Inequitable access to mental healthcare for socially excluded adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Adolescence is a critical period for mental health and social exclusion, a key social determinant of mental health. Early intervention approaches are key to mitigating the impact of mental ill-health during adolescence, however social exclusion can create additional barriers to accessing care. AIM: We aimed to better understand help-seeking experiences of adolescents facing co-occurring social exclusion and mental ill-health, including sources of support, barriers and preferences for service provision. METHOD: Cross-sectional data were analysed, from the 2022 Mission Australia Youth Survey (N = 18,800). Adolescents aged 15 to 19 years were recruited from around Australia, through schools, community organisations and digital platforms. Indices of four domains of social exclusion (housing, finances, relational and education/employment) were created using existing Youth Survey variables, and supplemented with demographic characteristics, psychological distress and help-seeking behaviours (perceived need, mental health supports, barriers to access and preferences). Relationships between social exclusion domains, mental health concerns and help-seeking behaviours were explored using logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 9,743 young people reported having needed mental health support, yet only 58.1% reportedly sought support (n = 5,565). Social exclusion domains were associated with different help-seeking behaviours: housing challenges with higher help-seeking (OR = 1.28; 95% CI [1.15, 1.42]); relational difficulties and edu-employment issues with lower (OR = 0.75; 95% CI [0.68, 0.83] and OR = 0.82; 95% CI [0.75, 0.89]). Stigma, confidentiality concerns, cost and not knowing where to seek help were common barriers to help-seeking; those experiencing social exclusion more likely to report these. Participants reported a strong preference for face-to-face support. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the additional needs and challenges faced by adolescents dealing with both social exclusion and mental ill-health. With greater barriers to help-seeking, concerted efforts are needed to reduce stigma, improve mental health literacy and increase access to trusted information sources. Further initiatives should focus on structural factors that socially exclude young people and exacerbate inequitable access to mental healthcare.

Early Maladaptive Schemas and Depression in Caregivers of Individuals With Schizophrenia Spectrum and Bipolar Disorders.

OBJECTIVES: Early maladaptive schemas represent unhelpful frameworks of cognitions, emotions and subsequent behavioural responses and can be associated with depressive symptoms. Caregivers of individuals with serious mental illness (SMI) frequently report experiencing depressive symptoms. It is unclear whether depressive symptoms in caregivers are influenced by schemas. We aimed to compare activated schemas in caregivers of people with schizophrenia spectrum (SSD) and bipolar disorder (BD) diagnoses and to determine whether they were differentially related to depressive symptoms. DESIGN AND METHODS: Caregivers completed validated measures of depression and schemas. Independent samples t-tests and multivariate generalised linear models were used to assess differences in schemas and depressive symptoms between caregiver groups. Interrelationships between schema domains and caregiver depressive symptoms were delineated using correlational analyses and forward stepwise regressions. RESULTS: One hundred eight caregivers participated in the study (SSD n = 68, BD n = 40). No differences in depressive symptom severity or activated schemas were observed between caregiver groups. All schemas were significantly associated with depressive symptoms, and the Disconnection-Rejection schema domain explained the most variance in depressive symptoms in both caregiver groups. CONCLUSIONS: Schemas contribute to the severity of caregiver depression regardless of whether the person receiving care is diagnosed with SSD or BD. Schema therapeutic frameworks may be beneficial for use with caregivers to address schemas within the Disconnection-Rejection domain and alleviate depressive symptoms by reducing experiences of social isolation and alienation.

A Prototype Software Framework for Transferable Computational Health Economic Models and Its Early Application in Youth Mental Health.

