Investigating the effectiveness of three school based interventions for preventing psychotic experiences over a year period - a secondary data analysis study of a randomized control trial.

INTRODUCTION: Psychotic experiences (PEs) are associated with increased risk of later mental disorders and so could be valuable in prevention studies. However, to date few intervention studies have examined PEs. Given this lack of evidence, in the current study a secondary data analysis was conducted on a clustered-randomized control trial (RCT) of 3 school based interventions to reduce suicidal behaviour, to investigate if these may reduce rates of PEs, and prevent PE, at 3-month and 1-year follow-up. METHODS: The Irish site of the Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe study, trial registration (DRKS00000214), a cluster-RCT designed to examine the effect of school-based interventions on suicidal thoughts and behaviour. Seventeen schools (n = 1096) were randomly assigned to one of three intervention arms or a control arm. The interventions included a teacher training (gate-keeper) intervention, an interactive educational (universal-education) intervention, and a screening and integrated referral (selective-indicative) intervention. The primary outcome of this secondary data-analysis was reduction in point-prevalence of PEs at 12 months. A second analysis excluding those with PEs at baseline was conducted to examine prevention of PEs. Additional analysis was conducted of change in depression and anxiety scores (comparing those with/without PEs) in each arm of the intervention. Statistical analyses were conducted using mixed-effects modelling. RESULTS: At 12-months, the screening and referral intervention was associated with a significant reduction in PEs (OR:0.12,95%CI[0.02-0.62]) compared to the control arm. The teacher training and education intervention did not show this effect. Prevention was also observed only in the screening and referral arm (OR:0.30,95%CI[0.09-0.97]). Participants with PEs showed higher levels of depression and anxiety symptoms, compared to those without, and different responses to the screening and referral intervention & universal-education intervention. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides the first evidence for a school based intervention that reduce & prevent PEs in adolescence. This intervention is a combination of a school-based screening for psychopathology and subsequent referral intervention significantly reduced PEs in adolescents. Although further research is needed, our findings point to the effectiveness of school-based programmes for prevention of future mental health problems.

The impact of school-based screening on service use in adolescents at risk for mental health problems and risk-behaviour.

Early detection and intervention can counteract mental disorders and risk behaviours among adolescents. However, help-seeking rates are low. School-based screenings are a promising tool to detect adolescents at risk for mental problems and to improve help-seeking behaviour. We assessed associations between the intervention "Screening by Professionals" (ProfScreen) and the use of mental health services and at-risk state at 12 month follow-up compared to a control group. School students (aged 15 ± 0.9 years) from 11 European countries participating in the "Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe" (SEYLE) study completed a self-report questionnaire on mental health problems and risk behaviours. ProfScreen students considered "at-risk" for mental illness or risk behaviour based on the screening were invited for a clinical interview with a mental health professional and, if necessary, referred for subsequent treatment. At follow-up, students completed another self-report, additionally reporting on service use. Of the total sample (N = 4,172), 61.9% were considered at-risk. 40.7% of the ProfScreen at-risk participants invited for the clinical interview attended the interview, and 10.1% of subsequently referred ProfScreen participants engaged in professional treatment. There were no differences between the ProfScreen and control group regarding follow-up service use and at-risk state. Attending the ProfScreen interview was positively associated with follow-up service use (OR = 1.783, 95% CI = 1.038-3.064), but had no effect on follow-up at-risk state. Service use rates of professional care as well as of the ProfScreen intervention itself were low. Future school-based interventions targeting help-seeking need to address barriers to intervention adherence.Clinical Trials Registration: The trial is registered at the US National Institute of Health (NIH) clinical trial registry (NCT00906620, registered on 21 May, 2009), and the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00000214, registered on 27 October, 2009).

