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1.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38896155

ABSTRACT

AIMS: This systematic review aims to summarize the findings of empirical studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) examining the relationship between postpartum depression and anxiety, and child developmental outcomes measured at 24 months of child's age. METHODS: The study was performed as per PRISMA guidelines for a systematic review. EBESCO, ProQuest, PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and BMJ databases were examined, along with a forward and backward examination of the citations published. The New Ottawa scales (NOS) was used to assess the quality of the studies. The findings of the studies were integrated using a narrative synthesis approach. RESULTS: The systematic review revealed that there are 14 studies examining the impact of postpartum depression (n=14) and postpartum anxiety (n=2) across different domains of child development in LMICs. Studies varied regarding the severity and duration of maternal depression, the context and nature of evaluation, and motherinfant characteristics which are important to understand the association between postpartum depression and anxiety and infant development. Maternal depression is negatively associated with language development, socio-emotional and behavioural development while its association with motor and cognitive development is inconsistent. The impact of maternal anxiety on infant development was examined in two studies, and both have identified a negative association. However, the results of the current review need to be interpreted within the scope and limitations of the methodologies adopted by each study details of which are elaborated in the manuscript. CONCLUSION: Postpartum depression and anxiety can have a wide range of effects on child development. Therefore, periodic infant developmental assessments should become part of routine psychiatric evaluation. There is a need for uniform guidelines for conducting studies and reporting data related to postpartum mental health and child development.

2.
Am J Epidemiol ; 193(1): 214-226, 2024 Jan 08.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37667811

ABSTRACT

Postnatal mental health is often assessed using self-assessment questionnaires in epidemiologic research. Differences in response style, influenced by language, culture, and experience, may mean that the same response may not have the same meaning in different settings. These differences need to be identified and accounted for in cross-cultural comparisons. Here we describe the development and application of anchoring vignettes to investigate the cross-cultural functioning of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) in urban community samples in India (n = 549) and the United Kingdom (n = 828), alongside a UK calibration sample (n = 226). Participants completed the EPDS and anchoring vignettes when their children were 12-24 months old. In an unadjusted item-response theory model, UK mothers reported higher depressive symptoms than Indian mothers (d = 0.48, 95% confidence interval: 0.358, 0.599). Following adjustment for differences in response style, these positions were reversed (d = -0.25, 95% confidence interval: -0.391, -0.103). Response styles vary between India and the United Kingdom, indicating a need to take these differences into account when making cross-cultural comparisons. Anchoring vignettes offer a valid and feasible method for global data harmonization.


Subject(s)
Depression, Postpartum , Female , Child , Humans , Infant , Child, Preschool , Depression, Postpartum/diagnosis , Depression, Postpartum/psychology , Mothers/psychology , United Kingdom , Surveys and Questionnaires , Mental Health , Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
3.
Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry ; 29(2): 424-438, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37233024

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Literature has emphasized the role of biopsychosocial factors in internalizing disorders; however, the role of developmental competencies of a child have not been explored much in this context. The current study aimed to understand the differences in developmental competencies, temperament, parenting practices and psychosocial adversities between children with and without internalizing disorders. METHOD: The sample consisted of 200 children and adolescents aged seven to 18 years, with equal number of those with and without an internalizing disorder; and one of their parents. Psychopathology, temperament, interpersonal competence, emotion regulation, executive function, self-concept, adaptive behaviour, parenting practices, life events, family environment and abnormal psychosocial situations were measured using standardized tools. FINDINGS: Discriminant analysis revealed that temperamental domains of sociability and rhythmicity, developmental competencies of adaptive behaviour and self-concept, parenting practices involving father's involvement and overall positive parenting differentiated the clinical and control groups better. Among psychosocial adversities, family environment domains of cohesion and organization, and subjective stress from life events and abnormal psychosocial situations were the most important discriminators. CONCLUSION: The current study reveals that specific individual factors involving temperament and developmental competencies and environmental factors involving parenting practices and psychosocial adversities are significantly associated with internalizing disorders. This has implications for the mental health care of children and adolescents with internalizing disorders.


