Early Onset Dysthymic Disorder in Children and Adolescents: Clinical Implications and Future Directions.

Early onset dysthymic disorder (EODD) is a serious psychiatric disorder that is associated with impaired social and relationship functioning, comorbid psychiatric conditions, a chronic course and increased risk for adult affective disorders. Unlike major depressive disorder (MDD) in childhood, which has been the focus of ongoing research, EODD has been relatively neglected in clinical practice and research. This paper reviews and evaluates EODD research findings and outlines pertinent clinical and research implications.

Abnormal executive function in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: the effect of stimulant medication and age on spatial working memory.

Objective: This study sought to examine the factors associated with spatial working memory and the use of strategies to impairments in spatial working memory in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The developmental trajectories for spatial working memory in medicated and medication naïve children with ADHD were investigated. In addition, the effect of psychostimulant medication on deficits in spatial working memory was examined.

Using program theory to develop key performance indicators for child and adolescent mental health services.

Key Performance Indicators are used increasingly by health services, but their relevance and utility may be questionable. In this article, Program Theory is used to model the irreducible stages in the system of clinical care in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, define the major program operations in each of these stages, and specify the intermediate outcomes of each stage and the final outcomes sought. National and State policy standards are used, with practice experience, to identify key program operations and intermediate outcomes sought.

Children who are cruel to animals: a revisit.

Objective: There is a paucity of research regarding children who are cruel to animals (CTA). Previous studies have suggested that being CTA is linked with recurrent aggression in adulthood. In this report, children with persistent conduct problems who are CTA are examined.

Comparison of treatments of persistent conduct problems in primary school children: a preliminary evaluation of a modified cognitive-behavioural approach.

Objective: Treatment for persistent conduct problems in primary school children was developed using a modification of cognitive-behavioural therapy (MCBT). Its effectiveness was evaluated by comparing it with conjoint family therapy (FT) and eclectic therapy (ET).

Method: Children with persistent conduct problems were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups.