Behavioral Medicine Commons^™

The Effect Of Covid-19 On The Detection And Prevalence Of Suicidality In Adolescents, John Lantos, Hung-Wen Yeh, Fajar Raza, Mark Connelly, Shayla Sullivant

Presentations

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic saw changes to the delivery of health services and concerns about psychological morbidity not directly related to COVID infection. We analyzed the effects of the pandemic on our hospital’s program to screen adolescents for suicidality.

Objective: To determine the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on 1) a hospital-wide screening program for suicidality in teens; and 2) the prevalence of positive screens for suicidality.

Design/Methods: Our study population was all patients > 12yo seen as inpatients or in the ED or clinics at a children’s hospital in Apr-June in 2019 (T1) and 2020 (T2). Eligible pts were screened …

Characterization Of Comorbidities In Patients With A Dual Diagnosis Of Down Syndrome And Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Cerner Health Facts, Michael Slogic, Earl F. Glynn, Cy Nadler, Meredith Dreyer, Sarah T. Edwards

Presentations

Background: Up to 19% of patients with Down syndrome (DS) meet diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (Channell, et al, 2019). While the medical and psychological comorbidities for patients with DS or ASD are well characterized, outcomes for patients with a dual diagnosis (DS-ASD) are poorly understood. Large DS-ASD cohorts and comparison samples are needed to fill this gap, as well as methods for grouping and analyzing complex diagnostic phenotypes. Objective: Our objective is to utilize Cerner Health Facts, a multi-institutional healthcare database, to identify large populations with DS, ASD, and DS-ASD, allowing for characterization and comparison of their …

Health-Related Quality Of Life Across Recent Pediatric Obesity Classification Recommendations., William R. Black, Kelsey B. Borner, Marshall T. Beauchamp, Ann M. Davis, Meredith Dreyer, Brooke Sweeney, Sarah Hampl

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Extreme body mass index (BMI) values (i.e., above the 97th and below the 3rd percentiles) are inaccurately represented on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's growth curves, which may limit the utility of BMI percentile and BMI z-score for capturing changes in clinical outcomes for patients at extreme weights. Modeling child obesity severity based upon the percentage of BMI in excess of the 95th percentile (BMI95pct) has been proposed as an improved metric to better capture variability in weight at extreme ends of growth curves, which may improve our understanding of relationships between weight status and changes in clinical …

Readiness To Change And Prospective Effects Of Weight Management Programs In Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease., Voytek Slowik, Heather Wasserkrug, Ryan T. Fischer, Mark Connelly, Amanda D. Deacy, Sarah Hampl, James F. Daniel

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasing problem in pediatrics with limited treatment options. We prospectively assessed outcomes in patients managed in a hepatology clinic (HC) alone vs. those managed in combination with a multidisciplinary weight management program (MWMP). We describe each group's readiness to change at the time of NAFLD diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with NAFLD were given a modified Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES) at enrollment (T1) to assess readiness to change. They were then followed at 3-9 months (T2) and at 10-15 months (T3). Linear mixed models were used to evaluate changes in …

Toward Actionable Practice Parameters For "Dual Diagnosis": Principles Of Assessment And Management For Co-Occurring Psychiatric And Intellectual/Developmental Disability., John N. Constantino, Shae Strom, Michael Bunis, Cy Nadler, Teresa Rodgers, Julia Lepage, Connie Cahalan, Amber Stockreef, Lucas Evans, Rachel Jones, Alyssa Wilson

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Although treatment algorithms and parameters for best practice are readily available for all major syndromes of psychiatric impairment, the occurrence of psychiatric syndromes in individuals with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) invokes serious contextual challenges for interpretation of symptoms, diagnosis, and optimization of treatment, both for clinicians and for the service sectors in which care and support of individuals with IDD are delivered. Recognizing that there exist very few definitive resources for best practice under the circumstance of this form of "dual diagnosis," the Missouri Department of Mental Health convened an expert panel to conduct a focused …

Demographic, Clinical, And Treatment Characteristics Of The Juvenile Primary Fibromyalgia Syndrome Cohort Enrolled In The Childhood Arthritis And Rheumatology Research Alliance Legacy Registry., Jennifer E. Weiss, Kenneth N. Schikler, Alexis D. Boneparth, Mark Connelly, Carra Registry Investigators

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: To describe the demographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics of youth diagnosed with juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (JPFS) who are seen in pediatric rheumatology clinics.

METHODS: Information on demographics, symptoms, functioning, and treatments recommended and tried were obtained on patients with JPFS as part of a multi-site patient registry (the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Legacy Registry). Data were summarized using descriptive statistics. In a subset of patients completing registry follow-up visits, changes in symptoms, pain, and functioning were evaluated using growth modeling.

RESULTS: Of the 201 patients with JPFS enrolled in the registry, most were Caucasian/White (85%), non-Hispanic …

3 Cm Researchers Honored With Endowed Chairs, Children's Mercy Hospital

Our Story Continues

Susan Abdel-Rahman, PharmD received the Marion Merrell Dow/Missouri Chair in Pediatric Clinical Pharmacology. Shao Jiang, MD received the Frederick J. McCoy Endowed Chair in Plastic Surgery and Craniofacial Research. Cy Nadler, PhD received the Josh Barnds and Stella Carlson Endowed Professorship for Autism.

Clinical Genome Sequencing In An Unbiased Pediatric Cohort., Isabelle Thiffault, Emily G. Farrow, Lee Zellmer, Courtney D. Berrios, Neil Miller, Margaret Gibson, Raymond Caylor, Janda L. Jenkins, Deb Faller, Sarah E. Soden, Carol J. Saunders

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

PURPOSE: We report for the first time, the use of clinical genome sequencing (GS) in an unbiased pediatric cohort. We describe the clinical validation, patient metrics, ordering patterns, results, reimbursement, and physician retrieval of results for the first consecutive 80 cases.

METHODS: Clinical GS was performed for both inpatients and outpatients undergoing etiologic evaluations. Results were reported in the electronic medical record. Evidence of report retrieval by clinicians and whether interpretation was concordant with laboratory report was obtained through retrospective chart review.

RESULTS: Twenty definitive diagnoses were made in 19 patients (24%; n = 80). Except for two partial gene …

Functional Brain Activation Changes Associated With Practice In Delaying Smoking Among Moderate To Heavy Smokers: Study Protocol And Rationale Of A Randomized Trial (Cope)., Andrew T. Fox, Delwyn Catley, Kimber P. Richter, Edward F. Ellerbeck, Morgan G. Brucks, Vlad B. Papa, Laura E. Martin

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND: Most smokers struggle to overcome tobacco addiction. Neuroscientific models of addiction emphasize the importance of brain regions associated with cognitive control and reward to understand the cycle of addiction and relapse. During an attempt at abstinence, the cognitive control system appears to be underpowered to override the heightened reward system of the addicted brain. Thus, one neural target for treatment is to strengthen the cognitive control system. It may be possible to improve the functioning of the cognitive control system via deliberate practice.

METHODS/DESIGN: This study will determine the effects of practicing delaying smoking on brain and behavioral measures …

Developmental Intervention Patters In A Level Iv Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu), Grace Winningham, Cy Nadler, Sarah Nyp, Eugenia K. Pallotto, Ashley Sherman

Posters

Background: There are no evidence-based standards for if/when developmental interventions should be initiated while an infant is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), or these services yield incremental benefit. To support future prospective studies evaluating the neurodevelopmental benefits of NICU-based services as well as standardizing protocols for developmental interventions in the NICU, a thorough descriptive investigation of current developmental intervention practices is necessary. Objective: To describe trends in the delivery of developmental interventions [physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), speech-language therapy (ST), child life (CL), and music therapy (MT)] in high-risk infants in a large level-IV NICU. Methods: Electronic …

Developmental Intervention Patterns In A Level Iv Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (Nicu), Grace Winningham, Cy Nadler, Sarah Nyp, Eugenia K. Pallotto, Ashley Sherman

Posters

Background: There are no evidence-based standards for if/when developmental interventions should be initiated while an infant is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), or these services yield incremental benefit. To support future prospective studies evaluating the neurodevelopmental benefits of NICU-based services as well as standardizing protocols for developmental interventions in the NICU, a thorough descriptive investigation of current developmental intervention practices is necessary. Objective: To describe trends in the delivery of developmental interventions [physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), speech-language therapy (ST), child life (CL), and music therapy (MT)] in high-risk infants in a large level-IV NICU. Methods: Electronic …

