Latest Research

This network meta-analysis of 26 trials identified significant gaps in the evidence base regarding the treatment of childhood depression with newer generation antidepressants.  Fluoxetine, sertraline, escitalopram and duloxetine appeared to be most likely to have (small) benefits over placebo. Hetrick, S., Meader, N., Bailey, A. P., Badcock, P. B., Moller, C. I., Cox, G. R., ... & McKenzie, J. E. (2020). New generation antidepressants for depression in children and adolescents: ...

Although international depression management guidelines favour psychological therapies as first line interventions, this systematic review demonstrates that there remains insufficient evidence regarding the effectiveness of these therapies for children with intellectual disabilities and autism. Cameron, L., Phillips, K., Melvin, G., Hastings, R., & Gray, K. (2021). Psychological interventions for depression in children and young people with an intellectual disability and/or autism: System...

Subthreshold depression has been previously shown to be as functionally impairing as major depression.  This systematic review found an overall effect size of 0.38 and a number-needed-to-treat (NNT) of 8.4 for psychological (primarily CBT-based) interventions designed to address it. There was insufficient evidence regarding the effectiveness of such therapies for children under 12 and regarding the prevention of onset of major depression. Cuijpers, P., Pineda, B. S., Ng, M. Y., Weis...

Dialectical behaviour therapy and mentalisation based therapy both appear to be effective at reducing self-harm and suicidal behaviour, according to this systematic review and network meta-analysis. Bahji A, Pierce M, Wong J, Roberge JN, Ortega I, Patten S. Comparative Efficacy and Acceptability of Psychotherapies for Self-harm and Suicidal Behavior Among Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. JAMA Netw Open. 2021 Apr 1;4(4):e216614. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworko...

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the evidence for medication prescribing for children with autism. It may also be useful to share with families to assist with decision-making. Persico, A. M., Ricciardello, A., Lamberti, M., Turriziani, L., Cucinotta, F., Brogna, C., ... & Arango, C. (2021). The pediatric psychopharmacology of autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review-Part I: The past and the present. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, ...

This systematic review of 15 studies detailing the experiences of being a sibling of a child with autism found impacts on aspects self-identity and personal development.  Further research is needed into optimal methods of providing sibling support. Watson L, Hanna P, Jones CJ. A systematic review of the experience of being a sibling of a child with an autism spectrum disorder. Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry. April 2021. doi:10.1177/13591045211007921 https://journal...

This randomised controlled trial showed that an 8-week acceptance, mindfulness, optimism and resilience (AMOR) programme could reduce stress and mental health symptoms in  parents of children with autism. Schwartzman, J.M., Millan, M.E., Uljarevic, M. et al. Resilience Intervention for Parents of Children with Autism: Findings from a Randomized Controlled Trial of the AMOR Method.J Autism Dev Disord (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-021-04977-y https://link.sp...

Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) commonly occurs in children with autism.  This systematic review shows that first-line treatment with methylphenidate and atomoxetine is appropriate and tolerable for this group.  Rodrigues, R., Lai, M. C., Beswick, A., Gorman, D. A., Anagnostou, E., Szatmari, P., ... & Ameis, S. H. (2021). Practitioner Review: Pharmacological treatment of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in children and youth with autis...

This retrospective review of heath records of almost 500 children found that 66% of pre-school children who received treatment for Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with alpha-adrenergic agonists (such as clonidine) and 78% of those who received treatment with stimulants experienced clinical improvement.  As may be expected, the former group experienced more sleep and appetite disturbance and the latter more daytime sleepiness. Harstad E, Shults J, Barbaresi W, et ...

This meta-analysis of individual participant data found that behavioural treatments are effective for reducing symptoms of Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), especially in those with severe symptoms and conduct disorder. Groenman, A. P., Hornstra, R., Hoekstra, P. J., Steenhuis, L., Aghebati, A., Boyer, B. E., ... & van den Hoofdakker, B. J. (2021). An individual participant data meta-analysis: behavioral treatments for children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyp...