BackgroundFifteen million infants annually are born prematurely, placing them at high risk for life‐long adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Whether brain tissue abnormalities that accompany preterm birth persist into young adulthood and are associated with long‐term cognitive or psychiatric outcomes is not known.MethodsFrom infancy into young adulthood, we followed a population‐based sample of consecutively

There is substantial evidence that adolescent mental health has deteriorated considerably since the early 2010s across many countries, and much more strongly among girls than boys. This is probably due to a combination of societal changes that strongly influenced the lives of adolescents. The societal changes include the rise of social media and of academic pressure, the COVID‐19 pandemic and increasing

BackgroundParenting interventions are effective for improving child conduct problems (CPs), but online self‐directed interventions are required to improve reach and impact. Mothers are the main users of such programmes; fathers show low participation rates despite evidence of increased efficacy when they participate.MethodsThis randomised controlled trial examined the efficacy of Family Man, a brief

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with mental health problems, but many children who experience ACEs do not develop such difficulties. A warm and supportive adult presence in childhood is associated with a lower likelihood of developing mental health problems after exposure to ACEs. However, it is unclear whether this association is causal, as previous research has not accounted

A substantial portion of interventions designed to support autistic children are also designed to be delivered by caregivers (i.e. are ‘caregiver‐mediated’). Brown et al. (Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2024) are one of the first groups to critically examine the baseline skills that caregivers bring as they prepare to learn a class of interventions called Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral

BackgroundChildren born preterm are at heightened risk for neurodevelopmental impairment, including specific deficits in attention. Few studies have investigated change over time in attention problems prior to school entry. The current study aims to describe trajectories of attention problems from age 2 through 5 years in a cohort of children born <30 weeks of gestational age (GA), identify sociodemographic

Individuals with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit varied responses to pharmacological treatments (e.g. stimulants and non‐stimulants). Accurately and promptly detecting treatment‐related improvements, response failure, or deterioration poses significant challenges, as current monitoring primarily relies on subjective ratings. In this commentary, we critically evaluate the evidence

BackgroundAlthough it is widely assumed that avoidant personality disorder (AvPD) originates in childhood, there is little prospective research to substantiate this claim. We therefore aimed to determine whether presumed childhood risk factors predict AvPD traits at 16 years.MethodsA population‐based sample (n = 1,077; 50.9% female) from the 2003 and 2004 birth cohorts in Trondheim, Norway was examined

BackgroundMany studies show that both callous‐unemotional (CU) traits (e.g., low empathy, lack of guilt) and cognitive difficulties increase risk for externalizing psychopathology across development. However, other work suggests that some aggression (e.g., relational, proactive) may rely on intact cognitive function, which could vary based on the presence of CU traits. Moreover, no prior research has

BackgroundThe mechanisms linking early‐life adversity with psychopathology over the life‐course are complex. In this prospective study, we collectively examined cognitive, affective, and developmental mediators previously found to individually link childhood threat and deprivation experiences to adolescent psychopathology to identify the most potent mechanisms.MethodsData came from a community sample

BackgroundAdolescence is a critical developmental period for the study of anorexia nervosa (AN), an illness characterized by extreme restriction of food intake. The maturation of the reward system during adolescence combined with recent neurobiological models of AN led to the hypothesis that early on in illness, restrictive food choices would be associated with activity in nucleus accumbens reward

BackgroundAntipsychotic medications (AP) are inappropriately prescribed to young people. The goal of this pragmatic trial was to test a four‐component approach to improved targeting of antipsychotic prescribing to people aged ≥3 and <18 years.MethodsClinicians in four health systems were cluster randomized by the number of previous AP orders and service line – specialty mental health and all others

BackgroundSymptoms related to mood and anxiety disorders (emotional disorders) often present in childhood and adolescence. Some of the genetic liability for mental disorders, and emotional and behavioral difficulties seems to be shared. Yet, it is unclear how genetic liability for emotional disorders and related traits influence trajectories of childhood behavioral and emotional difficulties, and if

