Latest Research

This paper provides evidence for the long-term benefits of a combination of universal, selective and combined interventions for preventing and addressing substance use in Australian schools. Newton, N. C., Stapinski, L. A., Slade, T., Sunderland, M., Barrett, E. L., Champion, K. E., ... & Teesson, M. (2022). The 7-year effectiveness of school-based alcohol use prevention from adolescence to early adulthood: a randomized controlled trial of universal, selective, and combined interventions....

While numerous studies have confirmed their increased susceptibility to mental health issues, and debate continues regarding the benefits and downsides of earlier hormone therapy and gender reassignment surgery, it is reassuring to see that gender affirming care can result in a reduction of depression and suicidality.  Tordoff DM, Wanta JW, Collin A, Stepney C, Inwards-Breland DJ, Ahrens K. Mental Health Outcomes in Transgender and Nonbinary Youths Receiving Gender-Affirming Care. J...

Excessive gaming and internet use are increasingly common issues for high school students.  This study provides evidence for the efficacy of PROTECT, a 4-session, psychologist-delivered and CBT-based intervention in preventing gaming use disorder and unspecified internet use disorder. Lindenberg K, Kindt S, Szász-Janocha C. Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy–Based Intervention in Preventing Gaming Disorder and Unspecified Internet Use Disorder in Adolescents: A Cl...

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that a combination of Olanzapine and Fluoxetine (OFC), and Lurasidone were both effective for the treatment of bipolar depression in young people.  In contrast, Quetiapine was not helpful in improving depressive symptoms.  The use of Lurasidone was associated with less weight gain and hypercholesterolaemia than OFC. DelBello, M. P., Kadakia, A., Heller, V., Singh, R., Hagi, K., Nosaka, T., & Loebel, A. (2021). Systematic R...

This Australian study found that a dedicated early intervention service model for treating adolescent borderline personality disorder (BPD) achieved greater treatment attendance and completion than psychotherapy or general mental health care. Chanen AM, Betts JK, Jackson H, et al. Effect of 3 Forms of Early Intervention for Young People With Borderline Personality Disorder: The MOBY Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2022;79(2):109–119. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.202...

This Canadian study found that young people who attempt suicide have a range of long-term psychosocial outcomes including lower annual earnings, increased welfare dependence and lower rates of marriage. Orri, M., Vergunst, F., Turecki, G., Galera, C., Latimer, E., Bouchard, S., . . . Côté, S. (2022). Long-term economic and social outcomes of youth suicide attempts. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 220(2), 79-85. doi:10.1192/bjp.2021.133 https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/the-bri...

An acknowledgement of the significant contribution by Sir Michael Rutter to the field of child and adolescent psychiatry. Sonuga‐Barke, E., Fearon, P., & Scott, S. (2022). ‘The giant’s shoulders’: understanding Michael Rutter’s impact on science and society. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 63(1), 1-3. https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcpp.13558?campaign=woletoc

An overview of Sir Michael Rutter’s work over five decades. Stevenson, J. (2022). Editorial Perspective: How Sir Michael Rutter revolutionised our understanding of human development: An introduction to a systematic Digest of his life’s work. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcpp.13559?campaign=woletoc

This editorial outlines three potential mechanisms through which the COVID-19 pandemic may adversely affect young people’s mental health. Sonuga‐Barke, E., & Fearon, P. (2021). Do lockdowns scar? Three putative mechanisms through which COVID‐19 mitigation policies could cause long‐term harm to young people's mental health. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 62(12), 1375-1378. https://acamh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jcpp.13537?campaign=woletoc

Mothers of young children have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with over a quarter developing depression and almost half experiencing clinically significant anxiety. Racine, N., Eirich, R., Cooke, J., Zhu, J., Pador, P., Dunnewold, N., & Madigan, S. (2021). When the Bough Breaks: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of mental health symptoms in mothers of young children during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Infant Mental Health Journal. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/do...