Risk and protective factors for psychotic experiences in adolescence: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Psychotic experiences (PEs) are reported by a significant minority of adolescents and are associated with the development of psychiatric disorders. The aims of this study were to examine associations between PEs and a range of factors including psychopathology, adversity and lifestyle, and to investigate mediating effects of coping style and parental support on associations between adversity and PEs in a general population adolescent sample. METHOD: Cross-sectional data were drawn from the Irish centre of the Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe study. Students completed a self-report questionnaire and 973 adolescents, of whom 522 (53.6%) were boys, participated. PEs were assessed using the 7-item Adolescent Psychotic Symptom Screener. RESULTS: Of the total sample, 81 (8.7%) of the sample were found to be at risk of PEs. In multivariate analysis, associations were found between PEs and number of adverse events reported (OR 4.48, CI 1.41-14.25; p < 0.011), maladaptive/pathological internet use (OR 2.70, CI 1.30-5.58; p = 0.007), alcohol intoxication (OR 2.12, CI 1.10-4.12; p = 0.025) and anxiety symptoms (OR 4.03, CI 1.57-10.33; p = 0.004). There were small mediating effects of parental supervision, parental support and maladaptive coping on associations between adversity and PEs. CONCLUSION: We have identified potential risk factors for PEs from multiple domains including adversity, mental health and lifestyle factors. The mediating effect of parental support on associations between adversity and PEs suggests that poor family relationships may account for some of this mechanism. These findings can inform the development of interventions for adolescents at risk.

Self-perceived workplace discrimination and mental health among immigrant workers in Italy: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: The process of immigration is associated with poor mental and physical health. While the workplace represents an important context of social integration, previous studies evaluating the effect of discrimination experienced in the workplace found worse mental health status among immigrants. The aim of this study was to investigate whether self-perceived workplace discrimination has any role in the mental health status of immigrants living and working in Italy, evaluating the contribution of other personal experiences, such as loneliness and life satisfaction. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 12,408 immigrants (aged 15-64) living and working in Italy. Data were derived from the first national survey on immigrants carried out by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat). Mental health status was measured through the Mental Component Summary (MCS) of the SF-12 questionnaire. A linear multivariate linear regression was carried out to evaluate the association between mental health status, self-perceived workplace discrimination, and sociodemographic factors; path analysis was used to quantify the mediation effect of self-perceived loneliness, level of life satisfaction, and the Physical Component Summary (PCS). RESULTS: Mental health status was inversely associated (p < 0.001) with self-perceived workplace discrimination (ß:-1.737), self-perceived loneliness (ß:-2.653), and physical health status (ß:-0.089); it was directly associated with level of life satisfaction (ß:1.122). As confirmed by the path analysis, the effect of self-perceived workplace discrimination on MCS was mediated by the other factors considered: self-perceived loneliness (11.9%), level of life satisfaction (20.7%), and physical health status (3.9%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that self-perceived workplace discrimination is associated with worse mental health status in immigrant workers through personal experiences in the workplace and explains the effect of the exposure to workplace discrimination on immigrants' psychological well-being. Our findings suggest that an overall public health response is needed to facilitate the social integration of immigrants and their access to health services, particularly those services that address mental health issues.

Alcohol use and risk factors for self-harm behavior in Spanish adolescents. / Consumo de alcohol y factores de riesgo de conductas autolesivas en adolescentes españoles.

Self-harm behaviors in children and adolescents constitute an important public health problem with prevalence figures in the clinical population between 40 and 80%. The objectives of the study were to analyze and compare the Spanish sub-samples of two studies, SEYLE and WE-STAY to determine prevalence, self-harm patterns and factors associated with self-harm behaviors, notably the use of alcohol or drugs. The questionnaires used in both studies were the Global School Health Survey (GSHS), the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The self-harm behaviors were evaluated with a modified 6-item version of s the Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory (DSHI). The independence of the study's categorical variables was assessed using the Chi-square test. The change in the relative risk of self-harm between the SEYLE study and WE-STAY was evaluated through the odds ratio (OR) calculation. Two different logistic regression models were calculated in order to establish the factors associated with self-harm behaviors in each study. In the present study, the rates of DSH vary according to study and sex, ranging from 0.58% to 2.08%, and different patterns of self-harm are evidenced by sex, with males self-injuring more frequently by self-inflicted blows and burns, while young women more often cut themselves. The presence of depressive symptoms and alcohol use were the factors most strongly associated with an increased risk of DSH.

