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Pediatric Reports
Special Issues
Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders of Children and Adolescents
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Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders of Children and Adolescents

A special issue of Pediatric Reports (ISSN 2036-7503). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Psychology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2025 | Viewed by 10895

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Artemis K. Tsitsika

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Adolescent Health Unit, 2nd Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “P. & A. Kyriakou” Children’s Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
Interests: adolescent health; adolescent development; child development; developmental health; learning difficulties; ADHD; autism spectrum disorder; internet addiction; sexual health; gender dysphoria and sexual orientation; eating disorders; overweight and obesity; family counseling and support; social emotional empowerment; psychoeducation; psychosocial health; adolescent health services; transition services; youth friendly services; pediatric and adolescent gynecology; contraception; school refusal; COVID-19 pandemic
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This is a Special Issue on Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders in Children and Adolescents; within, we aim to cover a variety of topics on preserving well-being, resilience and balance for the young in regard to environmental changes, behavioral expressions and health quality.  

Highlighting mental health challenges for children and adolescents comes as a priority in the post COVID-19 era; therefore, we encourage researchers to contribute to the international scientific dialogue. Numbers all over the globe show an increasing burden of mental health and psychiatric conditions concerning children, adolescent and their families. This also raises concerns about public health indicators, mental health in schools and general quality of life. 

This Special Issue will demonstrate a variety of topics on this specific scientific area, exploring the research results and best practices that may be used for future strategies in the control of any negative outcomes.

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Artemis K. Tsitsika
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pediatric Reports is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • youth mental health
  • pediatric psychiatric disorders
  • developmental health
  • social emotional empowerment
  • psychoeducation
  • learning difficulties