Subject(s)
Emotional Regulation , Parenting , Child , Humans , Adolescent , Adaptation, Psychological , Executive Function , Parents
4.
Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry ; 29(2): 526-539, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37807910

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Impairments in episodic future thinking and anticipatory pleasure were noted to explain the depressive symptoms in adults however similar studies are not there in adolescents. This study examined whether there are impairments in episodic future thinking and anticipatory pleasure in clinically-depressed adolescents as compared to non-depressed adolescents, and their association with depression when controlled for executive functions and anxiety symptoms among the depressed adolescents. METHODS: The study included 29 adolescents with major depression and 29 adolescents from local schools through convenient sampling technique. All the participants were assessed with standardized measures of depression and anxiety, episodic future thinking, anticipatory pleasure and executive functioning. RESULTS: Depressed adolescents significantly differed from the non-depressed adolescents in autobiographical memory specificity, anticipatory pleasure, and specific dimensions of executive functions. The ANCOVAs indicated executive function slightly attenuated group differences on future specificity which were still non-significant (all p's > .05). For memory specificity and for anticipatory pleasure, group differences were still significant at p < .05 level. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with major depressive episode may display similar, but less pronounced, impairments in future thinking than what is previously reported in adults. Though, autobiographical specificity is prominent. The deficits are attributable to depression than executive functioning deficits.


Subject(s)
Depressive Disorder, Major , Memory, Episodic , Adult , Humans , Adolescent , Executive Function , Depression , Pleasure
5.
BMC Psychiatry ; 23(1): 829, 2023 11 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37957589

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Mental health conditions are common during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth. Early detection allows timely support and treatment to be offered, but identifying perinatal mental health conditions may be challenging due to stigma and under-recognition of symptoms. Asking about symptoms of mental health conditions during routine antenatal and postnatal appointments can help to identify women at risk. This study explores women's awareness of perinatal mental health conditions, their views on the acceptability of being asked about mental health and any preference for specific assessment tools in two regions in India. METHODS: Focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with pregnant, post-partum and non-perinatal women in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh (northern India) and Bengaluru, Karnataka (southern India). Settings included a hospital antenatal clinic and obstetric ward, Anganwadi Centres and Primary Health Centres. FGDs were facilitated, audio-recorded and transcribed. Narratives were coded for emerging themes and analysed using thematic analysis. RESULTS: Seven FGDs including 36 participants were conducted. Emerging themes were: manifestations of and contributors to mental health conditions; challenges in talking about mental health; and the acceptability of being asked about mental health. Difficult familial relationships, prioritising the needs of others and pressure to have a male infant were cited as key stressors. Being asked about mental health was generally reported to be acceptable, though some women felt uncomfortable with questions about suicidality. No preference for any specific assessment tool was reported. CONCLUSIONS: Women face many stressors during the perinatal period including difficult familial relationships and societal pressure to bear a male infant. Being asked about mental health was generally considered to be acceptable, but questions relating to suicidality may be challenging in a community setting, requiring sensitivity by the interviewer. Future studies should assess the acceptability of mental health assessments in 'real world' antenatal and postnatal clinics and explore ways of overcoming the associated challenges in resource-constrained settings.


Subject(s)
Mental Disorders , Mental Health , Female , Pregnancy , Male , Humans , India , Mental Disorders/psychology , Qualitative Research , Parturition
6.
Indian J Psychiatry ; 65(7): 720-728, 2023 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37645367

ABSTRACT

Background: Cyberbullying is a major health issue across the globe as it affects the mental health and well-being of the victims, especially children and adolescents, since there is a dearth of studies in the Indian setting. This study aimed to understand the predictors, patterns, prevalence, mental health problems, and coping of cyberbullying among adolescents. Methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional explorative design with 484 adolescents studying in 8th to 12th standards recruited through convenient sampling. The Cyberbullying Online Aggression Survey Instrument (COASI), Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), Coping with Cyberbullying Questionnaire (CWCBQ), and Internet usage pattern were administered to collect the data. Multinomial logistic regression was used to find the predictors of the only cyber-victim, only cyber-offending, and both cyber-victim and cyber-offending. Results: The findings showed that 14.5% of teenagers were victims of cyberbullying, 5.8% were offenders, and 13.8% were both victims and offenders. The predictors for "cyber-victimization" were father's education and religion. The predictors of "cyber-offenders" were grade, Internet usage, and father's occupation. Adolescents identified as both cyber-victims and cyber-offenders were predicted by gender, grade, religion, and father's employment. Conclusion: The study indicated a high prevalence of cyber-victimization and cyber-offending among adolescents with many psychosocial risk factors. The findings highlighted the need for a school-based cyberbullying intervention program to address the issues using a whole-school approach.

