Different perspectives in psychiatry: how family-oriented are professionals in Germany?

ΒACKGROUND: Children of parents with a mental illness have up to 50% chance of developing a mental illness themselves. Numerous studies have shown that preventive family-oriented interventions can decrease the risk by 40% and that professionals are a decisive factor influencing family-oriented practice. There are also substantial differences between professions in terms of their family-oriented practices. This study examines the level of family-oriented practice for different professional groups in Germany. METHODS: Data were used from the baseline assessment of the two-group randomized controlled multicenter trial ci-chimps as a subproject of CHIMPS-NET, which took place from January 2020 to May 2021 in 18 clinical centers in Germany. Child and adolescent mental health systems as well as adult mental health systems took part and every professional involved in the treatment was invited to participate. Data was used from 475 mental health professionals including physicians, psychologists, psychotherapists for adults and for children and adolescents, occupational/ music/ physio/ art therapists/ (social) education workers and nursing/ education service. Family-oriented mental health practice was examined using the translated version of the Family-Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire (FFMHPQ) with means and standard deviations calculated for each of the 18 FFMHPQ-GV subscales. ANOVAs were computed to compare professions and significant differences were examined via post hoc analyses (Scheffé). Additionally, effect sizes were calculated (Omega squared). RESULTS: Differences were seen between the professions in all aspects of family-oriented practice: Both regarding organizational policy and support aspects, issues concerning working with parent-clients, as well as professional skills and knowledge aspects. Psychotherapists for children and adolescents scored the highest family-oriented practices compared to all other professional groups on almost all subscales. CONCLUSION: This study examines the level of family-oriented practice for different professional groups in Germany. Apart from skills and knowledge about the impact of mental illness and parenting, psychotherapists for children and adolescents had the highest scores and engaged most in family-oriented practice. Psychotherapists for adults got the least workplace support for family-oriented practice but were competent providing resources and referral information to the concerned families and feel confidence working with them. Due to these results, a training need exists to improve skills and knowledge about the impact of mental illness and parenting. Additionally, there is still potential for institutional support in promoting family-oriented work. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The CHIMPS-NET-study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register on 2019-12-19 (DRKS00020380) and with Clinical Trials on 2020-4-30 (NCT04369625), the ci-chimps-study was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00026217) on 2021-08-27 and with Clinical Trials on 2021-11-04 (NCT05106673).

SmartMoms - a web application to raise awareness and provide information on postpartum depression.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression is a major public health concern, which is associated with negative consequences for both mothers and children. Unfortunately, many affected women neither understand the warning signs of postpartum depression nor do they know where to seek help. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of SmartMoms, a German mobile web application (web app) designed to inform women about postpartum depression, support them, and provide an easily accessible self-screening instrument. METHODS: After its development, SmartMoms was distributed through healthcare providers and social media. Feasibility was assessed by examining (1) the experience of postpartum women with the web app, (2) user behaviour, and (3) the experience of healthcare providers with the web app and its distribution. A mixed methods approach was used, including online surveys, usage data, and interviews. RESULTS: Most women used SmartMoms to prevent postpartum depression and rated the web app as good (on average 4.36 out of 5 stars). The majority of women (62.2%) accessing the self-screening instrument showed a risk for postpartum depression (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale score ≥ 12). Most providers (n = 12/13) felt supported through SmartMoms in discussing postpartum depression and considered it a useful offer. Suggestions for improvement were provided. CONCLUSIONS: SmartMoms meets the needs and expectations of mothers and healthcare providers interested in postpartum depression but should be further adapted to include more specific support options and additional information for professionals.