Las conductas autolesivas en niños y adolescentes constituyen un importante problema de salud pública con cifras de prevalencia en la población clínica entre el 40 y 80%. Los objetivos del estudio son analizar y comparar las submuestras españolas de dos trabajos, SEYLE y WE-STAY, para conocer la prevalencia, los patrones de autolesión y los factores asociados a las conductas autolesivas, en particular el consumo de alcohol o drogas. Los cuestionarios utilizados en ambos estudios fueron la Encuesta Global de Salud Escolar (GSHS), el Inventario de Depresión de Beck (BDI-II), el Cuestionario de Fortalezas y Dificultades (SDQ). Los comportamientos autolesivos fueron evaluados con una versión modificada de 6 ítems basada en el Inventario de Autolesiones Deliberadas (DSHI). La independencia de las variables categóricas del estudio se evaluó mediante la prueba Ji-Cuadrado. El cambio en el riesgo relativo de autolesión entre el estudio SEYLE y WE-STAY, se evaluó a través del cálculo de odds ratio (OR). Se calcularon dos modelos de regresión logística diferentes con el fin de establecer los factores asociados con comportamientos autolesivos en cada estudio. En el presente estudio las tasas de DSH varían en función del estudio y del sexo en un rango entre 0,58% y 2,08%, presentando patrones de autolesiones diferentes según el sexo, los hombres se autolesionaron más frecuentemente mediante golpes autoinfligidos y quemaduras, mientras que las mujeres se hicieron más frecuentemente cortes. La presencia de síntomas depresivos y el consumo de alcohol fueron los factores asociados de forma más robusta a un mayor riesgo de DSH.

Resilience, trauma, and hopelessness: protective or triggering factor for the development of psychopathology among migrants?

BACKGROUND: Recently, many studies have investigated the role of migration on mental health. Nonetheless, only few focused on the consequences of childhood trauma, hopelessness, and resilience on migrants' psychopathology, including psychiatric disorders and symptoms. METHOD: 119 migrants were recruited between May 2017 and April 2018, among those applying for assessment to the Mental Health Operational Unit of the National Institute for Health, Migration and Poverty (NIHMP) in Rome, Italy. Assessment included the following: Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Beck's Suicide Intent Scale (SIS), Brief Aggression Questionnaire (BAQ), Deliberate Self-Harm Inventory (DSHI). RESULTS: 53.39% of migrants scored above the PCL-5 cut-off score (mean score was 39.45). SDS scores below the cutoff suggested the presence of depression in 42.37%, while According to SAS scores anxiety levels were low in 38.98% of migrants. During childhood, physical abuse and neglect were reported respectively by 56.78 and 69.49% of migrants. CONCLUSION: We found that Post Traumatic Stress Disorders play the role of mediators for the relation between the childhood traumatic experiences and aggressiveness, anxious and depressive symptomatology, while hopelessness is a mediator between the childhood traumatic experiences and the development of depression in adulthood. Hopelessness seems to influence the strength of the relation between childhood traumatic experiences and the individual's current intensity of suicidal attitudes, plans, and behaviors. Further developments and future perspectives of the research project are to address key gaps in the field of resilience by means of a longitudinal evaluation study in migrants, including a native population control group, acceding to NIHMP.

Influence of coping strategies on the efficacy of YAM (Youth Aware of Mental Health): a universal school-based suicide preventive program.

The school-based mental health promotion and suicide prevention universal program Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) significantly reduces incident suicide attempts and severe suicidal ideation. This paper aims at elucidating psychological mechanisms underlying YAM's efficacy. Our hypothesis is that YAM operates through interactions with coping strategies (CS) on the reduction of suicidal ideation (SI). In the Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE) study, five coping strategies were assessed at baseline (T0) and 12-month follow-up (T12): "learning", "help-seeking", "arts", "sports" and "fight". We analyzed interactions between the YAM intervention, coping strategies and SI in the YAM group (N = 1693) and the minimal intervention group (N = 1909), after excluding prevalent cases with SI and previous suicide attempts from our total sample (N = 5654). General Linear Mixed Model regressions were performed. The present study confirms that coping strategies play an influential role on suicidal ideation. Our results showed that YAM acts whatever the prevailing coping strategies used. It is particularly efficient for pupils insufficiently using adaptive coping strategies such as LEARN and HELP-SEEKING or using maladaptive coping strategies, such as ARTS and FIGHT. The socialization induced by the YAM intervention seems to be a strong component of its efficiency.