7.
Indian J Psychol Med ; 45(3): 250-256, 2023 May.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37152397

ABSTRACT

Background: Maternal mental health has specific implications for bonding and infants' mental health. However, most of the evidence comes from mothers who are either symptomatic or did not have adequate mental health support. In this context, our objective was to explore if symptom status in mothers and bonding share any significant association with the infants' development and quality of life (QOL), in case of mothers with severe mental illnesses in remission. Methods: The study included 41 mother-infant dyads from the outpatient perinatal psychiatry services and the mother-baby unit of the current study center. Symptom status, self-reported bonding, mother-infant interactions, and infants' development and QOL were assessed with Clinical Global Impressions, Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire, Pediatric Infant-Parent Exam, Developmental Assessment Scales for Indian Infants, and Pediatric Quality of Life Scale, respectively. Results: Most mothers had a complete recovery or minimal symptoms. Nine (22%) infants had a significant developmental delay. Atypical play-based interactions were observed in nine (22%) mothers. Self-reported bonding and bonding as evinced over play-based interactions did not significantly correlate with the QOL or development of the infants. Mothers who have recovered and are functioning well reported good bonding with their infants, though objective assessment revealed specific difficulties. Symptom severity correlated with poor physical QOL in infants. Conclusion: The association between mothers' bonding and infants' mental health is domain-specific and differential than linear and robust. Infants of mothers with severe mental illnesses postpartum should be routinely monitored for mother-infant bonding, development, and quality of life.

8.
J Transl Med ; 21(1): 246, 2023 04 07.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37029372

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social and communication skills, narrow interests, and repetitive behavior. It is known that the cerebellum plays a vital role in controlling movement and gait posture. However, recently, researchers have reported that the cerebellum may also be responsible for other functions, such as social cognition, reward, anxiety, language, and executive functions. METHODS: In this study, we ascertained volumetric differences from cerebellar lobular analysis from children with ASD, ASD siblings, and typically developing healthy controls. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 30 children were recruited, including children with ASD (N = 15; mean age = 27.67 ± 5.1 months), ASD siblings (N = 6; mean age = 17.5 ± 3.79 months), and typically developing children (N = 9; mean age = 17.67 ± 3.21 months). All the MRI data was acquired under natural sleep without using any sedative medication. We performed a correlation analysis with volumetric data and developmental and behavioral measures obtained from these children. Two-way ANOVA and Pearson correlation was performed for statistical data analysis. RESULTS: We observed intriguing findings from this study, including significantly increased gray matter lobular volumes in multiple cerebellar regions including; vermis, left and right lobule I-V, right CrusII, and right VIIb and VIIIb, respectively, in children with ASD, compared to typically developing healthy controls and ASD siblings. Multiple cerebellar lobular volumes were also significantly correlated with social quotient, cognition, language, and motor scores with children with ASD, ASD siblings, and healthy controls, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This research finding helps us understand the neurobiology of ASD and ASD-siblings, and critically advances current knowledge about the cerebellar role in ASD. However, results need to be replicated for a larger cohort from longitudinal research study in future.


Subject(s)
Autism Spectrum Disorder , Humans , Child, Preschool , Infant , Siblings , Cross-Sectional Studies , Cerebellum/diagnostic imaging , Longitudinal Studies
9.
PLOS Glob Public Health ; 3(4): e0000833, 2023.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-37058463

ABSTRACT

Children with intellectual disability (ID) have a higher risk of long-term health problems in adulthood. India has the highest prevalence of ID of any country with 1.6 million under-five children living with the condition. Despite this, compared with other children, this neglected population is excluded from mainstream disease prevention and health promotion programmes. Our objective was to develop an evidence-based conceptual framework for a needs-based inclusive intervention to reduce the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases among children with ID in India. From April through to July 2020 we undertook community engagement and involvement activities in ten States in India using a community-based participatory approach, guided by the bio-psycho-social model. We adapted the five steps recommended for the design and evaluation of a public participation process for the health sector. Seventy stakeholders from ten States contributed to the project: 44 parents and 26 professionals who work with people with ID. We mapped the outputs from two rounds of stakeholder consultations with evidence from systematic reviews to develop a conceptual framework that underpins an approach to develop a cross-sectoral family-centred needs-based inclusive intervention to improve health outcomes for children with ID. A working Theory of Change model delineates a pathway that reflected the priorities of the target population. We discussed the models during a third round of consultations to identify limitations, relevance of the concepts, structural and social barriers that could influence acceptability and adherence, success criteria, and integration with existing health system and service delivery. There are currently no health promotion programmes focusing on children with ID in India despite the population being at a higher risk of developing comorbid health problems. Therefore, an urgent next step is to test the conceptual model to determine acceptance and effectiveness within the context of socio-economic challenges faced by the children and their families in the country.