BackgroundAdolescents exposed to victimization are at an increased risk for a variety of adverse mental health outcomes, including depressive symptoms. Yet, the biological pathways underlying these associations remain poorly understood. Focusing on within‐person processes, we examined whether low‐grade systemic inflammation mediated the longitudinal associations between peer victimization and depressive

BackgroundThe interactions of typically developing (TD) children within the family context are associated with their social skills in preschool, and the question guiding this study, which focused on boys, was whether the same would be true for autistic children. A specific focus was on the importance of the boys' engagement in triadic, mother–father–child interactions over and above their engagement

BackgroundAttention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) demonstrates unique developmental manifestations in adolescence with implications for optimized, age‐appropriate treatment. This 10‐year update is the third in a series of systematic reviews examining the efficacy and safety of adolescent ADHD treatments. We broadly examined efficacy on ADHD symptoms, impairments, and other reported outcomes

BackgroundEconomic evaluations of treatments for children with behavioural difficulties (i.e., characteristics of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and/or oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)) usually rely on data of randomised controlled trials or are model‐based. Findings of such studies may not be representative of cost‐effectiveness and cost‐utility in clinical practice. The current

BackgroundFood fussiness (FF) describes the tendency to eat a small range of foods, due to pickiness and/or reluctance to try new foods. A common behaviour during childhood, and a considerable cause of caregiver concern; its causes are poorly understood. This is the first twin study of genetic and environmental contributions to the developmental trajectory of FF from toddlerhood to early adolescence

Qualitative research is notable by its relative absence from the translational science studies in the field of child mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions in general, and the Journal of Child Psychology & Psychiatry in particular. In this editorial, I argue for a pragmatic integration of qualitative and quantitative methods to speed up the development of new and more effective interventions

BackgroundCharacteristics of parent‐child interaction (PCI) early in life have been associated with later development in the child. Twin studies can help to disentangle child contributions to parent‐child interaction, for example, by assessing the influence of the child's genetics on his/her social environment, which includes parental behaviour.MethodsInfant twins from a community sample [354 monozygotic

BackgroundMaternal postpartum depression is an important risk factor for internalizing and externalizing problems in children. The role of concurrent paternal depression remains unclear, especially by socioeconomic status. This study examined independent and interactive associations of postpartum maternal and paternal depression with children's internalizing/externalizing symptoms throughout childhood

BackgroundThe Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study is a longitudinal study of US adolescents with a wide breadth of psychiatric, neuroimaging and genetic data that can be leveraged to better understand psychiatric diseases. The reliability and validity of the psychiatric data collected have not yet been examined. This study aims to explore and optimize the reliability/validity of psychiatric

BackgroundAutism commonly co‐occurs with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but less is known regarding how ADHD symptoms impact the early presentation of autism. This study examined early behavioral characteristics of a community sample of toddlers later identified with autism diagnosis, ADHD symptoms, combined autism and ADHD symptoms, or neither condition.MethodsParticipants were 506

BackgroundSelf‐harm is very common in young people and is associated with suicide. Rates of both self‐harm and suicide have increased in young people, particularly in females. There is a clear need to identify new approaches to prevent repeat self‐harm.MethodWe significantly update and build on previous reviews with the aim of identifying issues in research relevant to clinical practice. We identify

We emphasize the potential importance of the role of early alterations in sleep and circadian rhythms as a biological marker of early‐onset depression in the preschool period. This builds on findings of the reciprocal relationship between sleep and mood as well as the validity of preschool depression well established in the extant literature. This editorial highlights two recent studies published in

BackgroundChildhood maltreatment contributes to a large mental health burden worldwide. Different measures of childhood maltreatment are not equivalent and may capture meaningful differences. In particular, prospective and retrospective measures of maltreatment identify different groups of individuals and are differentially associated with psychopathology. However, the reasons behind these discrepancies