A longitudinal examination of the interpersonal theory of suicide and effects of school-based suicide prevention interventions in a multinational study of adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Predictions of two different models for suicide attempts (SA) over 12 months, as differentially impacted by specific school-based suicide prevention interventions, were compared. These were as follows: (a) interpersonal theory (IPTS) and (b) a two-pathway model, one path associated with externalizing symptoms and continuum of self-harm behaviors, and the other with internalizing symptoms. METHODS: Self-report questionnaires were completed by 11,110 high school students from ten EU countries enrolled in the Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE) study. Baseline measures included perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness from parents and peers, health risk behaviors, self-injury, suicide ideation (SI), and attempts (SA). SI and SA were reassessed at 12-month follow-up. Each model's predictions of SI and SA groups over time (i.e., repeated SA, remitted SA, SA onset, and no SA) were estimated in the no intervention/control group. The superior model was estimated across intervention groups. RESULTS: Interpersonal theory showed better fit compared to the two-pathway model. In partial agreement with IPTS predictions, parental low belongingness but not peer belongingness or burdensomeness predicted greater likelihood of SI. The likelihood of repeated SA versus no SA was higher among adolescents who reported SI, self-injury, risk behaviors, and particularly both SI and self-injury. All three interventions attenuated the combined effect of SI and self-injury. Youth Aware of Mental Health Program (YAM) additionally decreased the effect of risk behaviors on the likelihood of repeated SA. CONCLUSIONS: Interpersonal theory assumptions were partially supported. Perceived interpersonal difficulties with parents were primarily related with SI, and risk behaviors and self-injury were important predictors of SA. Suicide prevention interventions may be effective by mitigating the hazardous effect of varying self-harm behaviors and may be further advanced by increasing parental involvement.

Bi-directional longitudinal associations between different types of bullying victimization, suicide ideation/attempts, and depression among a large sample of European adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The association between bullying victimization and depression, suicide ideation and suicide attempts has been studied mainly in cross-sectional studies. This study aims to test the bidirectional effect and the chronicity versus sporadic effect of physical, verbal, and relational bullying victimization on suicidal ideation/attempts and depression. METHODS: Longitudinal assessments with an interval of 3- and 12-months were performed within a sample of 2,933 adolescents (56.1% females; mean age 14.78, SD = .89) from 10 European countries, participating in the Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE) school-based multicenter control sample. Multilevel Structural Equation Models were used, controlling for sociodemographic variables. Victimization was considered chronic when a student was victimized in the first two time points and sporadic when it was reported only at one point but not in another. RESULTS: Bidirectional prospective association between all types of victimization and depression were found. Among participants, who reported victimization once (but not twice), physical victimization, but not verbal and relational, was associated with later suicidal ideation and attempts. Chronic victimization of any type increased likelihood for later depression compared with sporadic and no-victimization. Chronic relational victimization increased the likelihood of later suicidal ideation, and chronic physical victimization increased the likelihood for suicidal attempts. CONCLUSIONS: The results support the bidirectional effect of victimization and depression and indicate that there are complex longitudinal associations between victimization and suicidal ideation/attempts. Physical victimization may especially carry effect on suicidal risk over time. Interventions should focus on victimization as a cause of distress but also aim to prevent vulnerable adolescents from becoming targets of victimization.

Intimate Partner Homicide Suicide: a Mini-Review of the Literature (2012-2018).

RECENT FINDINGS: In homicide-suicide (HS), a perpetrator kills at least one victim and then commits suicide within a time frame, which is not consistently described in the literature. Most HS happen in an intimate partner relationship (HS-IP), but data about this phenomenon are still scant and poorly systematized. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To assess the research papers published about HS-IP from 2012 to 2018 in Pubmed and Scopus. Article selection followed the PRISMA flow diagram. Information was extracted from the selected articles and tabulated. The 22 eligible articles focusing on different types of HS, including HS-IP, suggest that HS-IPs are predominantly committed by men, usually married, cohabiting, or recently separated from their partner, with a medium-low employment status; the victim is usually the current or former female partner. Heterogenity of HS makes it difficult to generalize the results. Implications emerge for the need to target domestic violence and firearm regulation.

Orthorexia nervosa, eating patterns and personality traits: a cross-cultural comparison of Italian, Polish and Spanish university students.

BACKGROUND: The amount of research about orthorexic attitudes and behaviours has increased in the last five years, but is still mainly based on descriptive and anecdotal data, yielding a variety of prevalence data and inconsistent results. The interplay between socio-cultural context and orthorexia has been poorly investigated and is still far from being understood. METHOD: Multicentre, cross-sectional study involving Italian (N = 216), Polish (N = 206) and Spanish (N = 242) university students, assessed through a protocol including informed consent, socio-demographic and anamnestic data sheet and self-administered questionnaires (ORTO-15, Eating Attitudes Test- 26 [EAT-26], Temperament and Character Inventory [TCI]). RESULTS: Higher prevalence of orthorexia (as described by the ORTO-15 cutoff) was found in Poland. Female gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), current Eating Disorder, dieting, EAT-26 score ≥ 20 and low/medium Persistence were associated with orthorexia in the whole sample. The cross-cultural comparison showed several differences among the three subgroups of students. CONCLUSIONS: The associations found between orthorexic attitudes, self-reported current eating disorder, BMI and adherence to a dieting need to be supported by further research. The differences among students from the three countries seem to suggest a possible rolve for cultural elements in the construct of orthorexia.

Predictive factors of alcohol consumption in adolescents: data from 1-year follow-up prospective study. / Factores predictores del consumo de alcohol en adolescentes: datos de un estudio prospectivo de 1 año de seguimiento.

Alcohol use/abuse is a health problem in adolescents. The last Survey on use of drugs in Secondary Schoolers carried out in Spain (ESTUDES 2014-2015), reveals that 76.8% of adolescents aged 14 to 18 years consumed alcohol in the previous year and 68.2% in the last month. The aim of this study is to determine the medium-term factors associated with alcohol consumption in a sample of Spanish adolescents. The present study was carried out as a part of the Saving and Empowering Young Lives project in Europe (SEYLE) project. The final sample was composed of 708 students, assessed at two times [basal (T0) and one year later (T1)] [males: 51.98%, basal mean age (SD)=4.43 (0.67)]. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed in order to investigate relationships between possible predictive variables found at time T0 and alcohol consumption at time T1. At basal time (T0) the prevalence of alcohol abuse was 25.56%, whereas the prevalence one year later was 49.72% (T1). Variables that significantly predict alcohol abuse within a year are: previous alcohol abuse at T0 (p<0.001), previous abuse of drugs (p=0.011), parents attending their sporting events (p=0.005), peer problems (p=0.019), and lack of prosocial behaviour (p=0.043). In the light of our results, it can be concluded that, in adolescents, externalizing disorders seem to be determining factors of medium-term alcohol consumption.

El uso/abuso de alcohol es un problema de salud en los adolescentes. La última Encuesta sobre uso de drogas en Enseñanzas Secundarias realizada en España (ESTUDES 2014-2015), pone de manifiesto que 76,8% de los adolescentes entre 14 y 18 años consumieron alcohol en el último año y 68,2% en el último mes. El principal objetivo es determinar los factores que se asocian con el consumo de alcohol a medio plazo en una muestra de adolescentes españoles. El estudio forma parte del proyecto Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE). La muestra final estuvo compuesta por 708 estudiantes, evaluados en dos momentos temporales [basal (T0) y al año (T1)] [varones: 51,98%, edad media basal (DE)=4,43 (0,67)]. Se realizaron análisis de regresión univariante y multivariante, con el fin de investigar las relaciones entre posibles variables predictoras descritas en el momento temporal T0 y el consumo de alcohol en el momento T1.En el momento basal (T0) la prevalencia de abuso de alcohol fue del 25,56%, mientras que la prevalencia al año fue del 49,72% (T1). Las variables que predicen de forma significativa el abuso de alcohol al cabo de un año son: abuso previo del alcohol en el momento T0 (p< 0,001), abuso previo de drogas (p=0,011), padres que asisten a sus competiciones deportivas (p=0,005), problemas de relación con compañeros (p=0,019) y ausencia de comportamiento prosocial (p=0,043). A la vista de nuestros resultados se puede concluir que, en adolescentes, los trastornos externalizantes parecen ser factores determinantes de consumo de alcohol a medio plazo.

