Affective and cognitive deficits in bipolar disorder vary according to the mood states. Follow-up studies re-testing bipolar disorder patients after recovery are needed in order to investigate if these abnormalities reflect a state or trait marker and can be considered an endophenotype. Future studies should aim at standardizing task and designs.

AimNutrition challenges are common during childhood cancer treatment and can persist into survivorship, increasing the risk of non‐communicable diseases. Evidence‐based practice and implementation of nutrition interventions/education for childhood cancer survivors has been poorly investigated and may influence their future health. This study aimed to explore the nutrition interventions/education needs of childhood cancer survivors and the barriers and facilitators to delivering follow‐up services in New Zealand.MethodsSemi structured interviews were conducted with childhood cancer survivors and/or their families (n=22) and health professionals (n=9) from a specialist paediatric oncology centre in New Zealand. Interviews were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed inductively using thematic analysis. A multi‐level consensus coding methodology was used where each theme and associated subthemes were discussed with the study team for confirmation to ensure accurate coding and analysis.ResultsThree themes emerged from the analysis: (1) the current survivorship care pathway does not provide adequate interventions/education, (2) weight and dietary changes are common challenges and (3) requirements for interventions/education in survivorship are varied. Common nutrition‐related concerns included fussy eating/limited dietary intake, poor diet quality, difficulties with tube weaning, and challenges with weight gain. Participants expressed a desire for education on healthy eating alongside information about cancer‐related nutrition issues, such as learned food aversions. A preference for clear referral pathways and multifaceted interventions tailored to individual patient needs was identified.ConclusionThe trifecta of treatment side effects, negative feeding practices and poor messaging from health professionals creates a challenging environment to optimise nutrition. A stepped care model matching the intervention intensity with the childhood cancer survivors is required. Education for healthcare professionals will improve the delivery of timely interventions/education and monitoring practices.

Purpose: Nutrition challenges are common during childhood cancer treatment and can persist into survivorship, increasing the risk of non-communicable chronic diseases. Evidence based practice and implementation of nutrition support for childhood cancer survivors (CCS) has been poorly investigated and may influence the future health of survivors. This study aimed to explore the nutrition support needs of CCS and the barriers and facilitators to delivering follow-up services in New Zealand (NZ).Methods: Qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews were performed at a specialist paediatric oncology centre in NZ with CCS and their family (N = 20 individuals) and health professionals (N = 9). Results: Three key themes emerged from the analysis: 1) the current survivorship care pathway does not provide adequate nutrition support, 2) weight and dietary changes are common challenges, and 3) requirements for nutrition support in survivorship are varied. Common nutrition-related concerns included fussy eating, poor diet quality, difficulties tube weaning, and challenges with weight gain. Participants expressed a desire for education on healthy eating alongside information about cancer-related nutrition issues, such as learned food aversions. A preference for clear referral pathways and multifaceted interventions tailored to individual patient needs were identified by CCS and health professionals. Conclusion: The trifecta of treatment side effects, negative feeding practices, and poor messaging from health professionals creates a challenging environment to optimise nutrition. A stepped care model matching the intervention intensity with the CCS is required. Education for healthcare professionals will improve the delivery of timely nutrition support and monitoring practices.

Purpose This study aimed to understand the experience of families caring for a child with cancer in New Zealand (NZ) who received nutrition and dietetic support during cancer treatment and their preferences for the delivery, format, and timing of nutrition information. Methods Childhood cancer patients and their families (N = 21) participated in a mixed-methods study at a specialist paediatric oncology centre in Auckland, NZ. Before the semi-structured interview, participants completed a questionnaire capturing demographic, disease, and treatment characteristics of their child, their nutrition concerns, and their information needs. Quantitative data were described, and qualitative thematic analysis of the semi-structured interviews was performed using NVivo data analysis software. Results Eighty-six percent of participants indicated they had concerns about their child’s nutrition during treatment. The most common concerns were anorexia, vomiting, and weight loss. While many were happy with the quality of the nutrition support received, one-third of the patients wanted more support. Four key themes emerged from the interviews: (1) patients experience significant and distressing nutrition challenges; (2) patients and families have mixed perceptions of EN; (3) there are gaps in the current nutrition support system for inpatients; and (4) a desire for more accessible nutrition support. Conclusion Childhood cancer patients and families experience significant and distressing nutrition challenges during treatment. Standardising information given to patients and their families may optimise nutrition support for paediatric oncology patients and reduce the discordance between families and health professionals. Future implementation of a nutrition decision aid in this population is warranted.