[Children's mental health: the role of screen time, parenting behavior, and parenting stress-a secondary data analysis of KiGGS and BELLA data]. / Mental Health im Kindesalter: der Einfluss von Mediennutzung, Erziehungsverhalten und elterlichem Stresserleben ­ eine Sekundärdatenanalyse von KiGGS- und BELLA-Daten.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies established a link between high screen time and mental health problems in childhood. The role of possible influencing factors is currently unclear. This study aims at testing correlations among mental health problems, high screen time, parenting stress, and inconsistent and positive parenting behavior. METHODS: This study is based on data from the KiGGS and BELLA studies. For the present study, data from preschool children (age: 3-5 years, N = 417) and school children (age: 7-13 years, N = 239) were analyzed. Binary-logistic regressions were carried out to test for correlations between high screen time and children's mental health problems in cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses. Socioeconomic status, the child's gender, the parent's gender, parenting stress, and inconsistent and positive parenting behavior were used as control variables. RESULTS: In the cross-sectional analysis, mental health problems in preschool children were associated with high screen time (OR = 3.02; p = 0.003), parenting stress (OR = 17.00; p < 0.001), and positive parenting behavior (OR = 0.24; p < 0.001). In the longitudinal analysis, mental health problems in school children were associated with parenting stress (OR = 4.04; p < 0.001). Socioeconomic status and the child's and parent's gender were at no point associated with mental health problems. DISCUSSION: The sole existence of high screen time cannot explain mental health problems in children. Parental variables seem to be critical for children's mental health and should be considered in a holistic apporach on children's mental health in terms of strengthening parental competencies.

Perinatal mental health literacy: knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking among perinatal women and the public - a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The perinatal period is a time of increased vulnerability to mental health problems, however, only a small proportion of women seek help. Poor mental health literacy (MHL) is a major barrier to seeking help for mental health problems. This study aimed to collect the existing evidence of MHL associated with perinatal mental health problems (PMHP) among perinatal women and the public. This review analysed which tools were used to assess perinatal MHL as well as the findings concerning individual components of perinatal MHL. METHODS: Four electronic databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and CINAHL) were analysed from their inception until September 1, 2020. Not only quantitative studies reporting on components of MHL (knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking), but also studies reporting overall levels of MHL relating to PMHP were taken into account. Two independent reviewers were involved in the screening and extraction process and data were analysed descriptively. RESULTS: Thirty-eight of the 13,676 retrieved articles satisfied the inclusion criteria. The majority of selected studies examined MHL related to PMHP in perinatal women (N = 28). The most frequently examined component of MHL in the selected data set was help-seeking. A lack of uniformity in assessing MHL components was found. The most common focus of these studies was postpartum depression. It was found that the ability to recognize PMHP and to identify relevant symptoms was lacking among both perinatal women and the public. Perinatal women had low intentions of seeking help for PMHP and preferred seeking help from informal sources while reporting a variety of structural and personal barriers to seeking help. Stigmatizing attitudes associated with PMHP were found among the public. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for educational campaigns and interventions to improve perinatal MHL in perinatal women and the public as a whole.

Prevalence of dental neglect and associated risk factors in children and adolescents-A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Dental neglect (DN) is characterized within the wider framework of child neglect, though it is under-recognized by professionals. AIM: To get an overview of the prevalence of DN worldwide and highlight the possible risk factors associated with it. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies on children and adolescents aged 0-19 years were included. Studies were identified by searching in the various scientific databases up to 14 January 2020. RESULTS: Ten primary studies were included in which DN or indicators of DN were examined. The prevalence estimate range of DN reported by seven of the included studies after removing the outliers is from 34% to 56%. The prevalence of untreated caries reported by three of the included studies ranged from 38.9% to 99%. The education level and SES of parents and parental attitudes towards dental health affect children's oral health. Moreover, looked-after children and children of refugees are at higher risk of DN. CONCLUSION: The study showed a high prevalence of DN and untreated caries. Due to the under-reporting of DN and a limited number of included studies, the results cannot be generalized worldwide. There is a need to make policies that include reporting of DN to higher authorities by dental professionals.

[Self-Efficacy as Outcome Measuring the Effectiveness of the Family Intervention "Babylotse ambulant" in Gynecologic Practices]. / Selbstwirksamkeitserwartung als Outcome zur Wirksamkeitsmessung in der Familienintervention "Babylotse ambulant" in Frauenarztpraxen.

