Physical-mental multimorbidity in children and youth: a scoping review

Abstract

ObjectiveEfforts to describe the current state of research are needed to advance the field of physical-mental multimorbidity (ie, the co-occurrence of at least one physical illness and at least one mental disorder) among children and youth. Our objective was to systematically explore the breadth of physical-mental multimorbidity research in children and youth and to provide an overview of existing literature topics.DesignScoping review.MethodsWe conducted a systematic search of four key databases: PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Scopus as well as a thorough scan of relevant grey literature. We included studies of any research design, published in English, referring to physical-mental multimorbidity among children and youth aged ≤18 years. Studies were screened for eligibility and data were extracted, charted and summarised narratively by research focus. Critical appraisal was employed using the modified Quality Index (QI).ResultsWe included 431 studies and 2 sources of grey literature. Existing research emphasises the co-occurrence of anxiety, mood and attention disorders among children with epilepsy, asthma and allergy. Evidence consists of mostly small, observational studies that use cross-sectional data. The average QI score across applicable studies was 9.1 (SD=1.8).ConclusionsThere is a pressing need for more robust research within the field of child physical-mental multimorbidity.

Self-harm, somatic disorders and mortality in the 3 years following a hospitalisation in psychiatry in adolescents and young adults

“… 16 Adolescents presenting or admitted to hospital for self-harm are in turn at increased risk of premature death from suicide but also from other causes including natural causes and accidents. 17 18 Mental disorders are indeed frequently comorbid with physical disorders, even at a young age, 19 and are associated with an increased risk of death from so-called ‘natural causes’. 20 Therefore, self-harm, somatic disorders and premature mortality from various causes all contribute to the high burden of mental disorders.…”

The relationship between physical and mental health multimorbidity and children’s health-related quality of life

“…In Australia, 60–72% of children aged 2–15 years are experiencing an ongoing health condition; commonly obesity, asthma, and eczema [ 3 ] or mental health conditions such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), anxiety disorders and depression [ 4 ]. These physical and mental health problems frequently co-occur [ 5 , 6 ], defined as physical–mental multimorbidity [ 7 ], however, our understanding of the quality of life of children with physical–mental multimorbidity remains limited in comparison to our understanding in adults [ 6 ].…”

“…In contrast, others have found no significant association between HRQoL and comorbid physical health problems after accounting for the relationship with existing mental health problems [ 20 ]. Most existing studies focus on multimorbidity within a single physical health disorder (most commonly epilepsy, asthma or allergies); and most estimates were based on small, observational studies from North America and Europe [ 6 ].…”

The economic burden of multimorbidity: Protocol for a systematic review

“…The review also found that older adults and those with multiple conditions had a significantly higher prevalence of multimorbidity. Although it is more prevalent among older adults, it can affect people of all age groups, including children and young people [ 1 , 2 ]. Evidence also shows that multimorbidity is common among people with mental health disorders and those from lower socioeconomic positions [ 3 ].…”