Systematic review
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Supportive counselling is ineffective for managing PTSD in youth
More than half of children and young people are exposed to potentially traumatic events,and a significant minority of those exposed go on to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Because PTSD can be chronic, it can have a notable impact on child development, as well as social, academic and occupational function – it is therefore imperative that effective treatments are identified and prioritized.
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Help yourself (but get some support): meta-analysis of self-help interventions for children
We know that poor mental health in childhood is associated with poorer quality of life, increased likelihood of having a mental health disorder in adulthood and poorer occupational and social outcomes. We also know that there are numerous effective interventions for mental health problems, with over 750 treatment protocols for evidence-based psychological treatments in children. However, demand for treatment outstrips supply.
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Mindfulness-based interventions improve depression and anxiety outcomes in youths
In 2019, Darren Dunning and colleagues compiled a Research Review for the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry in which they evaluated, for the first time, the efficacy of MBIs on cognition and mental health in adolescents <18 years-of-age.
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The association between anxiety and poor school attendance
School plays a key role in children’s development, and frequent absence from school increases the likelihood of a range of adverse outcomes in childhood and later life. This includes poor academic performance, social isolation, economic deprivation and unemployment in adulthood. There are many risk factors for frequent school absence, including factors related to the child and their family, school and community.
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The experiences of healthcare transitions between child and adult services for young people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a review of evidence
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterised by hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. It affects around 5% of children, and can be a long term condition, with research showing that up to two thirds of young people with ADHD will continue to experience symptoms into adulthood. However, many young people with ongoing healthcare needs do not make the necessary transition from child to adult mental health services.
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Ordo ab chao: The need for systematic reviews
…researchers are expected to strive exhaustively in their effort to gather a number of studies and research findings before rigorously assessing them for their quality and then presenting the conclusions in a reasoned, fair, and impartial summary.
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Psychological interventions have a small but significant effect in young children with conduct disorder
In 2017, Mireille Bakker and colleagues performed a systematic review and meta-analysis for the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, of the currently available psychological treatments for children and adolescents with conduct disorder problems. Here, we summarise the researcher’s key findings and the potential clinical implications for this field.
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Child anxiety could be factor in school absences, research concludes
New research has concluded that anxiety can be a factor in poor school attendance among children and young people.
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Access to evidence-based behavioural interventions needs improving for children affected by Tics
In 2016, Chris Hollis and colleagues compiled a Practitioner Review for the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry evaluating the most effective and well-supported interventions for children and young people affected by Tourette syndrome and chronic tic disorder. Here, they discuss the key findings from their systematic review, and highlight that children and young people affected by tics require improved access to evidence-based behavioural interventions.
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Can physical exercise improve tics and associated mental health difficulties in Tourette syndrome? The jury is out
Physical exercise is increasingly being recommended as part of management for children and young people with mental health problems. There is a growing evidence base that shows physical exercise is associated with improvements in functioning for conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), although studies are small, they are signifcant.
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