The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a rise in paediatric eating disorder (ED) cases, highlighting the need for validated screening tools, particularly for pre-adolescent children, to enable early detection.

This review aims to systematically evaluate the validation and psychometric properties of screening tools for assessing EDs in the paediatric population, with a focus on pre-adolescents (under 12 years).

A systematic search of Medline (OVID) and PsycInfo (OVID) databases was conducted following Cochrane Rapid Review Guidelines, registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023465366). Studies were selected based on seven criteria, including ED diagnoses (anorexia nervosa, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder) in children under 12. A random 20% sample was cross-checked for errors. Data extraction followed a pre-defined template with additional independent checks. The primary outcome was the predictive validity of the screening tools.

Of 3,911 citations screened, 28 studies (N=25,444) were included, with six focusing on children under 12 (N=1,430). The methods varied, with 18 studies using clinical interviews and 10 using validated questionnaires. Most tools achieved a Level 3 rating on The Rational Clinical Examination Levels of Evidence, indicating methodological limitations. The child version of the Eating Attitudes Test (ChEAT) had the most evidence, though it has not been validated for DSM-5 criteria.

There is a significant gap in validated ED screening tools for children under 12. Future research should focus on developing tools for this population to improve early detection and treatment outcomes.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and catatonia exhibit overlapping motor and behavioral symptoms; however, catatonia is often underdiagnosed in individuals with ASD. This study evaluates the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Attenuated Behavior Questionnaire (ABQ) and explores the clinical characteristics of individuals with ASD and catatonia. The study involved 300 participants with ASD, aged 12-25 years. Parents completed the ABQ, Repetitive Behavior Scale (RBS), and Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), while clinicians evaluated catatonia using DSM-5 criteria, the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS), KANNER Scale, and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS). Regression in social and language skills and stressful life events from the previous six months were also assessed. The mean age of participants was 16.0 years, with 32 (10.7 %) diagnosed with catatonia; among these, 15.3 % experienced regression, and 25.0 % reported stressful life events. The ABQ showed strong validity and reliability (Spearman-Brown coefficient = 0.979), with ROC analysis determining diagnostic (92.5) and screening (39.5) cut-off points. Participants with ASD and catatonia had significantly elevated rates of late regression, impairments in social and language skills, psychiatric comorbidities, and stressful life events, and they scored considerably higher on BFCRS, KANNER, CARS, RBS, and ABC (all p < .05). Our findings highlight high prevalence of catatonia among individuals with ASD and its association with late regression, social and language impairments, psychiatric comorbidities, and stressful life events and underscore the clinical utility of the ABQ in identifying catatonic symptoms in ASD and emphasize the importance of early recognition and intervention.

To standardize EEG practices in research and facilitate the transition to multi-site biomarker-informed clinical trials, with the aim of enhancing the treatment of depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders.

This study details the approaches employed by the Canadian Biomarker Integration Network in Depression (CAN-BIND), a collaborative, multi-site network supported by the Ontario Brain Institute and Brain Canada, focused on enhancing depression care. To achieve our objective, we implemented strategies to reduce variability across CAN-BIND sites participating in EEG data collection.

We implemented standardization solutions in three key areas: infrastructure, procedures, and toolboxes. As part of this initiative, we developed two novel toolboxes designed to automatically clean EEG data and ensure that high-quality standards are met prior to biomarker extraction, enhancing the homogeneity of collected EEG data.

Achieving standardization of EEG procedures in multi-site studies is essential for the successful implementation of biomarker-informed clinical trials.

Our study offers comprehensive solutions for EEG practices across multiple sites, providing valuable insights and inspiration for establishing standardization approaches in collaborative neuroimaging efforts beyond depression research.

Adverse childhood experiences such as violence, substance use, and family disruption disproportionately affect youth in urban communities, increasing the risk of emotional and behavioral challenges. Social-emotional learning (SEL) and trauma-informed programming are effective strategies for mitigating these effects, fostering resilience, and promoting mental well-being. Game-based learning is a promising, engaging method for delivering SEL content. STRYV365 developed Brain Agents, a trauma-informed, game-based SEL intervention aimed at improving emotional regulation, coping strategies, and interpersonal skills among students in grades 5 through 9.

This study explored students' experiences with and perceptions of Brain Agents, evaluating its effectiveness in fostering SEL skills and resilience across 4 diverse urban schools in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

A cluster-randomized, incomplete block factorial crossover design was implemented from 2022-2024. Of 1626 eligible students, 329 (20%) had caregiver consent and student assent. Among these, 180 students in grades 5-9 played Brain Agents at school over 4-5 weeks, for an average of 10 sessions and 23 minutes per session. SEL-related outcomes were assessed using surveys, focus groups, and interviews. Qualitative data were analyzed using Dedoose software, with thematic coding conducted by multiple coders to ensure reliability.