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 309 KiB  
Article
Beyond Reading: Psychological and Mental Health Needs in Adolescents with Dyslexia
by Manuel-Ramón Morte-Soriano and Manuel Soriano-Ferrer
Pediatr. Rep. 2024, 16(4), 880-891; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric16040075 - 15 Oct 2024
Viewed by 385
Abstract
Background. Overall, children and adolescents diagnosed with dyslexia or ADHD show an increased risk for psychological and mental health problems, and dyslexia and ADHD tend to coexist frequently. Thus, the main objective of this study was to examine psychological and mental health problems [...] Read more.
Background. Overall, children and adolescents diagnosed with dyslexia or ADHD show an increased risk for psychological and mental health problems, and dyslexia and ADHD tend to coexist frequently. Thus, the main objective of this study was to examine psychological and mental health problems in dyslexia. Method. Participated 95 adolescents with dyslexia (DG), comorbid dyslexia + attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, combined subtype (D + ADHD-CG), and a comparison group with typical development (TDCG). Self-reported measures of anxiety and depression, and parent and teacher versions of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were used. Results. Self-reports of internalizing problems showed that adolescents in the GD and D + ADHD-CG groups had more depression and stated anxiety problems with a very high percentage above the clinical cut-off point than the CG. Both the parent and teacher reports showed that the DG and D + ADHD-CG groups obtained higher mean values and a higher number of adolescents above the clinical cut-off of internalizing, externalizing, and total problems than the TDCG. The comorbid D + ADHD-CG group had the highest internalizing and externalizing problems. Conclusions. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the internalizing and externalizing problems experienced by adolescents with dyslexia and comorbid ADHD should be recognized early and treated promptly by education professionals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders of Children and Adolescents)
11 pages, 931 KiB  
Article
The Psychosocial Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Italian Families: The Perception of Quality of Life and Screening of Psychological Symptoms
by Roberta Maria Incardona and Marta Tremolada
Pediatr. Rep. 2024, 16(2), 519-529; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric16020043 - 20 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1019
Abstract
Throughout the COVID-19 period, families were forced to stay indoors, adapting to online schooling, remote work, and virtual social engagements, inevitably altering the dynamics within households. There was a notable increase in mental health challenges in terms of anxiety and depression in children [...] Read more.
Throughout the COVID-19 period, families were forced to stay indoors, adapting to online schooling, remote work, and virtual social engagements, inevitably altering the dynamics within households. There was a notable increase in mental health challenges in terms of anxiety and depression in children and adolescents. This study intended to explore the psychosocial effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Italian families by adopting self- and proxy-report questionnaires on anxiety, anger, and health-related quality of life. The results showed that approximately 20% obtained a clinical anxiety score and only 10% obtained a clinical anger score. There was a difference in the perception of the quality of life reported by the child and that perceived by the parent. A stepwise regression model showed that total anxiety scores were predicted by sex, quality of life scores from the parents’ self-report version, and the total anger score. Another stepwise regression model identified physiological and social anxiety as the best predictors that impact quality of life. Parental well-being actively influences the well-being of children, so it is fundamental to implement preventive programs and promote child well-being by providing parents the most adequate support possible. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders of Children and Adolescents)
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20 pages, 3379 KiB  
Article
Comparative Clinical Study on Periodontal Health Status and Early Diagnosis of Periodontal Diseases Quantified through Clinical Periodontal Indices on a Group of Children and Adolescents with and without Cardiovascular Diseases
by Oana Chipirliu, Marian Viorel Crăciun and Madalina Nicoleta Matei
Pediatr. Rep. 2024, 16(1), 1-20; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric16010001 - 26 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1588
Abstract
It is well known that bacterial plaque is the main etiological factor that causes the appearance of periodontal diseases and carious disease. Periodontal diseases can affect children and adolescents and are manifested in the form of gingivitis, but also the early form of [...] Read more.
It is well known that bacterial plaque is the main etiological factor that causes the appearance of periodontal diseases and carious disease. Periodontal diseases can affect children and adolescents and are manifested in the form of gingivitis, but also the early form of chronic periodontitis as well as aggressive marginal periodontitis associated with local or general factors. Early periodontitis is frequently undiagnosed by clinicians due to a lack of knowledge of the specific symptoms. Certain systemic diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, can create favorable conditions for the appearance and progression of severe manifestations of periodontal disease; also, recent research highlights that individuals with periodontal disease present an increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Children with congenital or acquired cardiovascular diseases are at increased risk for complications resulting from the growth of microorganisms in the oral cavity, presenting a risk of infective endocarditis. The specific aim was to highlight the existing differences between the periodontal health of children with cardiovascular diseases and that of children without these diseases. The analyzed group included 124 patients, represented by children and adolescents, aged between 7 and 17 years, who were divided into four subgroups depending on the presence or absence of cardiovascular diseases and periodontal disease. A specialized clinical examination was performed for each patient, and periodontal clinical parameters were quantified (plaque index, gingival bleeding index, gingival index, community periodontal index of treatment needs) and associated with the diagnosis of general condition. Patients diagnosed with periodontal disease underwent specialized treatment and were called to a control visit 3 months after treatment. Statistical analysis showed significant differences between subgroups with much higher values of clinical parameters for patients with cardiovascular disease. Also, the response to the treatment was better in the case of patients in the control subgroup without cardiovascular diseases. The present study highlighted the interaction of three factors in the progression of periodontal diseases: subgingival microbiota, immune system response and environmental factors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders of Children and Adolescents)
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11 pages, 1182 KiB  
Article
Association between Children’s Difficulties, Parent-Child Sleep, Parental Control, and Children’s Screen Time: A Cross-Sectional Study in Japan
by Yusuke Arai, Daimei Sasayama, Kazuhiro Suzuki, Toshinori Nakamura, Yuta Kuraishi and Shinsuke Washizuka
Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(4), 668-678; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15040060 - 8 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2344
Abstract
Children’s screen time may affect their growth and development. However, differences in the impact of various psychiatric and psychological factors on children’s screen time is a research gap. This study aimed to explore the differences in the influence of related factors affecting children’s [...] Read more.
Children’s screen time may affect their growth and development. However, differences in the impact of various psychiatric and psychological factors on children’s screen time is a research gap. This study aimed to explore the differences in the influence of related factors affecting children’s screen time based on their sleep, difficulties, and parental control among Japanese elementary and junior high school students. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among parents in Japan. Data on screen time duration, parent–child background, strengths and difficulties, sleep variables, and parental control types were collected from 225 households. A regression analysis revealed that high Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) scores (β = 0.166, p = 0.008), sleep duration (β = −0.281, p < 0.001), and parental control (β = −0.204, p = 0.001) were significantly related to children’s screen time. Additionally, it was found that parents’ late bedtimes affect children’s screen time by mediating children’s sleep duration. This study, together with previous research, provides comprehensive insights into design interventions to decrease the screen time of children in the Japanese context. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders of Children and Adolescents)
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19 pages, 1165 KiB  
Article
Integrated Behavior Therapy for Exclusively Anxious Selective Mutism: A Nonconcurrent Multiple-Baseline Design across Five Participants
by Allison K. Siroky, John S. Carlson and Aimee Kotrba
Pediatr. Rep. 2023, 15(4), 617-635; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric15040057 - 16 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1810
Abstract
Selective mutism (SM) is a rare childhood anxiety disorder which may be markedly detrimental to a child’s academic and social functioning if left untreated. Cognitive–behavioral treatments for social anxiety disorders have been found to be effective for SM, yet a paucity of published [...] Read more.
Selective mutism (SM) is a rare childhood anxiety disorder which may be markedly detrimental to a child’s academic and social functioning if left untreated. Cognitive–behavioral treatments for social anxiety disorders have been found to be effective for SM, yet a paucity of published studies have explored manualized treatment approaches carried out by novice clinicians. The purpose of the present study was to examine the adherence, effectiveness, and acceptability of a condensed, 16-session version of Integrated Behavior Therapy for Selective Mutism (IBTSM; Bergman, 2013), the first manualized treatment for SM. A nonconcurrent multiple-baseline single-case design was used across five children diagnosed with SM, exclusively anxious subtype. IBTSM was implemented with excellent adherence (M = 98%) over an average of 19 weeks (range = 16–22 weeks). Visual analyses of weekly caregiver ratings of social anxiety and speaking behaviors did not demonstrate a replicated intervention effect; however, Tau-U effect sizes and Reliable Change Index (RCI) calculations demonstrated significant individual improvements in social anxiety and speaking behaviors over time on several measures. Three children (60%) no longer met diagnostic criteria for SM following treatment. All caregivers rated IBTSM as acceptable, with specific endorsements of acceptability in the areas of time required and treatment quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders of Children and Adolescents)
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Review

