Anxiety and depression in adolescents with a visible difference: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Dalen, Marije van; Dierckx, Bram; Pasmans, Suzanne G.M.A.; Aendekerk, Elisabeth W. C.; Mathijssen, Irene M J; Koudstaal, Maarten J.; Timman, Reinier; Williamson, Heidi; Hillegers, Manon H. J.; Utens, Elisabeth M. W. J.; Okkerse, Jolanda

doi:10.1016/j.bodyim.2020.02.006

Cited by 31 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 44 publications

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“…During this period, poor mental health can compromise adolescents' development and future potential [ 5 ]. In recent years, a high prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms has been reported worldwide, and there is increasing concern about the mental health of adolescents [ 6 , 7 ]. Previous studies have shown that adolescents are more vulnerable to traumatic and stressful events and are prone to developing mental health problems when faced with such events [ 8 ].…”

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confidence: 99%

The Effect of Social Support on Mental Health in Chinese Adolescents During the Outbreak of COVID-19

Zhou

Guo³

et al. 2020

Journal of Adolescent Health

245

247

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Purpose The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak impacts physical and mental health. The purpose of this study was to explore the association between the levels of social support and mental health among Chinese adolescents during the outbreak. Methods A total of 7,202 adolescents aged 14–18 years completed online survceys from March 8 to 15, 2020, in China. Researchers assessed the associations between depression symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9), anxiety symptoms (Chinese version of the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale), and social support (Social Support Rate Scale). Results COVID-19 exposure was associated with a higher prevalence of depression symptoms (odds ratio [OR] = 1.38, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14–1.66) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.04–1.52). Only 24.6% of adolescents reported high levels of social support. Most adolescents (70%) reported medium levels of support, and 5.4% reported low support. Low support was associated with higher prevalence of depression (OR = 4.24, 95% CI: 3.38–5.33) and anxiety symptoms (OR = 3.18, 95% CI: 2.54–3.98), while controlling for gender, grade, living situation, and COVID-19 exposure; similarly, medium support was associated with higher prevalence of depression (OR = 2.79, 95% CI: 2.48–3.15) and anxiety (OR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.94–2.48) symptoms. Conclusions This study indicates there is a higher prevalence of mental health problems among adolescents with medium and low levels of social support in China during the outbreak of COVID-19.

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mentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effect of Social Support on Mental Health in Chinese Adolescents During the Outbreak of COVID-19

Zhou

Guo³

et al. 2020

Journal of Adolescent Health

245

247

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“…More specifically, they experience higher levels of self-consciousness in public situations, neuroticism (Magin et al, 2008), internalising symptoms (Barankin & DeKoven, 2002;Pope & Snyder, 2005) and anxiety, depression and difficulties with social functioning (Bakker et al, 2013). A recent meta-analysis shows that adolescents with a visible difference experience more anxiety than unaffected peers (van Dalen et al, 2020).…”

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confidence: 99%

Acceptability and feasibility of an online psychosocial intervention for Dutch adolescents with a visible difference: a mixed-methods study

Dalen¹,

Pasmans²,

M³

et al. 2021

Preprint

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Introduction: Adolescents with a visible difference can experience difficult social situations, (e.g., people staring or making unwanted comments) and are at risk for mental health problems. Unfortunately, interventions for adolescents with a visible difference who experience appearance-related distress are scarce and lack an evidence-base. This study tests the acceptability and feasibility of YP Face IT, an innovative online psychological intervention, in Dutch adolescents. Methods: Adolescents aged 12-18 with a visible difference and access to an internet-enabled computer or tablet participated. They completed YP Face IT (eight sessions). Prior and directly after YP Face IT questionnaires were administered to inform future study design. After YP Face IT in-depth interviews took place to assess the acceptability and feasibility of YP Face IT and study procedures. Results: 15 adolescents consented to participation, one person dropped out after one session. Adolescents appreciated the intervention and would recommend it to other adolescents experiencing appearance-related distress. Everyone reported personal growth after following the sessions. Some struggled with motivation, but reminders by the website and research team were helpful. Discussion: The Dutch YP Face IT intervention is acceptable and feasible to use. An RCT should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.

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“…National statistics currently indicate there are approximately 400 000 adolescents aged 12–17 in [Country] [ 31 ]. Estimates suggest that approximately 2% have a visible facial or bodily difference that deviates from the norm [ 32 ], which means that around 8000 young people aged 12 to 17 could possibly be relevant for inclusion.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recruiting difficult-to-engage groups to online psychosocial interventions: Experiences from an RCT study targeting adolescents with a visible difference

Kling

Nordgreen

Kvalem

et al. 2021

Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications

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Online interventions have the potential to reach individuals who are otherwise difficult to engage due to stigma and sensitive topics. However, these individuals also tend to be hard to recruit in clinical trials, a crucial step in order to provide evidence-based interventions. This highlights a need for more information about efficient recruitment strategies for difficult-to-engage groups. The present study aimed to share the systematised experiences of recruiting adolescents with a visible difference to an online psychosocial intervention RCT. With the intention to recruit 160 participants (age 12–17), recruitment efforts were nationwide and included multiple arenas (e.g., hospitals, schools, social media), and methods (e.g., in-consultation, targeted letters, posters). Ultimately, 102 participants were recruited, and results showed that recruitment involving patient organisations, hospital departments, and specialised resource centres were most successful in reaching participants. The most efficient recruitment strategy was targeted letters sent home to eligible patients/members, as 78% of the participants were recruited this way. Media and social media recruitment efforts yielded comparatively few participants. No participants were recruited through schools and educational health care services, primary health care services, or municipal and regional authorities. Our results are discussed in relation to barriers with recruiting difficult-to-engage groups to RCTs, providing useful recruitment tools to future similar studies. For instance, future studies are recommended to utilise targeted approaches over general population approaches. Also, results from recruitment efforts should routinely be reported, as this ultimately will provide more general strategies for effective recruitment and support studies in reaching recruitment goals.

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Anxiety and depression in adolescents with a visible difference: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cited by 31 publications

References 44 publications

The Effect of Social Support on Mental Health in Chinese Adolescents During the Outbreak of COVID-19

The Effect of Social Support on Mental Health in Chinese Adolescents During the Outbreak of COVID-19

Acceptability and feasibility of an online psychosocial intervention for Dutch adolescents with a visible difference: a mixed-methods study

Recruiting difficult-to-engage groups to online psychosocial interventions: Experiences from an RCT study targeting adolescents with a visible difference

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