10.
J Intellect Disabil ; 27(1): 156-169, 2023 Mar.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35125025

ABSTRACT

Identifying the determinants of positive coping is a critical step in empowering the parents of children with intellectual disability. In this context, this study aims to develop a scale to assess the determinants of positive coping. Accordingly, culturally relevant items were pooled, got validated by experts and refined. The scale was administered to 150 parents of children with intellectual disability. Factor analysis done through polychoric correlation helped reduce the items. Cronbach's alpha coefficients were established for reliability testing. The validity of the new scale was examined with the subjective wellbeing on a visual analogue scale and Family Interview for Stress and Coping in Mental Retardation. The new scale has a Cronbach's alpha of 0.71 and an intraclass correlation of 0.64. After factor analysis, 12 items were retained in the final version. This study also identified specific factors associated with positive coping. The new scale can be used with parents of children with intellectual disabilities to identify the determinants of positive coping.


Subject(s)
Intellectual Disability , Humans , Child , Reproducibility of Results , Parents , Adaptation, Psychological , Surveys and Questionnaires , Psychometrics
11.
J Neurosci Rural Pract ; 13(3): 441-447, 2022 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35946027

ABSTRACT

Objectives To compare the executive functions in adolescents of fathers with alcohol dependence (AOFADs) with a control group of adolescents without a paternal history of alcohol dependence and examine the association between executive functioning problems and behavioral and emotional problems. Materials and Methods The study included 39 AOFADs and 45 adolescent offspring of fathers without a history of alcohol-use disorders, who were matched for age and sex. They were assessed using standardized measures of executive functions and emotional and behavioral problems. Statistical Analysis A comparison was made between the two groups about the parental report of adolescents' executive functions and adolescents' self-reported emotional and behavioral problems. ANCOVA was performed to understand the covariance of educational and socio-economic status on executive functions. Correlation between executive functions, emotional and behavioral problems, and the duration of father's alcohol dependence was examined with Spearman's rho. Results AOFAD group showed significant impairment on all subdomains of executive functions and emotional and behavioral disturbances ( p < 0.01) but not on the prosocial behavioral dimension ( p < 0.01). The group differences were independent of child's education and family income. Executive functional impairments positively correlated with psychopathology ( p < 0.01). Problems with executive functions and psychopathology correlated with the duration of the father's alcohol dependence. Conclusions AOFADs are at risk for executive function impairments which in turn are strongly associated with emotional and behavioral problems. The association is independent of child's education and family economic status. The duration of alcohol dependence in fathers is associated with these problems. It has implications for targeted interventions for both adolescents and families.

12.
Indian J Psychol Med ; 44(1): 45-52, 2022 Jan.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35509652

ABSTRACT

Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can impact the individual and their families. The impact on siblings is unique because they evolve from being another child in the family to a future adult who can be a potential resource to the family in supporting a member with ASD. Since the quality of care and support can be affected by the lived experiences of the carer and there are not many studies on siblings, this study examined the lived experiences of siblings of individuals with ASD. Methods: Fourteen siblings of individuals with ASD, aged 15-36 years, were recruited from a tertiary hospital, schools, and private institutes. A semistructured interview schedule was used to explore the lived experiences. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to identify the themes. Results: The themes based on IPA indicated that the siblings have very basic concerns like understanding the condition and complex issues such as coping, preparing for current and future roles, personal needs and expectations, need for a support system, and positive aspects of the sibling relationship. Nonetheless, the siblings minimized reporting their difficulties and focused more on the needs of the sibling with ASD. Conclusion: Siblings have diverse lived experiences, with a small element of positive experiences. Appropriate supports are needed to address the complexities of the lived experiences.