BACKGROUND: Psychosocial stress can have detrimental effects on the mother's health and the development of the child. The aim of the family intervention "Babylotse ambulant" in gynecologic practices is the systematic and early identification of psychosocially distressed families as well as consulting and connecting them to the regional health and social care system. OBJECTIVES: The effectiveness of the family intervention in six gynecologic practices was investigated through a pre-post control group design using perceived self-efficacy as outcome. It was assumed that participation in the intervention would result in increased maternal self-efficacy as a measurement of faith in one's own abilities to solve problems. METHODS: Self-efficacy of n=202 psychosocially distressed and n=262 non-distressed patients, who were screened in one of the six gynaecologic practices, was assessed using the Self-Efficacy Scale during the first trimester (T0) and one year after birth (T1). RESULTS: Psychosocially distressed mothers, who all received counselling from social workers, showed a significantly higher self-efficacy at T1 compared to T0. After the intervention, no significant differences were found between distressed patients and the control group of non-distressed patients who received no intervention. DISCUSSION: Increased self-efficacy in distressed mothers after giving birth and thus, more faith in their own problem-solving capabilities points to the positive effects of the intervention during pregnancy in an outpatient gynecologic setting. CONCLUSION: Addressing psychosocial distress and strengthening self-efficacy is relevant in clinical interventions. As interface management, a pilot-based intervention like "Babylotse ambulant" can provide relief in the care of distressed patients during pregnancy and birth.

[Postpartum depression-who cares? Approaches to care via midwifery, gynaecology, paediatrics and general practice]. / Postpartale Depression ­ wer kümmert sich? Versorgungszugänge über Hebammen, Gynäkologie, Pädiatrie und Allgemeinmedizin.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression (PPD) is one of the most common mental illnesses in the postpartum period. If left untreated, it can have serious consequences for the mother-child relationship and the development of the child. In order to prevent possible negative effects, early diagnosis of affected mothers and professional care are essential. AIM OF THE STUDY: This article explores the sense of responsibility of the four primary care providers in the postpartum period-midwives, gynaecologists, general practitioners and paediatricians-and examines how they deal with the disease as well as the barriers and possibilities for optimisation in care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The primary care providers of postpartum women in Germany were interviewed in four independent studies. Quantitative questionnaires were used to interview midwives, gynaecologists and general practitioners, and a qualitative telephone survey was conducted with representatives of the German Association of Paediatricians and Adolescents (BVKJ). A systematic comparative analysis was carried out. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Midwives and gynaecologists showed a significantly higher sense of responsibility for the recognition and treatment of PPD than general practitioners and paediatricians. Closer interdisciplinary cooperation and thus a wider range of referral and therapy options were named by all four professional groups as a central prerequisite for improving the care situation in Germany. A uniform regulation of financial remuneration is also an important aspect for all providers.

[Paternal Risk and Protective Factors for Endangerment of Child Well-Being and their Consideration in the Risk Inventories Used Throughout Germany]. / Väterliche Risiko- und Schutzfaktoren für Kindeswohlgefährdung und ihre Berücksichtigung in den deutschlandweit eingesetzten Risikoinventaren.

Paternal Risk and Protective Factors for Endangerment of Child Well-Being and their Consideration in the Risk Inventories Used Throughout Germany In view of the current family and role models, paternal risk and protective factors can have a significant impact on the risk of violence within a family and should therefore - in addition to the factors on the part of the mother, the child and the closer or other family systems - be taken into consideration when estimating the endangerment of child well-being. In this article we explore which empirical findings on paternal risk and protective factors for abuse, neglect and sexual abuse (sexual violence) in childhood and adolescence were published in international research literature from 1980 to 2019. Seventeen risk factors and four protective factors could be identified, which in 33 quantitative original studies showed a risk-increasing or a buffering influence on violence experiences in families on the part of the father. In addition, the risk inventories used in practice in Germany were analyzed with regard to the paternal risk and protective factors, in order to be able to illustrate the application of the empirically identified factors in early intervention, youth welfare and health care. The article used results from a benchmark survey on risk inventories from 2009. These results were compared with current findings from 2018 as part of a research update. In 2009, 67 % of the instruments "often" contained items on the father, while this was found for 12 % of the instruments in 2018. At the same time, in 2018, 53 % of the risk inventories were "often" asked about custodians, parents or main caregivers. The article thus reflects developments in research and practice in risk assessment for child well-being, in which especially the fathers, who unlike the mothers are often not explicitly addressed during screenings and interventions for families with psychosocial problems, are taken into consideration. The knowledge about the influence of the fathers can feed into the preventive interventions in early interventions and complement them meaningfully.