Social Work Triage In A School District For The School Year 2017-2018, Libby Milkovich, Briana A. Woods-Jaeger, Allison Zoromski Phd

Posters

Purpose: One in 7 children ages 2-8 have a behavioral, mental or developmental diagnosis. The prevalence of mental health disorders increases in adolescence to over 20%. Only 36% of youth who have a mental health disorder in their lifetime receive treatment. School-based services can address barriers to care. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency and indication of referrals for students to 19 hospital-employed clinical social workers placed within a school district during one academic year (2017- 2018) and how the indication varies with level of schooling.

Methods: Students were referred to social workers by self, classmates …

Patterns Of Use Of Non-Ambulatory Care Services In Patients With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, July K. Jean Cuevas, Hongying Dai, Suman Sahil

Presentations

Background:

ADHD affects 1 out of 11 children (ages 4-17)

Cost of psychiatric disorders: – Limited investigation in children and adolescents. – Limited studies on economic burden of ADHD in the US

A recent study showed increased cost of healthcare in $USD for patients with ADHD in United States.

Hypothesis: – Costly non-ambulatory services contribute to this discrepancy

Objective: To compare non-ambulatory health care utilization patterns of patients with and without ADHD in a large socioeconomically, racially and geographically diverse population.

Methods:

Retrospective review of data from Cerner Health Facts ®.

A total of 190,365 patients with ADHD and 131,473 …

Problematic Child Mealtime Behavior And Caregiver Mobile Phone Use, Libby Milkovich, Meredith Dreyer, Brooke Sweeney, Sarah Nyp, Benjamin Black

Presentations

TITLE: Problematic Child Mealtime Behavior and Caregiver Mobile Phone Use

BACKGROUND Problematic mealtime behaviors (PMB) (externalizing behavior at mealtime) have been seen anthropologically when adult caregivers are absorbed in their mobile phones. Parents with mobile phone problematic use (MPPU) are more likely to be absorbed in a mobile device. Use of mobile devices interrupts personal interactions which may cause children to engage in more externalizing behavior to gain attention of the caregiver. MPPU may also be seen among parents attempting to be distracted from a child’s problematic behaviors. Neither the correlation of MPPU to PMB, nor the frequency of PMB …

Global Health Elective, Santiago, Dominican Republic, March 2018, July K. Jean Cuevas

Posters

Describes a global health learning experience to improve the knowledge of health care professionals and families about common developmental conditions, autism and ADHD.

Peer Victimization In Adolescents With Severe Obesity: The Roles Of Self-Worth And Social Support In Associations With Psychosocial Adjustment., Jennifer Reiter-Purtill, Marissa A. Gowey, Heather Austin, Kevin Smith, Dana L. Rofey, Todd M. Jenkins, Beth H. Garland, Meg H. Zeller, Teenview Study Group And In Cooperation With Teen-Labs Consortium

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Objective: To examine the associations of peer victimization with internalizing symptoms, externalizing symptoms, social competence, and academic performance in a clinical sample of adolescents with severe obesity, and whether self-worth and social support affect these associations.

Methods: Multisite cross-sectional data from 139 adolescents before weight loss surgery ( M age = 16.9; 79.9% female, 66.2% White; M Body Mass Index [BMI] = 51.5 kg/m 2 ) and 83 nonsurgical comparisons ( M age = 16.1; 81.9% female, 54.2% White; M BMI = 46.9 kg/m 2 ) were collected using self-reports with standardized measures.

Results: As a group, participants did not …

Physician Satisfaction With Integrated Behavioral Health In Pediatric Primary Care., Jeffrey F. Hine, Allison Q. Grennan, Kathryn M. Menousek, Gail Robertson, Rachel J. Valleley, Joseph H. Evans

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

As the benefits of integrated behavioral health care services are becoming more widely recognized, this study investigated physician satisfaction with ongoing integrated psychology services in pediatric primary care clinics. Data were collected across 5 urban and 6 rural clinics and demonstrated the specific factors that physicians view as assets to having efficient access to a pediatric behavioral health practitioner. Results indicated significant satisfaction related to quality and continuity of care and improved access to services. Such models of care may increase access to care and reduce other service barriers encountered by individuals and their families with behavioral health concerns (ie, …

The Art And Skill Of Delivering Culturally Responsive Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy In Tanzania And Kenya., Briana Woods-Jaeger, Christine M. Kava, Christopher F. Akiba, Leah Lucid, Shannon Dorsey

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

OBJECTIVE: This study explored the facilitators, barriers, and strategies used to deliver a child mental health evidence-based treatment (EBT), trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), in a culturally responsive manner. In low- and middle-income countries most individuals with mental health problems do not receive treatment due to a shortage of mental health professionals. One approach to addressing this problem is task-sharing, in which lay counselors are trained to deliver mental health treatment. Combining this approach with a focus on EBT provides a strategy for bridging the mental health treatment gap. However, little is known about how western-developed EBTs are delivered in …

Using Quality Improvement Methods To Increase Use Of Pain Prevention Strategies For Childhood Vaccination., Jennifer Verrill Schurman, Amanda D. Deacy, Rebecca J. Johnson, Jolynn Parker, Kristi Williams, Dustin Wallace, Mark Connelly, Lynn Anson, Kevin Mroczka

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

AIM: To increase evidence-based pain prevention strategy use during routine vaccinations in a pediatric primary care clinic using quality improvement methodology.

METHODS: Specific intervention strategies (i.e., comfort positioning, nonnutritive sucking and sucrose analgesia, distraction) were identified, selected and introduced in three waves, using a Plan-Do-Study-Act framework. System-wide change was measured from baseline to post-intervention by: (1) percent of vaccination visits during which an evidence-based pain prevention strategy was reported as being used; and (2) caregiver satisfaction ratings following the visit. Additionally, self-reported staff and caregiver attitudes and beliefs about pain prevention were measured at baseline and 1-year post-intervention …

Does Mental Status Impact Therapist And Patient Communication In Emergency Department Brief Interventions Addressing Alcohol Use?, Brian Borsari, Timothy R. Apodaca, Ali Yurasek, Peter M. Monti

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Motivational interviewing (MI) is often incorporated into screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (SBIRT) interventions in critical care settings to address alcohol and other drug use. However, cognitive status has been linked to differential response to MI sessions in emergency department (ED) settings. The current study examined one possible explanation for this differential response: whether higher versus lower mental status impacts patient response to clinician statements during MI sessions conducted in an ED. Participants were 126 patients receiving an MI-based single-session alcohol brief intervention, and 13 therapists who provided treatment. Participants completed a mental status exam (MSE) as part …

Parent And Child Report Of Pain And Fatigue In Jia: Does Disagreement Between Parent And Child Predict Functional Outcomes?, Amy C. Gaultney, Maggie H. Bromberg, Mark Connelly, Tracy Spears, Laura E. Schanberg

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

While previous research in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has identified discrepancy between parent and child perception of disease-related symptoms such as pain, the significance and impact of this disagreement has not been characterized. We examined the extent to which parent-child discordance in JIA symptom ratings are associated with child functional outcomes. Linear regression and mixed effects models were used to test the effects of discrepancy in pain and fatigue ratings on functional outcomes in 65 dyads, consisting of youth with JIA and one parent. Results suggested that children reported increased activity limitations and negative mood when parent and child pain …

Components Of Effective Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy For Pediatric Headache: A Mixed Methods Approach., Emily F. Law, Sarah E. Beals-Erickson, Emma Fisher, Emily A. Lang, Tonya M. Palermo

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Internet-delivered treatment has the potential to expand access to evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for pediatric headache, and has demonstrated efficacy in small trials for some youth with headache. We used a mixed methods approach to identify effective components of CBT for this population. In Study 1, component profile analysis identified common interventions delivered in published RCTs of effective CBT protocols for pediatric headache delivered face-to-face or via the Internet. We identified a core set of three treatment components that were common across face-to-face and Internet protocols: 1) headache education, 2) relaxation training, and 3) cognitive interventions. Biofeedback was identified as …

Family Factors That Characterize Adolescents With Severe Obesity And Their Role In Weight Loss Surgery Outcomes., Meg H. Zeller, Sanita Hunsaker, Carmen Mikhail, Jennifer Reiter-Purtill, Mary Beth Mccullough, Beth Garland, Heather Austin, Gia Washington, Amy Baughcum, Dana Rofey, Kevin Smith, Teenview Study Group And In Collaboration With The Teen-Labs Consortium

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Objective: To comprehensively assess family characteristics of adolescents with severe obesity and whether family factors impact weight loss outcomes following weight loss surgery (WLS).

