Implementation and evaluation of a curriculum on the assessment and treatment of disruptive behaviour disorders.

Disruptive behaviour disorders (DBDs)-which can include or be comorbid with disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder and disruptive mood dysregulation disorder-are commonly seen in paediatric practice. Given increases in the prescribing of atypical antipsychotics for children and youth, it is imperative that paediatric trainees in Canada receive adequate education on the optimal treatment of DBDs. We describe the development, dissemination, and evaluation of a novel paediatric resident curriculum for the assessment and treatment of DBDs in children and adolescents. Pre-post-evaluation of the curriculum showed improved knowledge in participants.

The importance of mental health in improving quality of life in transition-aged patients with epilepsy.

OBJECTIVE: Adolescents with epilepsy are known to have a lower quality of life (QoL) than the typically developing adolescent population. In order to address this, treating physicians have primarily focused on obtaining seizure control. However, growing evidence suggests a strong relation between QoL and mental health in adults with epilepsy and other chronic conditions. Given the high rate of mental health issues in transition-aged adolescents with epilepsy, this study aimed to examine the relation between QoL and mental health. METHODS: Baseline data from 107 transition-aged adolescents (M = 16.08 years; 52 males, 55 females) enrolled in an epilepsy transition clinic were analyzed for this study. RESULTS: Analysis found that over 56% of participants showed some signs of mental illness, and that these participants had significantly lower QoL scores than those without mental health issues. Furthermore, regression analysis found that both depression and anxiety remained significant, independent predictors of QoL, even when significant epilepsy and demographic variables were accounted for (t(99) = -1.28, p < .001 and t(99) = -1.10, p = .002, respectively). SIGNIFICANCE: Results suggest that in order to ensure best outcomes for these adolescents, it may be important for clinicians to take a holistic approach to treatment, managing and treating both seizures and mental health concerns.