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17 pages, 1051 KiB  
Review
Prenatal Tobacco Exposure and Behavioral Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Stephanie Godleski, Shannon Shisler, Kassidy Colton and Meghan Leising
Pediatr. Rep. 2024, 16(3), 736-752; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric16030062 - 31 Aug 2024
Viewed by 662
Abstract
Prenatal tobacco exposure has been implicated in increased risk of the development of behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. The purpose of the current study was to systematically examine the association between prenatal tobacco exposure and diagnoses of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant [...] Read more.
Prenatal tobacco exposure has been implicated in increased risk of the development of behavioral disorders in children and adolescents. The purpose of the current study was to systematically examine the association between prenatal tobacco exposure and diagnoses of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Conduct Disorder in childhood and adolescence. We searched Medline, Psychinfo, ERIC, Proquest, Academic Search Complete, PsychArticles, Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection, Web of Science, CINAHL Plus, and Google Scholar databases through October 2022. The authors screened studies and extracted data independently in duplicate. Ten clinical studies examining diagnoses of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Conduct Disorder between the ages of 4 and 18 years old were included. There was insufficient evidence to synthesize outcomes related to Conduct Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. The meta-analysis found a significant effect of prenatal tobacco exposure in increasing the likelihood of an Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder diagnosis in childhood and adolescence. Implications for future research are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders of Children and Adolescents)
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12 pages, 661 KiB  
Review
Understanding the Neuropsychological Implications of Klinefelter Syndrome in Pediatric Populations: Current Perspectives
by Panagiota Tragantzopoulou and Vaitsa Giannouli
Pediatr. Rep. 2024, 16(2), 420-431; https://doi.org/10.3390/pediatric16020036 - 25 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1582
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS), also known as 47,XXY, is a genetic disorder characterized by the presence of an extra X chromosome. Despite the prevalence of verbal learning disabilities, memory impairments, and executive function deficits in individuals with KS, comprehensive research on the neuropsychological profiles [...] Read more.
Klinefelter syndrome (KS), also known as 47,XXY, is a genetic disorder characterized by the presence of an extra X chromosome. Despite the prevalence of verbal learning disabilities, memory impairments, and executive function deficits in individuals with KS, comprehensive research on the neuropsychological profiles of affected children and adolescents remains limited. Additionally, KS has been associated with comorbid conditions such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, systematic investigations into the neuropsychological manifestations of KS in pediatric populations are scarce. Therefore, the primary objectives of this review are to provide an overview of key studies examining the neuropsychological profiles of children and adolescents with KS and to delineate the limitations and implications of existing research findings. By synthesizing available literature, this review aims to bridge the gap in understanding the cognitive and behavioral characteristics of children and adolescents with KS, shedding light on potential avenues for future research and clinical interventions. Ultimately, this review serves as a valuable resource for clinicians, researchers, policymakers, parents, and educators involved in the assessment and management of the neuropsychological aspects of Klinefelter syndrome in pediatric populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mental Health and Psychiatric Disorders of Children and Adolescents)
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