The association between electrodermal activity (EDA), depression and suicidal behaviour: A systematic review and narrative synthesis.

BACKGROUND: Electrodermal activity (EDA) and other peripheral autonomic electrical parameters have been used as indicators of emotional states, including depressive states and suicidal state. We aimed to review EDA research systematically, focusing on EDA's usefulness as a biomarker for depression and suicidal behaviour. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases, following PRISMA guidelines. The initial screening of articles was based on titles and abstracts; then the full text was reviewed. A preliminary synthesis of findings was developed using tables, thematic analysis and quality ratings. RESULTS: 1287 articles were screened and 77 relevant studies were identified and included in the systematic review. The studies were fairly consistent in maintaining that hypoactive electrodermal response is an established feature of patients affected by depression. There is also preliminary evidence that monitoring EDA may help to differentiate the phases of mood disorders. A few studies provided evidence that EDA can be used to differentiate acutely suicidal subjects from depressed patients who are not severely suicidal. Although EDA has been shown to be a valid, sensitive marker of suicidal ideation, suicide attempts and violent suicidal behaviour, it also seems to be influenced to some extent by antidepressant treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the studies summarised in this review are quite outdated and employed a variety of designs and methods to evaluate EDA. This limits the generalisability of the results and makes it difficult to draw clear conclusions about the role of EDA in real-world settings. Electrodermal hypoactivity seems to be a reliable feature of depression and a valid marker of suicidal risk. Nevertheless, the potential utility of EDA in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment planning for depression and suicidal behaviour, should be thoroughly studied.

Psychopathology is associated with reproductive health risk in European adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Reproductive and mental health are key domains of adolescent wellbeing but possible interrelationships are poorly understood. This cross-sectional study evaluated the association between psychopathology and reproductive health risk among European adolescents. METHODS: A structured self-report questionnaire was delivered to 12,395 pupils of 179 randomly selected schools in 11 European countries within the EU funded "Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe" (SEYLE) project. The questionnaire included items about sexual initiation and reproductive health risk factors, such as number of sexual partners, frequency of condom use, and pregnancy involvement. Psychopathology was evaluated with validated instruments and/or ad-hoc questions. RESULTS: Of 11,406 respondents (median age 15; interquartile range [IQR] 14-15; 57% females), 18.8% reported sexual initiation. Sixty percent of them also reported at least one reproductive risk factor. Sexual initiation was significantly more common among pupils older than 15 years (38% versus 13.2% younger pupils) and males (21.3% versus 16.9% females). It was also more common among pupils with depression (age/sex-adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.871), anxiety (aOR 2.190), severe suicidal ideation (aOR 2.259), self-injurious behaviour (aOR 2.892), and suicide attempts (aOR 3.091). These associations were particularly strong among pupils ≤15 years old and, for overt psychopathology, among pupils with low non-sexual risk behaviour profile and females. Depression (aOR 1.937), anxiety (aOR 2.282), severe suicidal ideation (aOR 2.354), self-injurious behaviour (aOR 3.022), and suicide attempts (aOR 3.284) were associated with higher reproductive health risk, defined by an increasing number of coexisting reproductive risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest an alignment between mental and reproductive health risk and support the value of cross-domain collaboration in adolescent health. The association between psychopathology and reproductive health risk, as well as its variations with age, sex, and associated risk behaviours, should be considered when designing health-promoting or disease-preventing interventions for adolescents.

A cost-effectiveness analysis of school-based suicide prevention programmes.

Suicide is one of the leading causes of death among young people globally. In light of emerging evidence supporting the effectiveness of school-based suicide prevention programmes, an analysis of cost-effectiveness is required. We aimed to conduct a full cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) of the large pan-European school-based RCT, Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE). The health outcomes of interest were suicide attempt and severe suicidal ideation with suicide plans. Adopting a payer's perspective, three suicide prevention interventions were modelled with a Control over a 12-month time period. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) indicate that the Youth Aware of Mental Health (YAM) programme has the lowest incremental cost per 1% point reduction in incident for both outcomes and per quality adjusted life year (QALY) gained versus the Control. The ICERs reported for YAM were €34.83 and €45.42 per 1% point reduction in incident suicide attempt and incident severe suicidal ideation, respectively, and a cost per QALY gained of €47,017 for suicide attempt and €48,216 for severe suicidal ideation. Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were used to examine uncertainty in the QALY analysis, where cost-effectiveness probabilities were calculated using net monetary benefit analysis incorporating a two-stage bootstrapping technique. For suicide attempt, the probability that YAM was cost-effective at a willingness to pay of €47,000 was 39%. For severe suicidal ideation, the probability that YAM was cost-effective at a willingness to pay of €48,000 was 43%. This CEA supports YAM as the most cost-effective of the SEYLE interventions in preventing both a suicide attempt and severe suicidal ideation.Trial registration number DRKS00000214.

EUDOR-A multi-centre research program: A naturalistic, European Multi-centre Clinical study of EDOR Test in adult patients with primary depression.

BACKGROUND: Electrodermal reactivity has been successfully used as indicator of interest, curiosity as well as depressive states. The measured reactivity depends on the quantity of sweat secreted by those eccrine sweat glands that are located in the hypodermis of palmar and plantar regions. Electrodermal hyporeactive individuals are those who show an unusual rapid habituation to identical non-significant stimuli. Previous findings suggested that electrodermal hyporeactivity has a high sensitivity and a high specificity for suicide. The aims of the present study are to test the effectiveness and the usefulness of the EDOR (ElectroDermal Orienting Reactivity) Test as a support in the suicide risk assessment of depressed patients and to assess the predictive value of electrodermal hyporeactivity, measured through the EDOR Test, for suicide and suicide attempt in adult patients with a primary diagnosis of depression. METHODS AND DESIGN: 1573 patients with a primary diagnosis of depression, whether currently depressed or in remission, have been recruited at 15 centres in 9 different European countries. Depressive symptomatology was evaluated through the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale. Previous suicide attempts were registered and the suicide intent of the worst attempt was rated according to the first eight items of the Beck Suicide Intent Scale. The suicide risk was also assessed according to rules and traditions at the centre. The EDOR Test was finally performed. During the EDOR Test, two fingers are put on gold electrodes and direct current of 0.5 V is passed through the epidermis of the fingers according to standards. A moderately strong tone is presented through headphones now and then during the test. The electrodermal responses to the stimuli represent an increase in the conductance due to the increased number of filled sweat ducts that act as conductors through the electrically highly resistant epidermis. Each patient is followed up for one year in order to assess the occurrence of intentional self-harm. DISCUSSION: Based on previous studies, expected results would be that patients realizing a suicide attempt with a strong intent or committing suicide should be electrodermally hyporeactive in most cases and non-hyporeactive patients should show only few indications of death intent or suicides. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00010082 . Registered May 31st, 2016. Retrospectively registered.

Prospective risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviour in adolescents with onset, maintenance or cessation of direct self-injurious behaviour.

Direct self-injurious behaviour (D-SIB) is associated with suicidal behaviour and suicide risk. It is not known if D-SIB cessation reduces these risks. The aim of this study was to explore trajectories of D-SIB and their prospective influence on suicidal thoughts and behaviour during adolescence. Data (n = 506; 62.06 % females, 14.53 years) from the Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe study were analysed. D-SIB and suicidal thoughts and behaviour were assessed at baseline (T0), 1- (T1) and 2-year follow-up (T2). Onset and maintenance of D-SIB between T0 and T1 were associated with a two to threefold increased odds ratio for suicidal thoughts and behaviour at T2. Suicidal thoughts and behaviour in those terminating D-SIB before T1 were similar compared to those with no life-time history of D-SIB. Late onset and maintenance of D-SIB prospectively indicate risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviour. This is the first study showing that D-SIB cessation reduces later risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviour in adolescence. Suicide prevention efforts should set one focus on reducing adolescent D-SIB.

