Trajectory of Health-Related Quality of Life Following Pediatric Concussion.

Objective: To assess changes in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) across a 12-month period following pediatric concussion and to explore whether psychological factors (ie, preinjury mental health history, current symptoms of anxiety and depression, sleep disturbance, or grit) were associated with HRQOL.

Study Design: Prospective cohort study design using data collected from patients presenting to a specialty care concussion program, with each patient followed for 12 months after initial presentation. Comparison data were collected from nonconcussed controls recruited from the community.

Mental Health in the Specialized Athlete.

Purpose Of Review: The aim of this review is to interpret the existing evidence regarding the psychological aspects of sport specialization within the context of a developmental framework.

Recent Findings: The growing trend toward early sport specialization is associated with increased risk for injury and burnout, both of which have significant implications for mental health. Mental health literacy programs designed to promote awareness, decrease stigma, and encourage help-seeking behaviors can be an effective way to increase resilience and early recognition of those in need.

Comparison of Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Concussed and Nonconcussed Adolescents.

Background: Few studies have examined psychiatric symptoms during the acute phase following a concussion in adolescents. Thus, this study compares anxiety and depression in acutely concussed and nonconcussed adolescents.

Hypothesis: Acutely concussed adolescents will report greater anxiety and depressive symptoms compared with nonconcussed adolescents.

A Pilot Study using the Compensatory Reserve Index to evaluate individuals with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia syndrome.

Purpose: The diagnosis of Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia syndrome traditionally involves orthostatic vitals evaluation. The Compensatory Reserve Index is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared algorithm that analyses photoplethysmogram waveforms in real time to trend subtle waveform features associated with varying degrees of central volume loss, from normovolemia to decompensation. We hypothesised that patients who met physiologic criteria for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia syndrome would have greater changes in Compensatory Reserve Index with orthostatic vitals.

Risky Interactions: Relational and Developmental Moderators of Substance Use and Dating Aggression.

Physical dating aggression is a prevalent and costly public health concern. A theoretical moderator model of substance use and dating aggression posits that associations between them are moderated by relational risk factors. To test these theoretical expectations, the current study examined seven waves of longitudinal data on a community-based sample of 100 male and 100 female participants in a Western U.