Assessing feasibility of routine identification tools for mental health disorder in neurology clinics

Abstract

ObjectiveWe aimed to test the feasibility of using an online parent-completed diagnostic assessment for detecting common mental health disorders in children attending neurology clinics. The assessment does not require intervention by a mental health professional or additional time in the clinic appointment.SettingTwo parallel and related screening studies were undertaken: Study 1: Tertiary paediatric neurology clinics. Study 2: Secondary and tertiary paediatric neurology clinics.PatientsStudy 1: 406 Young people aged 7–18 attending paediatric neurology clinics. Study 2: 225 Young people aged 3–18 attending paediatric epilepsy clinics.InterventionsParents completed online versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Development and Well-being Assessment (DAWBA).Main outcome measuresWe investigated: the willingness of families to complete the measures, proportion identified as having mental health disorders, time taken to complete the measures and acceptability to families and clinicians.ResultsThe mean total difficulties score of those that had completed the SDQ fell in the ‘high’ and ‘very high’ ranges. 60% and 70% of the DAWBAS completed met criteria for at least one DSM-IV disorder in study 1 and 2 respectively. 98% of the parents reported that the screening methods used were acceptable.

<p>Young Minds: Mental Health and Transitional Care in Adolescent and Young Adult Rheumatology</p>

“…5 Young people with chronic disease (including rheumatic musculoskeletal disease, RMD) 6,7 have been reported to be more likely to have mental health disorders than healthy individuals, with some authors reporting up to a fourfold risk. [8][9][10][11][12] In certain RMDs, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), there are direct effects on the brain and nervous system caused by the condition itself resulting in additional psychological morbidity. 13 Risks for poor outcomes in RMD conditions are often found to be related to both mental health status as well as their RMD.…”

The diagnostic process from primary care to child and adolescent mental healthcare services: the incremental value of information conveyed through referral letters, screening questionnaires and structured multi-informant assessment

“…When used within a sequential approach, the DAWBA package may help develop a shared language between primary care and specialised care professionals and parents, just as the DAWBA package also produces a report for parents when requested. 46 This, in turn, might stimulate fruitful discussions within families and help ameliorate discrepancies between the problem perceptions of minors versus caregivers, the perceived focus of treatment and treatment outcomes. 1,44,47,48 Moreover, a harmonised sequential diagnostic approach might facilitate real integration and joint working in the primary–secondary care interface, a challenge that has not been overcome despite decades of research and dissemination of the importance of EBA.…”

Telephone-guided self-help for mental health difficulties in neurological conditions: a randomised pilot trial

“…These procedures are detailed further in a paper reporting on the identification of mental health difficulties in paediatric neurology clinics 24 .…”