We are developing an economic model to explore multiple topics in Australian youth mental health policy. To help make that model more readily transferable to other jurisdictions, we developed a software framework for authoring modular computational health economic models (CHEMs) (the software files that implement health economic models). We specified framework user requirements for: a simple programming syntax; a template CHEM module; tools for authoring new CHEM modules; search tools for finding existing CHEM modules; tools for supplying CHEM modules with data; reproducible analysis and reporting tools; and tools to help maintain a CHEM project website. We implemented the framework as six development version code libraries in the programming language R that integrate with online services for software development and research data archiving. We used the framework to author five development version R libraries of CHEM modules focussed on utility mapping in youth mental health. These modules provide tools for variable validation, dataset description, multi-attribute instrument scoring, construction of mapping models, reporting of mapping studies and making out of sample predictions. We assessed these CHEM module libraries as mostly meeting transparency, reusability and updatability criteria that we have previously developed, but requiring more detailed documentation and unit testing of individual modules. Our software framework has potential value as a prototype for future tools to support the development of transferable CHEMs.Code: Visit https://www.ready4-dev.com for more information about how to find, install and apply the prototype software framework.

Guidance on Minimum Standards for Canine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Adolescent Mental Health: Delphi Expert Consensus on Health, Safety, and Canine Welfare.

As interest in animal-assisted therapy (AAT) and canine-assisted psychotherapy (CAP) grows, there are increasing calls for the management of related health, safety, and welfare concerns for canines, providers, and clients. Existing health and safety guidelines lack empirical support and are, at times, contradictory. Welfare is increasingly prioritized; however, tools to monitor and manage welfare are underutilized and under-reported. The aim of this study was to provide expert consensus on the minimum health, safety, and welfare standards required to develop and deliver a CAP group program to adolescents experiencing common mental health disorders. Diverse AAT experts were recruited globally. Using Delphi methodology, over two rounds, 40 panelists reached a consensus agreement to include 32 items from a possible 49 into the minimum standards. Health and safety measures included risk assessment, veterinary screening, preventative medicine, training in infection control, and first aid. Welfare measures included training in welfare assessment, documentation of welfare, and flexible, individualized responses to promote wellbeing. Intestinal screening for parasites and the prohibition of raw food were not supported. Flexible and individualized assessment and management of canine welfare were supported over fixed and time-limited work schedules. Clinical practice implications are discussed, and recommendations are made.

Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: Rates of Violence During First-Episode Psychosis (FEP).

BACKGROUND: Most people with psychotic disorders will never commit an act of violence. However, the risk of violence committed by people with schizophrenia is higher than the general population. Violence risk is also known to be highest during the first episode of psychosis compared to later stages of illness. Despite this, there have been no comprehensive reviews conducted in the past 10 years examining rates of violence during FEP. We aimed to provide an updated review of the rate of violence in people with FEP. STUDY DESIGN: Meta-analytical techniques were used to identify pooled proportions of violence according to severity (less serious, serious, severe) and timing of violence (before presentation, at first presentation, after presentation to services). STUDY RESULTS: Twenty-two studies were included. The pooled prevalence was 13.4% (95% CI [9.0%-19.5%]) for any violence, 16.3% (95% CI [9.1%-27.4%]) for less serious violence, 9.7% (95% CI [5.4%-17.0%]) for serious violence and 2.7% for severe violence, regardless of time point. The pooled prevalence of any violence was 11.6% (95% CI [6.8%-18.9%]) before presentation, 20.8% (95% CI [9.8%-38.7%]) at first presentation and 13.3% (95% CI [7.3%-23.0%]) after presentation to services. CONCLUSION: Overall, rates of violence appear to be lower in more recent years. However, due to the high between-study heterogeneity related to study design, the findings must be interpreted with consideration of sample characteristics and other contextual factors. The prevalence of violence remained high at all-time points, suggesting that more targeted, holistic, and early interventions are needed for clinical FEP groups.

The Influence of Personality Disorder Symptoms on Treatment Outcomes in Bipolar Disorder: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomised Controlled Trial: L'influence des symptômes du trouble de la personnalité sur les résultats du traitement dans le trouble bipolaire : Une analyse secondaire d'un essai randomisé contrôlé.

OBJECTIVES: Many people who are diagnosed with bipolar disorder also have comorbid personality disorder. Few studies have explored how personality disorder may influence pharmacological treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to conduct a secondary analysis of data from a clinical trial of adjunctive nutraceutical treatments for bipolar depression, to determine whether maladaptive personality traits influence treatment outcomes. METHODS: Scores on the Standardised Assessment of Personality - Abbreviated Scale screener were used to classify participants as having bipolar disorder with (n = 119) and without (n = 29) above threshold personality disorder symptoms (personality disorder). Outcome measures included: The Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, Clinical Global Impressions and Improvement Severity Scales, Patient Global Impressions-Improvement scale, Bipolar Depression Rating Scale, Range of Impaired Functioning Tool, Social and Occupational Functioning Assessment Scale and Quality of Life and Enjoyment Scale (Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form). Generalised estimated equations examined the two-way interactions of personality disorder by time or treatment and investigated personality disorder as a non-specified predictor of outcomes. RESULTS: Over time, the Patient Global Impressions-Improvement scores were significantly higher in those in the personality disorder group. No other significant differences in the two-way interactions of personality disorder by treatment group or personality disorder by time were found. Personality disorder was a significant but non-specific predictor of poorer outcomes on the Bipolar Depression Rating Scale, Range of Impaired Functioning Tool, and Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire-Short Form, regardless of time or treatment group. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential impact of maladaptive personality traits on treatment outcomes and suggests that the presence of comorbid personality disorder may confer additional burden and compromise treatment outcomes. This warrants further investigation as does the corroboration of these exploratory findings. This is important because understanding the impact of comorbid personality disorder on bipolar disorder may enable the development of effective psychological and pharmacotherapeutic options for personalised treatments.

The Study of Ketamine for Youth Depression (SKY-D): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial of low-dose ketamine for young people with major depressive disorder.

BACKGROUND: Existing treatments for young people with severe depression have limited effectiveness. The aim of the Study of Ketamine for Youth Depression (SKY-D) trial is to determine whether a 4-week course of low-dose subcutaneous ketamine is an effective adjunct to treatment-as-usual in young people with major depressive disorder (MDD). METHODS: SKY-D is a double-masked, randomised controlled trial funded by the Australian Government's National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). Participants aged between 16 and 25 years (inclusive) with moderate-to-severe MDD will be randomised to receive either low-dose ketamine (intervention) or midazolam (active control) via subcutaneous injection once per week for 4 weeks. The primary outcome is change in depressive symptoms on the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) after 4 weeks of treatment. Further follow-up assessment will occur at 8 and 26 weeks from treatment commencement to determine whether treatment effects are sustained and to investigate safety outcomes. DISCUSSION: Results from this trial will be important in determining whether low-dose subcutaneous ketamine is an effective treatment for young people with moderate-to-severe MDD. This will be the largest randomised trial to investigate the effects of ketamine to treat depression in young people. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ID: ACTRN12619000683134. Registered on May 7, 2019. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=377513 .

An overview of clustering methods with guidelines for application in mental health research.

Cluster analyzes have been widely used in mental health research to decompose inter-individual heterogeneity by identifying more homogeneous subgroups of individuals. However, despite advances in new algorithms and increasing popularity, there is little guidance on model choice, analytical framework and reporting requirements. In this paper, we aimed to address this gap by introducing the philosophy, design, advantages/disadvantages and implementation of major algorithms that are particularly relevant in mental health research. Extensions of basic models, such as kernel methods, deep learning, semi-supervised clustering, and clustering ensembles are subsequently introduced. How to choose algorithms to address common issues as well as methods for pre-clustering data processing, clustering evaluation and validation are then discussed. Importantly, we also provide general guidance on clustering workflow and reporting requirements. To facilitate the implementation of different algorithms, we provide information on R functions and libraries.

A randomised controlled trial of a psychoeducational group intervention for family and friends of young people with borderline personality disorder features.