[Developmental trauma disorder (DTD) in children and adolescents - results from a patient population at the special consultation hour for traumatized children and adolescents]. / Entwicklungstraumastörung (ETS) bei Kindern und Jugendlichen ­ Ergebnisse einer Patientenpopulation der kinder- und jugend-psychiatrischen Spezialsprechstunde "Gewalt und Trauma".

Developmental trauma disorder (DTD) in children and adolescents - results from a patient population at the special consultation hour for traumatized children and adolescents Abstract. Objective: Children and adolescents who have experienced interpersonal Type-II-trauma often develop symptoms going far beyond the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Van der Kolk (2009) suggested the Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) to define the extensive symptomatology; however, research on DTD is limited. Method: Frequency and group differences of DTD were examined based on physicians' letters of n = 161 patients between one and 18 years (61 % female) from an out-patient unit for traumatized patients at a paediatric and adolescent psychiatry. Physicians' letters were rated and analysed using an adapted DTD algorithm. Results: In total, 77 % of the patients experienced interpersonal Type-II-trauma, 6 % met the criteria for the adapted DTD diagnosis. DTD criteria were found more frequently in interpersonal Type-II-trauma victims than in patients with accidental or Type-I-trauma, but group differences only reached statistical significance for the DTD criteria B (affective and physiological dysregulation) and G (impairments) at the adjusted 0,2 % significance level. No statistically significant differences for age or gender were found. The posttraumatic symptoms of children younger than seven years were analysed descriptively. Conclusions: The results show that, although many children and adolescents have developed symptoms beyond the PTSD, only a small proportion have met the DTD diagnosis. In view of the partially unspecific and contradictory findings, further studies on DTD considering larger samples, the complete DTD criteria, and diagnosis-specific instruments seem to be reasonable and necessary.

[Effects of written educational material on parental health knowledge depending on socioeconomic status : A randomized controlled trial]. / Steigerung von elterlichem Gesundheitswissen durch schriftliches Informationsmaterial unter Berücksichtigung des familiären sozioökonomischen Status : Eine randomisiert-kontrollierte Studie.

BACKGROUND: The nationwide prevention program "Parent Guide - Growing up Healthy" aims to improve parental health knowledge in Germany. At the birth of their first child, parents of any socioeconomic status (SES) are provided with written educational material that includes relevant health knowledge as well as basic information about routine health checkups for children. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed at evaluating the program regarding 1) the effects on parental health knowledge and parental satisfaction with routine child health checkups, 2) the sensitivity of the effects on SES, and 3) parental acceptance of the written educational material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A longitudinal randomized controlled trial (RCT) was carried out with 1318 young parents recruited from 14 hospitals with maternity clinics in Germany. Parents of the intervention group received educational material whereas controls didn't receive material. Respondents completed interviews at the child's birth (T0) and first birthday (T1). RESULTS: Parental health knowledge at T1 was significantly higher (p = 0.005; partial eta2 = 0.006) in the intervention group but with a small effect size. The influence of the educational material was not moderated by SES (p = 0.456). Satisfaction with routine child health checkups did not differ significantly between the groups (p = 0.606). Parents showed high acceptance of the parent guide regardless of SES. CONCLUSIONS: Written educational material is an effective approach in increasing parental health knowledge and has the potential to reach all parents regardless of SES. A higher satisfaction with routine child health checkups could not be achieved by educational material.

[Complex Trauma-related Disorders in Research and Practice]. / Komplexe Traumafolgestörungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen in Forschung und Praxis.

Complex Trauma-related Disorders in Research and Practice Frequent traumata in childhood and adolescence are long-term or repeated interpersonal traumata caused by perpetrators in the close environment of the minors. For the description of the extensive symptoms after interpersonal Type II traumata, the complex trauma-related disorders Complex Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD) or Disorder of Extreme Stress Not Otherwise Specified (DESNOS) and the Developmental Trauma Disorder (DTD) are being discussed for inclusion in the classification systems for mental disorders. Scientific knowledge and practical experiences regarding CPTSD, DESNOS and DTD in children and adolescents up to 18 years were examined by 1) a Systematic Review of 1,070 publications identified by database research and additional search strategies, and 2) a nationwide online survey of 374 psychotherapists and psychiatrists for children and adolescents in Germany. Of 13 included empirical studies (8 CPTSD or DESNOS, 5 DTD), 9 were conducted in the USA, 4 based on file coding and 3 on secondary data analysis and only 7 reported diagnosis rates (range: 0-78 %). Of the interviewed therapists, 100 % considered the CPTSD as being met with at least one patient with interpersonal traumata up to 18 years of age in 2014 and 99 % gave this estimate for the DTD. Two thirds of therapists rated the diagnostic option CPTSD and DTD as "very often" or "often" helpful for their therapeutic work with children and adolescents. While empirical data available is to be considered insufficient and characterized by methodological limitations, the relevance of complex trauma-related disorders is perceived as high by practitioners.