13.
Asian J Psychiatr ; 70: 103026, 2022 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35231776

ABSTRACT

Early acknowledgment of developmental difficulties in young children strengthens both preventive and therapeutic approaches. Despite their feasibility, early intervention services are limited in Low-and-Middle-Income (LAMI) countries compared to high income countries. The aim of this study was to examine the evidence for early childhood intervention programs for developmental difficulties in children below five years in LAMI countries through a systematic review and meta-analysis. In this background, original studies published in peer-reviewed journals from 2010 to 2019 with a focus on developmental difficulties including delays and deviances; randomized research design with a clear description of the intervention and measurable outcomes, and conducted in LAMI countries were considered for the systematic review. Electronic databases, including ProQuest, PubMed, Ovid, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar, were searched using a combination of specific keywords. PRISMA guidelines were followed to include the studies. Each of the selected study was assessed for quality before applying appropriate statistics to synthesize the data. Fourteen publications were identified from 2697 publications for the systematic review, out of which four were found compatible for a meta-analysis. The studies reviewed were conducted in Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Uganda, Vietnam, and Zambia. A meta-analysis of four studies provided considerable evidence for the effects of early developmental intervention. This systematic review provides an evidence for early childhood intervention programs in LAMI countries. Implications of these findings for the early childhood programs are discussed in this article.


Subject(s)
Developing Countries , Income , Bangladesh , Child , Child, Preschool , Humans , India , Vietnam
14.
Front Glob Womens Health ; 2: 648429, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34816204

ABSTRACT

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in India has created several challenges in the care of women with perinatal mental illness. Access to healthcare has been disrupted by lockdowns, travel restrictions, and the unavailability of outpatient services. This report aims to discuss the challenges faced by women with severe mental illnesses during the perinatal period with the help of two case reports. Accordingly, we have highlighted the role of COVID-19 infection as a traumatic event during childbirth and its role in triggering a psychotic episode in women with vulnerabilities; difficulties faced by women with postpartum psychosis in accessing perinatal psychiatry services; and the challenges of admission into an inpatient Mother-Baby Unit (MBU). Further, we have discussed potential solutions from the perspectives of Lower and Middle-income (LAMI) countries that need to be extended beyond the pandemic. They include offering video consultations, reviewing hospital policies, and evolving strategies to mitigate traumatic experiences for pregnant and postpartum women with severe mental illnesses in both obstetric and psychiatric care.

15.
Asian J Psychiatr ; 62: 102746, 2021 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34243061

ABSTRACT

Screening and treatment of perinatal mental health problems remain inadequate with one of the barrier being non-availability of trained health professionals. Virtual courses have been an important medium to enhance the knowledge and capacity of health professionals. A virtual certificate course in perinatal mental health was developed to train health professionals to identify and treat perinatal mental health disorders. Of the 41 participants, 90.2 % fulfilled the attendance criterion and 75.6 % of them secured the certification. Encouraging feedback (9.54/10) indicated that virtual courses could help enhance competency in health professionals to identify and treat perinatal mental health disorders.


Subject(s)
Mental Disorders , Mental Health , Delivery of Health Care , Female , Health Personnel , Humans , Mass Screening , Mental Disorders/diagnosis , Mental Disorders/therapy , Pregnancy
16.
Indian J Psychiatry ; 63(1): 52-57, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34083820

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Postpartum period in women is vulnerable to the occurrence and exacerbation of psychiatric disorders. Mothers with postpartum psychosis or bipolar disorder need treatment with psychotropic medications, especially atypical antipsychotics. However, many mothers and families will have reservations about the use of psychotropics during the perinatal period, particularly during breastfeeding because of its presumed side effects and adverse developmental outcomes of the child. Since there are limited data in this area, the present study aimed to examine the adverse effects, if any, and the short-term developmental outcome of infants exposed to atypical antipsychotics during breastfeeding. METHODS: The study involved infants of postpartum women (n = 28) who were admitted in the mother and baby inpatient psychiatry unit of a tertiary care center in India. The medication side effects were checked every alternate day for 1-2 weeks using a checklist based on common side effects that infants may experience due to lactation exposure of atypical antipsychotics. Developmental assessments of the infants were done using the Developmental Assessment Scales for Indian Infants and through anthropometric measurements such as weight, length, head circumference, and chest circumference in follow-up when they came as an outpatient after 1-3 month interval. RESULTS: The occurrence of adverse side effects was quite low (17.85%). The main side effects directly attributable to atypical antipsychotics were constipation and sedation. Of the 17 infants who attended follow-up, 52.9% (n = 9) showed some form of developmental delay at the time of the first follow-up. However, low birth weight, higher maternal age (>35 years), and exposure to medications (quetiapine and phenytoin) during pregnancy may be confounding risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: The acute adverse effects of atypical antipsychotics such as sedation and constipation in the infant through breast milk were seen in less than a fourth of the sample. Developmental delay was noted in a proportion of infants; however, this may be due to other risk factors.