OBJECTIVE: Preliminary evidence indicates that interventions designed to support family and friends ('carers') of young people with early-stage borderline personality disorder effectively improve carer outcomes. None of these interventions have been tested in a randomised controlled trial. METHOD: This clustered, partially nested, randomised controlled trial was conducted at Orygen, Melbourne, Australia. Carers of young people (aged 15-25 years) with borderline personality disorder features were randomly assigned as a unit in a 1:1 ratio, balanced for young person's sex and age, to receive a 15-day intervention comprising: (1) the three-session, in-person, Making Sense of BPD (MS-BPD) multi-family group programme, plus two self-directed online psychoeducational modules (MS-BPD + Online, n = 38), or (2) the two self-directed online psychoeducational modules alone (Online, n = 41). The primary outcome was 'negative experiences of care', measured with the Experience of Caregiving Inventory, at the 7-week endpoint. RESULTS: A total of 79 carers were randomised (pool of 281, 197 excluded, 94 declined) and 73 carers (51 females [69.9%], Mage = 43.8 years [standard deviation, SD = 12.9], MS-BPD + Online n = 35 [47.9%], Online n = 38 [52.1%]) provided follow-up data and were included in the intent-to-treat analysis. The intent-to-treat (and per protocol) analyses did not find any significant differences between the groups on the primary (d = -0.32; 95% confidence interval = [-17.05, 3.97]) or secondary outcomes. Regardless of treatment group, caregivers improved significantly in their personality disorder knowledge. CONCLUSION: Delivering MS-BPD in conjunction with an online psychoeducational intervention was not found to provide additional benefit over and above access to an online intervention alone. In accordance with national guidelines, carer interventions should be routinely offered by youth mental health services as part of early intervention programmes for borderline personality disorder. Further research is warranted into which interventions work for whom, carers' preferences for support and barriers to care.

Childhood trauma relates to worse memory functioning in bipolar disorder.

BACKGROUND: Childhood trauma is commonly experienced by individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder (BP). In BP, childhood trauma is related to a more severe clinical course, but its association with cognition remains unclear. METHODS: This study evaluated 405 adult participants diagnosed with BP and 136 controls. Participants completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. High versus low childhood trauma was defined with one standard deviation above the control participant's mean Childhood Trauma Questionnaire score. Neuropsychological data was transformed into eight cognitive factors, including four executive functioning, auditory and visual memory, fine motor, and emotion processing. Multivariate analysis of covariance evaluated group differences in cognition, while adjusting for covariates. RESULTS: There were significant differences among the three groups, F(16, 968) = 4.05, p < .001, Wilks' Λ = 0.88, partial η2 = 0.06. Comparing the high and low trauma BP groups, high trauma was related to lower auditory and visual memory factor scores (p < .05). As compared to controls, the BP high trauma group had lower scores on six of eight factors (all p < .01), while the BP low trauma group had lower scores on four of eight factors (all p < .01). LIMITATIONS: Analyses of factor score do not address which aspect of the memory process is affected and biomarkers may help guide interventions addressing underlying biological process. CONCLUSIONS: Adults diagnosed with BP with higher childhood trauma have worse memory functioning, beyond the lower childhood trauma BP group, highlighting the importance of understanding the long-term cognitive outcomes of childhood trauma.

Accelerating youth mental health services research.

OBJECTIVE: We describe a research program to advance youth mental health service research in Australia, addressing two core knowledge gaps: the lack of available routine outcome measures and lack of understanding of how to assess and monitor complexity and heterogeneity in illness presentation and trajectory. CONCLUSIONS: Our research identifies better routine outcome measures (ROM) that are: designed specifically for the developmental nuances of the 12-25-year age range; multidimensional; and meaningful to young people, their carers, and service providers. Alongside much-needed new measures of complexity and heterogeneity, these tools will inform service providers to better meet the needs of young people presenting with mental health problems.

Emotion dysregulation in young people with borderline personality disorder: One pattern or distinct subgroups?