BackgroundThe genetic and environmental aetiology of autistic and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) traits is known to vary spatially, but does this translate into variation in the association of specific common genetic variants?MethodsWe mapped associations between polygenic scores for autism and ADHD and their respective traits in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children

BackgroundNon‐suicidal self‐injury (NSSI) is common among adolescents receiving inpatient psychiatric treatment and the months post‐discharge is a high‐risk period for self‐injurious behavior. Thus, identifying predictors that shape the course of post‐discharge NSSI may provide insights into ways to improve clinical outcomes. Accordingly, we used machine learning to identify the strongest predictors

BackgroundThe real‐world effectiveness of exposure‐based therapies for youth depends on the willingness and ability of young people to tolerate confronting their fears, which can be experienced as highly aversive and create problems with treatment engagement and acceptance. Recently, neuroscientific research on the nonconscious basis of fear has been translated into novel exposure interventions that

BackgroundWhile research has described the profile of children with poor mental health, little is known about whether this profile and their needs have changed over time. Our aim was to investigate whether levels of difficulties and functional impact faced by children with a psychiatric disorder have changed over time, and whether sociodemographic and family correlates have changed.MethodsSamples were

Recently, more effort has been devoted to ensuring that scientific knowledge can be mobilised to make a positive impact on individuals and society. Scientists are encouraged, and even required, to communicate their findings beyond academic circles – to inform interested groups. However, there can be challenges with language use and communicating concepts; interpreting results; and from time pressure

There is a growing exploration of how Registered Reports can benefit individual researchers and wider research fields as part of a wider shift towards open research principles and practices. In ‘Misaligned incentives in mental health research – the case for Registered Reports’, Baldwin examines this in the context of mental health research, arguing that Registered Reports (RRs) can be a valuable solution

BackgroundResearch implies early relational factors – parental appropriate mind‐mindedness (MM) and mutually responsive orientation (MRO) – as antecedents of children's Theory of Mind (ToM), yet the longitudinal path is unclear. Furthermore, little is known about the process in father–child relationships. In two studies of community families in a Midwestern state in United States, we tested a path

Many youths with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) experience significant long‐term impairment and may develop concurrent mental and somatic health difficulties as adults. This is associated with burden and costs for the individual and society which could be prevented through continued support in youth. Yet, only few young people transition to adult mental health services for ongoing

BackgroundHerein, we consider the hypothesis that mothers harm peer relations when they respond to child conduct problems by expressing disapproval of friends, which exacerbates the behavior problems they were presumably attempting to deter.MethodsA community sample of Lithuanian adolescents (292 boys and 270 girls, aged 9–14 years) completed surveys three times during an academic year. Classmate nominations

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stands out as one of the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, significantly affecting daily functioning. However, finding a sustainable treatment strategy for ADHD remains a challenge. In this context, exercise emerges as a highly accessible behavioural intervention with lasting effects on ADHD. Historically, exercise has proven effective in inducing

BackgroundSymptoms of anxiety and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are prospectively related from childhood to adolescence. However, whether the two dimensions of ADHD—inattention and hyperactivity‐impulsivity—are differentially related to anxiety and whether there are developmental and sex/gender differences in these relations are unknown.MethodsTwo birth cohorts of Norwegian children

This paper by Nobakht, Steinsbekk & Wichstrom (2023) is a model of good science in the study of oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disorder. Their approach illustrates a thoughtful research design, statistical modeling sufficient to empirically evaluate developmental processes, and a full consideration of the theoretical implications of their work. This contrasts with a broad history of research

Rates of mental health problems in adolescence are rising as highlighted in this current issue of the Journal. It is therefore increasingly important to identify children who may be at risk so that preventive interventions can be deployed before they reach adolescence. Adverse parenting has long been considered a risk factor for poor mental health in adolescence, but the methods traditionally used

To improve outcomes for youth who do not respond optimally to existing treatments, we need to identify robust predictors, moderators, and mediators that are ideal targets for personalisation in mental health care. We propose a solution to leverage the Individual Patient Data Meta‐analysis (IPDMA) approach to allow broader access to individual‐level data while maintaining methodological rigour. Such

BackgroundCognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT) is an evidence‐supported treatment for adolescents with binge‐eating disorder (BED). Executive dysfunctions, which are associated with binge eating and elevated body weight in youth, may undermine CBT outcomes by making it difficult for youth to engage with or adhere to treatment, including recalling and/or implementing intervention strategies in real‐world

BackgroundClimate anxiety is increasingly prevalent among adolescents worldwide. Are climate‐anxious adolescents prone to engage in pro‐environmental behavior? Or might the association between climate anxiety and pro‐environmental be curvilinear, such that high levels of climate anxiety become ‘paralyzing’? And do these associations depend on whether adolescents believe that, with effort, the worst

BackgroundPrevious research has linked prenatal maternal infections to later childhood developmental outcomes and socioemotional difficulties. However, existing studies have relied on retrospectively self‐reported survey data, or data on hospital‐recorded infections only, resulting in gaps in data collection.MethodsThis study used a large linked administrative health dataset, bringing together data

BackgroundWhether emotional problems during childhood and adolescence are longitudinally associated with adult alcohol use behaviors is unclear. This study examined associations between developmental trajectories of emotional problems and early adult alcohol use behaviors, while considering co‐occurring conduct problems, developmental change/timing, sex differences, and potential confounds.MethodsParticipants

BackgroundEarly regulatory problems (RPs), i.e., problems with crying, sleeping, and/or feeding during the first years, increase the risk for avoidant personality traits in adulthood, associated with social withdrawal and anxiety. Even more, RPs are linked with functional alterations in the adult default mode and salience networks, comprising the brain's allostatic‐interoceptive system (AIS) and playing

BackgroundAdolescents vary considerably in their circadian phase preference; those with greater “eveningness” (also known as “night owls”) have later bedtimes, wake times, and peak arousal compared to those with greater “morningness.” Prior research suggests that (a) greater eveningness is associated with worse academic, executive, and attentional functioning; and (b) adolescents with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity

BACKGROUND The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children and young people (CYP) has been widely reported. Primary care electronic health records were utilised to examine trends in the diagnosing, recording and treating of these common mental disorders by ethnicity and social deprivation in Greater Manchester, England. METHODS Time-series analyses conducted using Greater Manchester

BACKGROUND Population-based studies have observed sex biases in the diagnosis and treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Females are less likely to be diagnosed or prescribed ADHD medication. This study uses national healthcare records, to investigate sex differences in diagnosis and clinical care in young people with ADHD, particularly regarding recognition and treatment of

BACKGROUND Previous studies that have assessed social cognition in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have produced inconsistent findings. To summarize these data and shed light upon moderators that may explain observed inconsistencies, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis exploring social cognition (Theory of Mind (ToM), Empathy, Facial and Non-Facial Emotion Recognition)

BACKGROUND Emotion regulation (ER) is considered central in adolescent psychopathology, and ER strategies may change during challenging times, such as a global pandemic. Despite this, there remains a limited understanding of individual differences in ER mechanisms and their associations with psychopathology. This study examined whether and how cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, and self-compassion

BACKGROUND Well Parent Japan (WPJ) is a new hybrid group parent training programme combining sessions to improve mothers' psychological well-being with a culturally adapted version of the New Forest Parenting Programme (NFPP). This study investigates the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of WPJ against treatment as usual (TAU) within Japanese child mental health services. METHODS TRANSFORM was a

BackgroundChildren and adolescents demonstrate diverse patterns of symptom change and disorder remission following cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders. To better understand children who respond sub‐optimally to CBT, this study investigated youths (N = 1,483) who continued to meet criteria for one or more clinical anxiety diagnosis immediately following treatment or at any point

Female youth with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD) are an under studied and underserved population at high risk for poor adjustment in later life. Stadler et al. (2024) attempt to redress this situation for adolescent females with CD or ODD with an adapted version of the skills training program START NOW. They describe the results of an ambitious randomized control trial