Student demographics included 189/321 (58.9%) Black, 112/321 (34.9%) White, and 221/321 (68.8%) from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Baseline surveys of 277 children revealed that 202 (72.9%) of students had experienced the death of someone close, 147 (53.1%) had a close contact incarcerated, and 39 (14.1%) reported feeling nervous or anxious daily. Strengths included 230 (83.0%) students reporting life satisfaction and 183 (66.1%) able to calm down when upset. Game performance data from 328 students indicated varying levels of achievement, with a median of 3 (IQR 1.5-4) missions completed, 4 (IQR 2-6) stars earned, 8 positive energies collected, and 2 (IQR 1-2.5) crew members rescued. Grades 7-8 had the highest engagement, while grade 9 students had the lowest participation. Qualitative analysis from 62 participants identified 8 core themes: qualities of most pride, neighborhood relationships, challenges in life, emotions associated with loss of control, coping strategies, future goals, experiences with Brain Agents, and suggestions to improve the game. Students most frequently cited anger as a cause of emotional dysregulation and named coping strategies such as self-calming, asking for help, and perseverance. Feedback on Brain Agents highlighted improved focus, emotional control, and critical thinking, with younger students more positively engaged. Suggested improvements included better graphics, more customization, and cooperative play.

Brain Agents was positively received by students, particularly those in earlier grades, and demonstrated potential as an effective trauma-informed SEL tool. The findings support the role of game-based interventions in enhancing resilience and emotional intelligence among youth exposed to adversity. Broader implementation may extend benefits to diverse student populations and settings.

To examine the development of different dimensions of fatigue and subjective and objective measures of sleep in the first 18 months post moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), and explore the association with biological (processing speed), psychological (mood), and social (restrictions in participation) factors across time.

Forty-two participants with moderate-severe TBI (45 ± 16 years old, 33% female).

Longitudinal multicenter observational cohort study with 4 measurements (3, 6, 12, and 18 months post-injury).

Dimensions of fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale, FSS; Dutch Multifactor Fatigue Scale, DMFS), subjective (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, PSQI) and objective sleep (actigraphy), processing speed (Symbol Digit Modalities Task, SDMT), mood (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS), and restrictions in participation (Utrecht Scale for Evaluation and Rehabilitation-Participation, USER-P).

Results showed reduced sleep quality (PSQI: poor sleep quality at 3 months 41%; 6 months 43%; 12 months 56%; 18 months 43%) and high levels of fatigue (FSS: severe fatigue at 3 months 41%; 6 months 38%; 12 months 33%; 18 months 34%) with no significant changes over time. Physical fatigue (DMFS: β = -0.11, P = .007) and total sleep time (β = -0.14, P = .015) decreased over time. More mood problems were associated with worse sleep quality (PSQI; β = 0.35, P = .021), shorter total sleep time (β = 0.14, P = .046), and higher levels of fatigue (FSS: β = 0.20, P = .036; DMFS-mental: β = 0.36, P = .028; DMFS-physical: β = 0.36, P = .029). Restrictions in participation were associated with fatigue but not with sleep.

High and stable levels of fatigue and poor sleep quality in the first 18 months following moderate-severe TBI were found. These symptoms were associated with mood problems. Assessment and treatment of fatigue and sleep problems should be included in clinical practice. In line with other studies, we suggest that mood interventions might aid the treatment for fatigue and sleep quality.

The International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) Chronobiology and Chronotherapy Task Force conducted a comprehensive review to deliver concise evidence-based recommendations on the use of bright light therapy (BLT) for bipolar disorder (BD). Adjunctive BLT is likely an efficacious acute treatment for bipolar depression as implicated by higher quality evidence. The position of maintenance BLT for relapse prevention awaits further investigation. Protocols of effective BLT in BD are similar to parameters indicated for treatment of seasonal and non-seasonal major depressive disorder. Anti-manic prophylaxis (especially for BD-I) and clinical monitoring are recommended with initiation of and ongoing light treatment. Administer BLT daily, preferably in the morning or at mid-day. If mornings are prohibitive, then mid-day exposure, implemented to avoid excessively early wake times, is an acceptable alternative. Informed by the literature, target 30 min/day of BLT exposure. Patients wary of emergent hypomania or partial responders, can initiate 15 min/day and increase by 15 min each week to full response (or 30-60 min/day by the fourth week). Consider patient centred outcome assessments to evaluate mood response, safety and side effects. Clinical improvement is typically observed within 1-2 weeks, with response/remission expected by 4-6 weeks. Integration of BLT with other chronotherapeutic strategies may enhance long-term efficacy.