Emotion dysregulation is a key feature of borderline personality disorder (BPD). Given the heterogeneity of BPD and emotion regulation, this study sought to define subgroups among a sample of young people with BPD based on their pattern of emotion regulation abilities. Baseline data from the Monitoring Outcomes of BPD in Youth (MOBY) clinical trial were used, in which 137 young people (Mage = 19.1, SDage = 2.8; 81% female) completed the self-report Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), as a measure of emotion regulation abilities. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was conducted to identify subgroups, based upon response patterns on the six DERS subscales. Subsequent analysis of variance and logistic regression models were used to characterize the identified subgroups. LPA revealed three subgroups. A "low and unaware" (n = 22) subgroup, reporting the least emotion dysregulation, apart from high emotional unawareness. A "moderate and accepting" subgroup (n = 59), reporting high emotional acceptance within its own pattern, and moderate emotion dysregulation compared with the other subgroups. A "high and aware" subgroup (n = 56), reporting the highest level of emotion dysregulation, but with high emotional awareness. Some demographic, psychopathology, and functioning characteristics were associated with subgroup membership. The identification of distinct subgroups highlights the importance of considering the level of emotional awareness in the context of other regulatory abilities and suggests that therapies should not take a "one-size-fits-all" approach to emotion dysregulation. Future research should seek to replicate the identified subgroups given the relatively small sample size in the current study. In addition, examining the stability of subgroup membership and the influence upon treatment outcome will be interesting avenues for further exploration. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

The Impact of N-acetylcysteine on Major Depression: Qualitative Observation and Mixed Methods Analysis of Participant Change during a 12-week Randomised Controlled Trial.

Objective: N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a novel therapeutic agent with multiple mechanisms of action in the central nervous system and a favourable side effect profile. Clinical evidence indicates that adjunctive NAC may reduce the severity of depressive symptoms in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods: A 12-week randomised controlled trial of 2,000 mg/day adjunctive NAC for MDD found no significant improvement at the primary endpoint (week 12) but did see improvements at the post-discontinuation interview (week 16). Within the context of patient-centered treatment, mixed-methods qualitative analysis was also included to explore factors that may determine individual responses to adjunctive NAC treatment. These data were drawn, under blinded conditions, from clinician notes recorded in the case report form. Using the DSM-5 symptom profile for MDD as the initial framework, themes were developed and explored. Frequencies were compared between placebo and NAC groups. Results: Per protocol analysis of individual themes across the six interviews revealed group differences in favour of NAC for overall depressive affect, optimism, relationships and reduced functional impairment. Conclusion: This study provides further evidence for the utility of the mixed methods approach complimenting the primary findings using traditional quantitative analyses, as well as being able to capture additional, often more subtle, evidence of individual symptom-level change that reflects improvement in functional abilities in response to NAC supplementation. The use of mixed methods to explore outcomes from psychiatric studies should be considered in future to work towards improved patient-centred care and both confirm quantitative findings and generate novel hypotheses.

Interpersonal Trauma and Depression Severity Among Individuals With Bipolar Disorder: Findings From the Prechter Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder.

Background: Experiences of interpersonal trauma, both in childhood and in adulthood, can affect the trajectory of bipolar disorder (BD). However, the degree to which childhood and/or adult trauma impacts the longitudinal trajectory of depression severity among individuals with BD actively receiving treatment remains unclear.Methods: The effects of childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire) and adult trauma (Life Events Checklist) on depression severity (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) were investigated in a treatment-receiving subsample with BD (DSM-IV) of the Prechter Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder (2005-present). A mixed-effects linear regression model was used to assess the trajectory of depression severity over 4 years.Results: Depression severity was evaluated in 360 participants, of whom 267 (74.8%) reported a history of interpersonal trauma. A history of childhood trauma alone (n = 110) and childhood and adult trauma combined (n = 108)-but not adult trauma alone (n = 49) -were associated with greater depression severity at the 2-year and 6-year follow-up assessments. However, the trajectory of depression severity (ie, change over time) was similar between participants with a history of childhood trauma, those with a history of adult trauma, and those with no history of interpersonal trauma. Interestingly, participants with a history of both types of trauma showed more improvement in depression severity (ie, from year 2 to year 4: ß = 1.67, P = .019).Conclusions: Despite actively receiving treatment for BD, participants with a history of interpersonal trauma-particularly childhood trauma-presented with more severe depressive symptoms at several follow-up assessments. Hence, interpersonal trauma may represent an essential treatment target.