17.
PLoS One ; 16(6): e0253790, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-34170948

ABSTRACT

The association between perinatal depression and infant cognitive development has been well documented in research based in high-income contexts, but the literature regarding the same relationship in low and middle-income countries (LMICs) is less developed. The aim of this study is to systematically review what is known in this area in order to inform priorities for early intervention and future research in LMICs. The review protocol was pre-registered on Prospero (CRD42018108589) and relevant electronic databases were searched using a consistent set of keywords and 1473 articles were screened against the eligibility criteria. Sixteen articles were included in the review, seven focusing on the antenatal period, eight on the postnatal period, and one which included both. Five out of eight studies found a significant association between antenatal depression (d = .21-.93) and infant cognitive development, while four out of nine studies found a significant association with postnatal depression (d = .17-.47). Although the evidence suggests that LMICs should prioritise antenatal mental health care, many of the studies did not adequately isolate the effects of depression in each period. Furthermore, very few studies explored more complex interactions that may exist between perinatal depression and other relevant factors. More high-quality studies are needed in LMIC settings, driven by current theory, that test main effects and examine moderating or mediating pathways to cognitive development.


Subject(s)
Child Development , Cognition , Depression, Postpartum , Adult , Developing Countries , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Pregnancy
18.
Transl Psychiatry ; 11(1): 42, 2021 01 13.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-33441539

ABSTRACT

The possibility of early treatment and a better outcome is the direct product of early identification and characterization of any pathological condition. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairment in social communication, restricted, and repetitive patterns of behavior. In recent times, various tools and methods have been developed for the early identification and characterization of ASD features as early as 6 months of age. Thorough and exhaustive research has been done to identify biomarkers in ASD using noninvasive neuroimaging and various molecular methods. By employing advanced assessment tools such as MRI and behavioral assessment methods for accurate characterization of the ASD features and may facilitate pre-emptive interventional and targeted therapy programs. However, the application of advanced quantitative MRI methods is still confined to investigational/laboratory settings, and the clinical implication of these imaging methods in personalized medicine is still in infancy. Longitudinal research studies in neurodevelopmental disorders are the need of the hour for accurate characterization of brain-behavioral changes that could be monitored over a period of time. These findings would be more reliable and consistent with translating into the clinics. This review article aims to focus on the recent advancement of early biomarkers for the characterization of ASD features at a younger age using behavioral and quantitative MRI methods.


Subject(s)
Autism Spectrum Disorder , Autism Spectrum Disorder/diagnostic imaging , Biomarkers , Brain/diagnostic imaging , Humans , Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Neuroimaging
19.
Ind Psychiatry J ; 30(2): 335-340, 2021.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-35017821

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Parent-child relationship difficulties are seen in families of children and adolescents diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and they may contribute to long-term negative outcomes. AIM: Our aim was to examine perceived parenting and its correlation with emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents with a diagnosis of ADHD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study involving 38 children and adolescents, between 8 and 16 years of age, diagnosed to have ADHD. Parents rated the children and adolescents on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), whereas children/adolescents rated parents on the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ). RESULTS: The study population primarily consisted of males (86.8%), between 8 and 12 years (68%), and belonged to urban families (82%). Warm, attentive, and engaged parenting behaviors which were subsumed under the domain of parental involvement in the APQ were associated with fewer total problem behaviors as well as specifically lower conduct and peer problems on the SDQ. Similarly, parents who used positive disciplining strategies as per the APQ had fewer total behavioral problems as well as specifically lower emotional problems on the SDQ. Children with comorbid oppositional defiant disorder reported lesser mean scores in all domains of parenting and significantly in the domains of parental involvement and positive parenting as per the APQ. CONCLUSIONS: Parental involvement and positive parenting were significantly associated with fewer emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. This has direct implications for clinical practice. Further studies are needed to adapt parenting strategies to the Indian context.

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