Physical activity in European adolescents and associations with anxiety, depression and well-being.

In this cross-sectional study, physical activity, sport participation and associations with well-being, anxiety and depressive symptoms were examined in a large representative sample of European adolescents. A school-based survey was completed by 11,110 adolescents from ten European countries who took part in the SEYLE (Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe) study. The questionnaire included items assessing physical activity, sport participation and validated instruments assessing well-being (WHO-5), depressive symptoms (BDI-II) and anxiety (SAS). Multi-level mixed effects linear regression was used to examine associations between physical activity/sport participation and mental health measures. A minority of the sample (17.9 % of boys and 10.7 % of girls; p < 0.0005) reported sufficient activity based on WHO guidelines (60 min + daily). The mean number of days of at least 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous activity in the past 2 weeks was 7.5 ± 4.4 among boys and 5.9 days ± 4.3 among girls. Frequency of activity was positively correlated with well-being and negatively correlated with both anxiety and depressive symptoms, up to a threshold of moderate frequency of activity. In a multi-level mixed effects model more frequent physical activity and participation in sport were both found to independently contribute to greater well-being and lower levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms in both sexes. Increasing activity levels and sports participation among the least active young people should be a target of community and school-based interventions to promote well-being. There does not appear to be an additional benefit to mental health associated with meeting the WHO-recommended levels of activity.

Substance use or abuse, internet use, psychopathology and suicidal ideation in adolescents. / Uso y abuso de sustancias psicotrópicas e internet, psicopatología e ideación suicida en adolescentes.

Substance and Internet use or abuse, psychopathology and suicidal ideation appear to be related. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between use of psychotropic substances, inadequate Internet use, suicidal ideation and other psychopathological symptoms within the adolescent population. The present study was carried out as part of the Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE) project, funded by the European Union. The sample is composed of 1026 adolescents aged between 14 and 16 years from 12 state schools in Asturias (530 men and 496 women). This study adds to the possibility of knowing whether the SEYLE data is confirmed in a relatively isolated and recession hit province of Spain. In the present study the following consumption rates were obtained: a) alcohol 11.89% in males and 7.86% in females; b) tobacco: 4.15% and 5.44 % in males and females respectively; c) other drugs: 6.98% in males and 4.44% in females; d) maladaptive or pathological Internet use: 14.53% and 20.77% in males and females respectively. The variables that predict suicide ideation in the logistic regression model were: previous suicide attempts, depression, maladaptive or pathological Internet use, peer problems and alcohol consumption.

El uso o abuso de sustancias o internet, la psicopatología y la ideación suicida parecen estar relacionadas. El objetivo del presente estudio es investigar la asociación en población adolescente entre consumo de sustancias potencialmente adictivas, uso inadecuado de internet, psicopatología e ideación suicida. El estudio forma parte del proyecto europeo Saving and Empowering Young Lives in Europe (SEYLE). La muestra está compuesta por 1026 adolescentes con edades comprendidas entre 14 y 16 años procedentes de 12 centros escolares públicos del Principado de Asturias (530 varones y 496 mujeres). El presente trabajo aporta la posibilidad de conocer si los datos generales del proyecto SEYLE varían en una zona relativamente aislada y socioeconómicamente en recesión. Las tasas obtenidas de consumo de las distintas sustancias y de uso de internet fueron: a) alcohol: 11,89% en varones y 7,86% en mujeres; b) tabaco: 4,15% y 5,44% en varones y mujeres respectivamente; c) otras drogas: 6,98% en varones y un 4,44% en mujeres; d) uso de internet desadaptativo o patológico: 14,53% y 20,77% en varones y mujeres respectivamente. Se ha observado que las variables con capacidad predictiva sobre las conductas suicidas fueron: tentativas suicidas previas, síntomas depresivos, uso desadaptativo o patológico de internet, problemas con los compañeros y consumo de alcohol.