A randomized controlled trial of moderated online social therapy for family carers of first-episode psychosis patients in a specialist treatment setting.

BACKGROUND: Family members, who provide the majority of informal care during the recovery period from first-episode psychosis (FEP), experience high levels of psychological distress. However, there is a lack of effective and accessible interventions for FEP carers. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of an online intervention ("Altitudes") in relation to the primary outcome of FEP-carer stress at 6 months follow-up. METHODS: We conducted a cluster randomized controlled trial in which FEP carers were randomized to Altitudes combined with specialized treatment as usual (STAU) or STAU alone. In addition to questionnaires, we included multiple waves of intensive ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to measure carer stress and family outcomes in 164 carers of young (15-27 years) FEP patients. RESULTS: Both groups improved over time on stress and a range of secondary outcomes, including mental health symptoms, self-efficacy, and expressed emotion with no group by time interactions. At 12 months there were significantly fewer visits to emergency departments by FEP patients in the Altitudes group (p = 0.022). Modelling of multiple EMA waves revealed that more time spent by carers with FEP patients predicted greater worry, expressed emotion, and adaptive coping. CONCLUSIONS: Engagement and usability findings for Altitudes were positive. Further refinements to our online carer interventions may be needed to engage carers in purposeful skill development for improved management of stress and communication with the young person compared with existing specialist family interventions. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12616000968471.

Characteristics and clinical needs of young tertiary students attending a specialist mood disorders clinic.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics of tertiary students and non-students attending a specialist clinic for severe mood disorders. METHOD: Medical record audit of clients discharged from the Youth Mood Clinic (YMC). Data extracted included depressive symptomatology, suicidal ideation, self-harm, suicide attempt, tertiary education engagement, drop-out and deferral. RESULTS: Data from 131 clients (M age = 19.58 years, SD = 2.66) were analysed, including 46 tertiary students. Relative to non-students, at intake, tertiary students reported more severe depressive symptomatology (d = 0.43). They were more likely to experience suicidal ideation at intake (V = 0.23), and during treatment (V = 0.18). Tertiary students were also more likely to be living separately to their family of origin (V = 0.20) but were less likely to have experienced parental separation (V = 0.19). 21.73% of tertiary students dropped out or deferred study during care. CONCLUSION: In this cohort, those engaged in tertiary education experience more severe depression and more commonly experienced suicidal ideation. These young people require targeted support for their mental health while they undertake tertiary education.

Understanding the complexity, patterns, and correlates of alcohol and other substance use among young people seeking help for mental ill-health.

PURPOSE: Use of alcohol and other substances is a multifaceted issue impacting young people across multiple life domains. This paper aims to elucidate patterns of substance use and associated demographic and clinical factors among young people seeking treatment for their mental health. METHODS: Young people (12-25 years old) were recruited from five youth-specific primary mental health ("headspace") services in Australia. Self-reported substance use and harms in the past 3 months were measured using WHO-ASSIST. Network analyses were conducted to evaluate interrelationships between use and harms associated with different substances. Subgroups were then identified based on whether participants reported using high centrality substances, and associated demographic and clinical factors were assessed with multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: 1107 youth participated. 70% reported use of at least one substance in the past 3 months, with around 30% of those reporting related health, social, legal or financial problems. Network analysis highlighted substantial interconnections between use and harm indicators for all substances, with amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) and cannabis being high central substances. Higher levels of substance use and harms were reported in subgroups with ATS or cannabis use and different risk factors were associated with these subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Findings highlight the importance of screening for substance use in youth primary mental healthcare settings, offering a key opportunity for early intervention. Clinicians should be aware of the inner connections of use and harms of different drugs and the role of cannabis and amphetamine use as a marker for more substance use profiles.

Childhood trauma and depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder: A network analysis.