[Psychosocial counselling in gynecological practices : Results from a nationwide, representative survey of gynecologists in Germany]. / Psychosoziale Beratung in Frauenarztpraxen : Ergebnisse einer bundesweiten, repräsentativen Befragung von niedergelassenen Gynäkologen in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: Due to their high social acceptance gynecologists provide ideal conditions for approaching families. Psychosocial stress (PSS), e. g. in the context of partnership conflicts, poverty or social isolation can be identified and support can be initiated. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to capture attitudes and engagement of gynecologists dealing with patients with PSS in gynecological practices in Germany. METHODS: Out of 3000 randomly selected gynecologists in private practices, 1034 (response rate: 35%) took part in a Germany-wide questionnaire study on gynecologists' sense of responsibility, procedures and barriers when dealing with women with PSS. RESULTS: Ninety-six percent of the surveyed gynecologists felt responsible for patients with PSS. On average, gynecologists assumed PSS in 23% of their patients. Most of the gynecologists counseled patients with PSS and referral into the regional help system often occurred. When asked about the German early intervention system, 74% responded that they could imagine their own practice participating in this system. A need for improvement was observed in networking and financing. Significant differences in screening and interventions were found mainly in terms of professional experience, old vs. new federal states as well as between single and joint practices. CONCLUSIONS: Surprisingly, openness and engagement for patients with PSS were found in gynecological practices. The majority of gynecologists already offered psychosocial interventions. It may be deduced from these results that gynecologists in practices would contribute to the psychosocial aid network if key basic conditions including the financing were fulfilled.

[Healthcare situation for children, adolescent and adult victims of sexual violence in Germany : A critical overview]. / Versorgungssituation von Kindern, Jugendlichen und Erwachsenen mit sexuellen Gewalterfahrungen in Deutschland : Ein kritischer Überblick.

In Germany, since 2010 the debate regarding sexual assault victims, additionally due to extensive activities of the independent commissioner for questions regarding sexual abuse of children (Unabhängiger Beauftragter für Fragen des sexuellen Kindesmissbrauchs, UBSKM), has received increased attention from the public and the healthcare system. Sexual violence is a burdening experience regardless of age and can have a lasting impact on the physical, psychological and/or social life of victims. Empirically, it has been found that more than half of the adult population suffering from mental disorders have experienced sexual abuse in childhood and adolescence. In some of the affected the impact of the trauma experienced, which is often accompanied by neglect and physical violence, can negatively influence the course of disease. Early counseling and therapeutic support for affected children and adolescents should be taken more into account and focus on optimizing treatment for this patient group. This article discusses the prevalence of sexual violence, possible health and social consequences and the treatment situation of affected children, adolescents and adults in various areas of the help/aid system. In doing so, a discrepancy between scientific findings, recommendations from statutory health insurance companies (GKV), the current healthcare situation and the real needs of the affected are made clear.

Mental Health Problems Among Preschoolers in Germany: Results of the BELLA Preschool Study.

In a cross-sectional study, the prevalence rates of overall and specific mental health problems (MHP), as well as consequential impairments, were examined in a representative community sample of German preschoolers. MHP in 391 children were assessed by applying the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, as well as its impact supplement. Furthermore, the child behaviour checklist 1½-5 (CBCL 1½-5) and the IOWA-Conners behaviour rating scale were applied. Prevalence rates of MHP with 95 % confidence intervals (95 % CI) were determined. Odds ratios were calculated to analyse the relationships between MHP, age, gender, socioeconomic status, and geographical region using logistic regression. Overall, 7.4 % of the children showed symptoms of MHP. 12.9 % of the children were considered to be impaired by psychosocial problems. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were present in 4.2 % of the children; 11.8 % showed hyperactivity symptoms. The observed prevalence rates call for early mental health prevention in preschoolers.