Existential nihilism, the belief that life lacks inherent meaning, has been linked to poor mental health. While research has identified that the presence of meaning protects against suicidal ideation, little empirical research has explored the relationship between existential nihilism and suicidal ideation. This study explored the direct and moderating effects of existential nihilism on suicidal ideation in a sample of 775 university students over three time points. Results indicated that existential nihilism directly predicted suicidal ideation, independent of meaning in life and depressive symptoms. Additionally, existential nihilism moderated the relationship between interpersonal difficulties and suicidal ideation, amplifying the impact of interpersonal struggles on suicidal thoughts. These findings underscore the importance of existential beliefs in understanding suicide risk and highlight the clinical relevance of addressing existential distress in mental health interventions for young adults. Future research should further examine existential factors in suicide prediction and prevention strategies.

To investigate gender differences in seeking and receiving healthcare following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI).

Participants were recruited from 6 emergency departments and 2 urgent care facilities in the Greater Vancouver Area, Canada.

254 adults (56% women, 2% gender-diverse; aged 18-69 years) who presented to emergency department/urgent care within 72 hours after mTBI and were randomized to usual care in the parent study.

Secondary analysis of a clinical trial evaluating the effectiveness of a guideline implementation tool for managing mental health complications after mTBI (ClinicalTrials.gov Registry: NCT04704037).

Self-reported use of rehabilitation and health services were assessed with questionnaires at 3- and 6-months post-injury. Chief symptoms, prescribed interventions and referrals to specialists within 6 months post-injury were extracted from general practitioner (GP) charts. Post-concussion symptoms were assessed using the Rivermead Post-Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire, and mental health symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and the Primary Care Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) for DSM-5 at 6 months post-injury. Perceived need for mental health care was assessed with an adapted interview version of the Perceived Need for Care Questionnaire.

Approximately 62% of men and 74% of women reported visiting their GP within 6 months after mTBI. They received similar interventions and referrals from GPs. Besides GP visits, no substantial differences were found in use of allied health and rehabilitation services. Women reported more severe post-concussion and mental health symptoms and more frequently having unmet mental health care needs (32% vs 19%).

Women reported worse symptoms but did not receive more specialty clinical care. Women are more likely to report having under-treated mental health problems. Future studies are needed to confirm whether women have a greater mismatch between their need for and receipt of rehabilitation services and explore mechanisms contributing to this gap.

Telenoid is a robotic communications device that connects via Wi-Fi, allowing an operator to converse with the person holding Telenoid from a distance. Emerging evidence suggests Telenoid may have therapeutic benefits for people living with dementia, but studies are limited, especially in Australian Long-Term Care (LTC). In a one-group mixed method pilot study, 10 people with a diagnosis of dementia living in one LTC facility in Queensland, Australia, participated in three individual sessions with Telenoid and a follow-up semi-structured interview. Changes in behavior and expression outcomes were observations relating to engagement before and after using Telenoid, as assessed via a one-way repeated measures ANOVA. Qualitative observation and interview data were collectively analyzed using an inductive, thematic analysis approach. No statistically significant changes in engagement were observed across the sessions. Five qualitative themes report positive and negative feelings toward Telenoid. Participants personified Telenoid, indicating its characteristics influenced perceptions. Engagement was identified as crucial, and Telenoid provided opportunities for conversations. Although Telenoid may serve as a positive activity device for people living with dementia, its time-consuming nature suggests it may be more effectively utilized by an activity officer rather than care staff who may not have time to commit to the activity.

Facial expressions are fundamental to social communication, with emotional face processing developing throughout childhood. However, the neural mechanisms underlying this process in young children remain underexplored due to challenges in neuroimaging this population. Optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs), a wearable magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology, offer potential advantages for studying these responses early in life. This study investigated evoked responses and functional connectivity in 45 children (3-5 years) during an emotional face processing task using OPM-MEG. The M170 component, a key marker of face processing, and whole-brain functional connectivity of eight regions of interest were assessed. Children exhibited a robust M170 response to emotional faces in the bilateral fusiform gyri. Peak amplitude increased with age, but no significant latency changes were observed. A significant network of increased connectivity following emotional face onset, involving connections between the amygdalae, insulae, occipital, and frontal regions was found. This study provides the first evidence of M170 responses and large-scale connectivity to emotional faces in young children using OPM-MEG. Findings highlight the feasibility of OPMs for developmental neuroimaging and provide insights into the maturation of emotion-related neural circuits in early childhood. These results establish a foundation for future face processing research in clinical paediatric populations, such as autism.