BACKGROUND: Childhood trauma is related to an increased number of depressive episodes and more severe depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder. The evaluation of the networks of depressive symptoms-or the patterns of relationships between individual symptoms-among people with bipolar disorder with and without a history of childhood trauma may assist in further clarifying this complex relationship. METHODS: Data from over 500 participants from the Heinz C. Prechter Longitudinal Study of Bipolar Disorder were used to construct a series of regularised Gaussian Graphical Models. The networks of individual depressive symptoms-self-reported (Patient Health Questionnaire-9; n = 543) and clinician-rated (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17; n = 529)-among participants with bipolar disorder with and without a history of childhood trauma (Childhood Trauma Questionnaire) were characterised and compared. RESULTS: Across the sets of networks, depressed mood consistently emerged as a central symptom (as indicated by strength centrality and expected influence); regardless of participants' history of childhood trauma. Additionally, feelings of worthlessness emerged as a key symptom in the network of self-reported depressive symptoms among participants with-but not without-a history of childhood trauma. CONCLUSION: The present analyses-although exploratory-provide nuanced insights into the impact of childhood trauma on the presentation of depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder, which have the potential to aid detection and inform targeted intervention development.

Predictors of suicidal ideation severity among treatment-seeking young people with major depressive disorder: The role of state and trait anxiety.

OBJECTIVE: Depression and suicidal ideation are closely intertwined. Yet, among young people with depression, the specific factors that contribute to changes in suicidal ideation over time are uncertain. Factors other than depressive symptom severity, such as comorbid psychopathology and personality traits, might be important contributors. Our aim was to identify contributors to fluctuations in suicidal ideation severity over a 12-week period in young people with major depressive disorder receiving cognitive behavioural therapy. METHODS: Data were drawn from two 12-week randomised, placebo-controlled treatment trials. Participants (N = 283) were 15-25 years old, with moderate to severe major depressive disorder. The primary outcome measure was the Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire, administered at baseline and weeks 4, 8 and 12. A series of linear mixed models was conducted to examine the relationship between Suicidal Ideation Questionnaire score and demographic characteristics, comorbid psychopathology, personality traits and alcohol use. RESULTS: Depression and anxiety symptom severity, and trait anxiety, independently predicted higher suicidal ideation, after adjusting for the effects of time, demographics, affective instability, non-suicidal self-injury and alcohol use. CONCLUSIONS: Both state and trait anxiety are important longitudinal correlates of suicidal ideation in depressed young people receiving cognitive behavioural therapy, independent of depression severity. Reducing acute psychological distress, through reducing depression and anxiety symptom severity, is important, but interventions aimed at treating trait anxiety could also potentially be an effective intervention approach for suicidal ideation in young people with depression.

Increased cortical surface area but not altered cortical thickness or gyrification in bipolar disorder following stabilisation from a first episode of mania.

BACKGROUND: Despite reports of altered brain morphology in established bipolar disorder (BD), there is limited understanding of when these morphological abnormalities emerge. Assessment of patients during the early course of illness can help to address this gap, but few studies have examined surface-based brain morphology in patients at this illness stage. METHODS: We completed a secondary analysis of baseline data from a randomised control trial of BD individuals stabilised after their first episode of mania (FEM). The magnetic resonance imaging scans of n = 35 FEM patients and n = 29 age-matched healthy controls were analysed. Group differences in cortical thickness, surface area and gyrification were assessed at each vertex of the cortical surface using general linear models. Significant results were identified at p < 0.05 using cluster-wise correction. RESULTS: The FEM group did not differ from healthy controls with regards to cortical thickness or gyrification. However, there were two clusters of increased surface area in the left hemisphere of FEM patients, with peak coordinates falling within the lateral occipital cortex and pars triangularis. CONCLUSIONS: Cortical thickness and gyrification appear to be intact in the aftermath of a first manic episode, whilst cortical surface area in the inferior/middle prefrontal and occipitoparietal cortex is increased compared to age-matched controls. It is possible that increased surface area in the FEM group is the outcome of abnormalities in a premorbidly occurring process. In contrast, the findings raise the hypothesis that cortical thickness reductions seen in past studies of individuals with more established BD may be more attributable to post-onset factors.