[Violence prevention in childhood and adolescence--a brief overview]. / Gewaltprävention im Kindes- und Jugendalter im Kurzüberblick.

Aggressive and violent behaviour in children and adolescents can be associated with physical and psychological health effects continuing into adulthood. Early programs for violence prevention in childhood and adolescence are intended to prevent or reduce aggressive behaviour in order to decrease the risk for short- and long-term developmental impairments. In a literature review, research findings on prevalence, typical courses of development, and predictors of violent behavior in childhood are first summarized and compared with findings on the frequency, developmental course, and consequences of youth violence. International and German programs for violence prevention in children and adolescents are presented in the context of various settings (family, school, community), target groups (primary vs. secondary prevention) as well as target variables (universal vs. specific). Empirical findings on efficacy testing of violence prevention programs are described and discussed. The presented findings stress the relevance and potential of services for violence prevention for children and adolescents, but also demonstrate the challenges and gaps.

[Substance use disorders as a cause and consequence of childhood abuse. Basic research, therapy and prevention in the BMBF-funded CANSAS-Network]. / Substanzbezogene Störungen als Ursache und als Folge früher Gewalt. Grundlagen, Therapie und Prävention im BMBF-Forschungsverbund CANSAS.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) belong to the most frequent behavioural consequences of childhood abuse and neglect (CAN). In community samples, about 20% of adults with experiences of abuse or neglect in childhood have a lifetime diagnosis of an SUD. About 30% of individuals seeking treatment for a post-traumatic disorder have an SUD and 24­67% of all patients in treatment for an SUD have a history of CAN. About 16% of all children and adolescents under the age of 20 in Germany grow up in families where an alcohol- and/or drug-dependence is present. The children of parents with SUDs have, in addition to other risks to their development in cognitive and psychosocial domains, an increased risk of experiencing violence and neglect. Regarding both perspectives, SUD as a cause and as a consequence of CAN, a better understanding of relevant mediators and risk factors is necessary to improve prevention and develop adequate treatments. The aims of the BMBF-funded research network CANSAS are: 1. To gain a better understanding of the relationships between these two important public health problems (basic research), 2. To provide evidence-based treatments for survivors of CAN with SUDs and to increase the awareness for the necessity to diagnose CAN in patients with SUDs in counselling and treatment facilities (research on diagnostics and therapy), 3. To improve the systematic evaluation of child welfare among children of parents with SUDs through counselling services and to promote links between addiction services and youth welfare services (prevention research and health services research). In a multidisciplinary approach, the CANSAS network brings together experts in the fields of trauma treatment, epidemiology, basic research, health services research, prevention research as well as addiction services.

[Psychotherapeutic treatment of accompanied and unaccompanied minor refugees and asylum seekers with trauma-related disorders in Germany]. / Psychotherapeutische Versorgung von begleiteten und unbegleiteten minderjährigen Flüchtlingen und Asylbewerbern mit Traumafolgestörungen in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: Germany is one of the most important host countries for minor refugees and asylum seekers in Europe. The number of children who leave their home country has significantly risen worldwide in recent years; a further rise is to be expected due to the increasing number of crisis zones. A literature review demonstrates the state of research on traumatization, post-traumatic stress disorders and psychotherapy in minor refugees and asylum seekers. EXPOSURE TO VIOLENCE AND POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDERS: Many minor refugees and asylum seekers have made mainly interpersonal traumatic experiences within their home country or during their flight and develop simple or complex post-traumatic stress disorders. Left untreated, there is a risk of chronification. HEALTH CARE SITUATION: The psychotherapeutic treatment of minor refugees and asylum seekers in Germany takes place primarily in specialized psychosocial treatment centers. For an involvement of therapists in private practices, a reduction of organizational barriers as well as evidence-based treatment methods for interpreter-aided psychotherapy of minor refugees and asylum seekers that also consider their developmental state, are still lacking. CONCLUSION: In research, as well as in practice, there is further need for an early and systematic identification and treatment of minor refugees and asylum seekers with post-traumatic stress disorders or high risk of disease in Germany.

