Pathway from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder to suicide/self-harm.

To evaluate the effect of ADHD diagnosis by the age of 10 on the suicide/self-harm risk at age 14 and examine factors that may modify/mediate the association, a longitudinal study based on the nationwide survey consisting of 5,107 children in Australia was used. Self-harm and suicidal risks in children with ADHD at age 14 were the main outcomes; ADHD medication, history of bullied or depression, and other sociodemographic disadvantages, were treated as covariates. The diagnosis of ADHD at age 10 is associated with elevated risks of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, planning, or attempts by age 14, with greater susceptibility in males. The pathway from ADHD symptoms to suicide/self-harm could also be mediated by depression and exposure to bullying assessed at age 12. Note that depression and exposure to bullying might at best contribute to less than 10 % of the total effect of ADHD diagnosis on either the risk of suicide or self-harm. Early gender-tailored intervention and prevention strategies are crucial in clinical practice and health policy.

Predicting Communication Skills Outcomes for Preschool Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Following Early Intervention.

Purpose: This study aims to assess changes in the receptive and expressive language skills and to determine if the baseline characteristics such as communication, cognitive and motor skills, predict outcomes in preschool children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) following early intervention. Methods: We recruited 64 children participating in the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) early intervention program at an Autism Specific Early Learning and Care Center (ASELCC) in Australia. Baseline characteristics across various developmental domains was measured using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning (MSEL), Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, 2nd Edition (VABS-II), and the ESDM Curriculum Checklist. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the effects of the intervention on outcomes. Fixed-effects such as time, groups (verbal and minimally verbal), and time-by-group interactions were assessed whilst adjusting for covariates. Further, multiple linear regression models were used to determine if the baseline characteristics were significant predictors of the outcomes following the early intervention. Results: Among the 64 children who participated in this study, 38 children were verbal, whereas 26 were deemed to have minimal verbal skills. The mean age of the sample was 4.1 years with a significant male predilection (83%) and from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background (64%). Findings of the linear mixed effects model showed significant within and between group differences in the ESDM subscales, indicating higher magnitude of changes in the verbal group compared to the minimally verbal group. Finally, the multiple linear regression models suggested that baseline MSEL visual reception and expressive language scores were predictive of changes in the ESDM receptive and expressive communication scores. Conclusion: Understanding a child's baseline skill levels may provide valuable clues regarding what interventions would work best, or which interventions may be less suitable for individual preschool-aged children with ASD.

Mobile phone addiction in Tibetan and Han Chinese adolescents.

PURPOSE: To compare mobile phone addiction (MPA) patterns between Tibetan and Han adolescents in China. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study was carried out in two provinces of China. The Mobile Phone Addiction Scale (MPAS) was used to assess MPA. FINDINGS: Seven hundred and five Tibetan and 606 Han students participated in the study. The MPAS total score was 24.4 ± 11.4 in the whole sample; 27.3 ± 10.8 and 20.9 ± 11.2 in Tibetan and Han students, respectively. Quality of life (QOL) in the physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains was negatively associated with MPA. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Compared with Han students, Tibetan students were found to have more severe MPA. Given its negative impact on QOL, appropriate measures for the prevention of MPA should be developed, particularly for Tibetan middle school students.