Towards precision dosing of aripiprazole in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Linking blood levels to weight gain and effectiveness.

Aims: Aripiprazole is one of the most commonly prescribed antipsychotic drugs to children and adolescents worldwide, but it is associated with serious side-effects, including weight gain. This study assessed the population pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole and its active metabolite and investigated the relationship between pharmacokinetic parameters and body mass index (BMI) in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and behavioural problems. Secondary outcomes were metabolic, endocrine, extrapyramidal and cardiac side-effects and drug effectiveness.

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Times of COVID-19: Examining Emotional and Behavioral Problems, Parental Well-Being, and Resilience.

This longitudinal study assessed the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; n = 62; M = 13 years) by measuring emotional and behavioral problems before and during the pandemic, and by comparing this change to a matched sample of children without ASD (n = 213; M = 16 years). Moreover, we examined whether indicators of parental well-being promoted resilience of children with ASD. Results showed that the mean change in problems did not differ between children with and without ASD.

Associations between autism traits and family functioning over time in autistic and non-autistic children.

Little is known about family functioning over time when raising a child with autism traits, with or without a clinical autism diagnosis. Therefore, we asked caregivers-mostly parents-of a group of 168 children about the family functioning and the child's emotional and behavioral characteristics, as well as autistic traits, twice with about 1 year in between. For numerous reasons, the children were referred to youth mental health care centers, including child and adolescent psychiatric services.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder and their families: a mixed-methods study protocol.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge for everyone, particularly for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a developmental disorder characterised by limitations in social communication, repetitive behavioural patterns, and limited interests, and activities. It is expected that many families with children with ASD will experience more problems due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the related public health restrictions.

Predictors of Quality of Life in Children and Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders.

This study aimed to identify factors that predict quality of life (QoL), over and above potential improvements in QoL related to a decrease in psychopathology, in children and adolescents with psychiatric problems. Two hundred and thirty one referred children and adolescents, aged 7-19 years, were followed up across a 1-year period. QoL and psychopathology were assessed, as were a broad range of child, parent, and family/social network factors.

Psychopathology in children: improvement of quality of life without psychiatric symptom reduction?

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the association between change in psychopathology and Quality of Life (QoL) across time in children with high levels of psychopathology.

Methods: A referred sample of 126 seven- to 19-year-olds was studied across a 1-year follow-up period. Information concerning QoL and psychopathology was obtained from parents.

Determinants of quality of life in children with psychiatric disorders.

Objective: To assess factors that, in addition to childhood psychopathology, are associated with Quality of Life (QoL) in children with psychiatric problems.

Methods: In a referred sample of 252 8 to 18-year-olds, information concerning QoL, psychopathology and a broad range of child, parent, and family/ social network factors was obtained from children, parents, teachers and clinicians.

Results: Poor child, parent, and clinician reported QoL was associated with child psychopathology, but given the presence of psychopathology, also with child factors, such as low self-esteem, and poor social skills, and family/social network factors, such as poor family functioning, and poor social support.

Quality of life in children with psychiatric disorders: self-, parent, and clinician report.

Objective: To study the relationship between child psychiatric disorders and quality of life (QoL).

Method: In a sample of 310 children (ages 6-18 years) referred for psychiatric problems, children, parents, and clinicians reported on psychopathology and subjective and objective QoL indicators.

Results: Six diagnostic categories were distinguished: attention-deficit and disruptive behavior disorders, anxiety disorders, pervasive developmental disorders, mood disorders, other disorders, and no diagnosis.