[Metacognitive Training for Depression (D-MCT) for Arabic Speaking Patients with Refugee Experience: Cultural Adaptation and Piloting]. / Metakognitives Training bei Depression (D-MKT) für Arabisch sprechende Patient*innen mit Fluchterfahrung: Kulturelle Adaptation und Pilotierung.

OBJECTIVES: Despite high demand, culturally adapted therapies for Arabic speaking refugee patients with depression are rare. Aim of the study was to culturally adapt and evaluate the group treatment Metacognitive Training for Depression (D-MCT) for them. METHODS: The cultural adaptation of the D-MCT included translation and surface adaptation as well as an expert discussion. The comprehensibility, acceptance and feasibility of the outpatient culturally adapted D-MCT (CA-D-MCT) were then tested in an uncontrolled pilot study with n=11 refugee patients. RESULTS: The experts rated 83% of the translations and 78% of the illustrations as unproblematic in terms of equivalence. The acceptability and feasibility of the eight modules were predominantly positive. CONCLUSIONS: From the patients' perspective, the adapted training shows a high acceptance and comprehensibility for culturally sensitive, interpreter-supported implementation.

Smartphone-based intervention for postpartum depressive symptoms (Smart-e-Moms): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Postpartum depression constitutes a significant public health issue, with prevalence rates ranging between 8 and 19% in high-income nations. Nevertheless, numerous barriers, including time constraints, societal stigmatization, and feelings of shame, contribute to the limited utilization of healthcare services during the postpartum period. Digital interventions offer an opportunity to enhance care for women experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms. METHODS: We will conduct a two-arm randomized controlled trial to assess the effectiveness of a smartphone-based intervention in comparison to a treatment-as-usual control group in Germany. Our aim is to randomize 556 participants in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the intervention group will be provided access to a preventive smartphone-based intervention called "Smart-e-Moms," which incorporates therapeutic support and comprises 10 concise modules rooted in cognitive-behavioral therapy. For the intervention group, evaluations will take place at baseline (t0), prior to sessions 4 and 8 (intermediate assessments), and upon completing the intervention 6 weeks after baseline (t1). The control group's assessments will be at baseline (t0) and 6 weeks after baseline. Follow-up assessments are scheduled at 12 and 24 weeks from baseline to examine the short-term stability of any observed effects. We anticipate that participants in the intervention group will exhibit improvements in their postpartum depressive symptoms (as measured with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale). Additionally, we will analyze secondary outcomes, including maternal bonding, stress levels, self-efficacy, satisfaction with the intervention, and healthcare utilization. DISCUSSION: If Smart-e-Moms proves to be effective, it has the potential to play a significant role in postpartum depression care within German-speaking regions. Ideally, this intervention could not only benefit maternal well-being but also improve the prospects for healthy child development. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German clinical trials registry DRKS00032324. Registered on January 26, 2024.

Engaging Parents Affected by Mental Health Problems in Pediatric and Gynecologic Practices-Implications of the KID-PROTEKT Study.

Children of parents with mental illness are at higher risk of developing cognitive, mental health or physical health difficulties. Previous studies have described several barriers for reaching parents with mental health problems (MHPs) and their utilization of psychosocial services. We conducted a cluster randomized controlled study in 24 pediatric and gynecologic practices to evaluate KID-PROTEKT, a psychosocial healthcare intervention that comprises a psychosocial assessment to identify families with psychosocial needs and refer them to support services. In this paper, we analyzed whether psychosocially distressed parents with additional MHPs (identified by the PHQ-9 and GAD-7) had higher support needs, could be referred to support and utilized it in comparison to parents with psychosocial burden only. In total, 178 pregnant women and mothers with psychosocial burden were included, of whom 55 had MHPs. Participants with MHPs were distressed in their relationships more often and medical staff rated their level of support needs higher compared to parents without MHPs. There were no significant differences between the groups regarding whether they were referred to support services or utilized the recommended services. All participants were most frequently referred to family or parent counseling/care or childcare assistance. The results indicate that despite existing barriers, parents with MHPs could be reached and identified by the KID-PROTEKT psychosocial assessment. A psychosocial intervention like KID-PROTEKT can help to provide support for mentally ill parents.