.

PURPOSE: This study assessed early-onset psychiatric disorders and factors related to these disorders in a group of refugee children after immigration due to war. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted between January 2016 and June 2016. Clinical interviews were conducted with 89 children and their families, and were performed by native speakers of Arabic and Persian who had been primarily educated in these languages and were living in Turkey. A strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) that had Arabic and Persian validity and reliability was applied to both children and their families. Independent variables for cases with and without a psychiatric disorder were analyzed using the χ2 test for categorical variables, Student's t-test for those that were normally distributed, and Mann-Whitney U-test for data that were not normally distributed. Data that showed significant differences between groups who had a psychiatric disorder and on common effects in emerging psychiatric disorders were analyzed through binary logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 89 children and adolescents were interviewed within the scope of the study. The mean age of cases was 9.96±3.98 years, and 56.2% (n=50) were girls, while 43.8% (n=39) were boys. Among these children, 47 (52.8%) had come from Syria, 27 (30.3%) from Iraq, 14 (15.7%) from Afghanistan, and 1 (1.1%) from Iran. A psychiatric disorder was found in 44 (49.4%) of the children. A total of 26 children were diagnosed with anxiety disorders, 12 with depressive disorders, 8 with trauma and related disorders, 5 with elimination disorders, 4 with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and 3 with intellectual disabilities. It was determined that seeing a dead or injured person during war/emigration and the father's unemployment increased the risk of psychopathology. The OR was 7.077 (95% CI 1.722-29.087) for having seen a dead or injured individual and 4.51 (95% GA 1.668-12.199) for father's employment status. CONCLUSION: Within the context of war and emigration, these children try to cope with the negative circumstances they experience prior to migration, as well as the despair they see their parents experience.

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish Version of the DSM-5 Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Severity Scale-Child Form.

INTRODUCTION: This study assessed the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the DSM-5 Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Severity Scale-Child Form for use among the Turkish population. METHODS: The study group consisted of 30 patients that had been treated in a child psychiatry unit and diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder and 83 healthy volunteers that were attending middle or high school during the study period. For reliability analyses, the internal consistency coefficient and the test-retest correlation coefficient were measured. For validity analyses, the exploratory factor analysis and correlation analysis with the Child Posttraumatic Stress Reaction Index for concurrent validity were measured. RESULTS: The Cronbach's alpha (the internal consistency coefficient) of the scale was 0.909, and the test-retest correlation coefficient was 0.663. One factor that could explain 58.5% of the variance was obtained and was congruent with the original construct of the scale. As for concurrent validity, the scale showed high correlation with the Child Posttraumatic Stress Reaction Index. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the Turkish version of the DSM-5 Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Severity Scale-Child Form can be used as a valid and reliable tool.

Validity and Reliability of the Turkish version of DSM-5 Social Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale- Child Form.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to assess the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Diagnostic and statistical manual of Mental Disorders. (5th ed.) (DSM-5) Social Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale- Child Form. METHOD: The scale was prepared by carrying out the translation and back translation of the DSM-5 Social Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale - Child Form. The study group consisted of 31 patients that had been treated in a child psychiatry unit and diagnosed with social anxiety disorder and 99 healthy volunteers that were attending middle or high school during the study period. For the assessment, the Screen for Child Anxiety and Related Emotional Disorders (SCARED) was also used along with the DSM-5 Social Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale - Child Form. RESULTS: Regarding reliability analyses, Cronbach's alpha internal consistency coefficient was calculated as 0.941, while item-total score correlation coefficients were measured between 0.566 and 0.866. A test-retest correlation coefficient was calculated as r=0.711. As for construct validity, one factor that could explain 66.0 % of the variance was obtained. As for concurrent validity, the scale showed a high correlation with the SCARED. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the Turkish version of the DSM-5 Social Anxiety Disorder Severity Scale - Child Form could be utilized as a valid and reliable tool both in clinical practice and for research purposes.