Neurobiological and psychiatric consequences of child abuse and neglect.

The effects of early-life trauma and its consequences for the treatment of depression are reviewed. The prevalence and clinical sequelae of early sexual and physical abuse, neglect and parental loss are described. An overview of preclinical studies that help guide clinical research and practice is presented.

A comparison of two types of social support for mothers of mentally ill children.

Problem: The purpose of this analysis was to compare social support offered by two telehealth nursing interventions for mothers of children with serious mental illnesses.

Methods: A randomized, controlled, quantitative investigation is underway to test two support interventions, using the telephone (TSS) or Internet (WEB). Qualitative description was used to analyze data generated during telehealth interventions.

Community-based care for youths with early and very-early onset bipolar I disorder.

Objective: Phenomenological and treatment differences between children and adolescents with bipolar I disorder in a public mental health system were examined.

Method: A systematic medical record review was performed on a sample of 83 patients, focusing on documented DSM IV symptoms of mania or depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Cross-tabulation and logistic regression analyses were performed comparing the presence/absence of symptoms for each disorder and treatments provided for children and adolescents.

A comparison of the phenomenology and treatment of youths and adults with bipolar I disorder in a state mental health system.

Background: Presenting symptoms of and treatments used for child/adolescent and adult patients diagnosed with bipolar I disorder in a state mental health system are described and compared.

Methods: Medical records were reviewed for 267 cases of bipolar I disorder reported in the statewide patient information system.

Results: The child/adolescent patients were significantly more likely to have irritability documented, be treated with stimulant medications, and meet the criteria for major depression while adults were significantly more likely to have a broader array of documented symptoms: euphoria, fatigue, trouble concentrating, and hyper-religiosity.