Methods: Multisite prospective data from 138 adolescents undergoing WLS and primary caregivers (adolescent: Mage = 16.9; MBMI = 51.5 kg/m2 ; caregiver: Mage = 44.5; 93% female) and 83 nonsurgical comparators (NSComp: adolescent: Mage = 16.1; MBMI = 46.9 kg/m2 ; caregiver: Mage = 43.9; 94% female) were collected using standardized measures at presurgery/baseline and at 1 and 2 years.

Results: The majority (77.3%) of caregivers had obesity, with rates of caregiver WLS significantly higher in …

Ambivalence: Prerequisite For Success In Motivational Interviewing With Adolescents?, Sarah W. Feldstein Ewing, Timothy R. Apodaca, Jacques Gaume

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The exploration and resolution of ambivalence play an essential role in motivational interviewing (MI) theory. However, most adolescent MI studies have not examined ambivalence as a contributor to behaviour change. This paper reviewed research findings on the role of ambivalence in the adolescent change process.

METHODS AND RESULTS: We undertook a narrative review of the published empirical and theoretical literature on ambivalence and mechanisms of change in MI for adolescents and found that current MI evaluations appear not to have access to reliable and valid measures of ambivalence in adolescence or neuroimaging methods to evaluate the mechanisms …

The Alcohol Intervention Mechanisms Scale (Aims): Preliminary Reliability And Validity Of A Common Factor Observational Rating Measure., M Magill, Timothy R. Apodaca, Justin Walthers, Jacques Gaume, Ayla Durst, Richard Longabaugh, Robert L. Stout, Kathleen M. Carroll

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

The present work provides an overview, and pilot reliability and validity for the Alcohol Intervention Mechanisms Scale (AIMS). The AIMS measures therapist interventions that occur broadly across modalities of behavioral treatment for alcohol use disorder. It was developed based on identified commonalities in the function rather than content of therapist interventions in observed therapy sessions, as well as from existing observer rating systems. In the AIMS, the primary function areas are: explore (four behavior count codes), teach (five behavior count codes), and connect (three behavior count codes). Therapist behavior counts provide a frequency rating of occurrence (i.e., adherence). The three …

Autism Screening In Primary Care: Community Providers Incorrectly Report Adherence To Aap Autism Screening Guidelines, Jose Lopez-Lizarranga Md, Kimberly J. Reid, Sarah Nyp, Cy Nadler

Posters

Purpose: To compare community provider reports of adherence to current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) autism screening guidelines with their self-reported practices, including implementation of the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT).

Methods: An online survey was distributed to primary care providers from Kansas, Oklahoma, and North Dakota. The survey collected demographics and self-reported ASD screening practices (including M-CHAT implementation procedures) and knowledge questions.

Results: 133 providers completed the survey (50% pediatricians, 32% int. med/fam. physicians, 18% physician assistants). Of the 96 who reported routinely screening for ASD; 78% reported adhering to AAP guidelines. However, no providers correctly answered …

Reliability And Validity Of An Observational Measure Of Client Decision-Making: The Client Language Assessment - Proximal/Distal (Cla-Pd)., Molly Magill, Timothy R. Apodaca, Mitchell Karno, Jacques Gaume, Ayla Durst, Justin Walthers, Robert L. Stout, Carlo Diclemente

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

OVERVIEW: The Client Language Assessment - Proximal/Distal (CLA-PD) is a language rating system for measuring client decision-making in interventions that target a specified behavior change (e.g., alcohol or other drug use). In the CLA-PD, there are five dimensions of change language (Reason, Ability, Commitment, Taking Steps, Other) adapted from the client portion of the Motivational Interviewing Skill Code (MISC). For the CLA-PD, language codes are sub-divided to discriminate statements regarding the primary, or target behavior change (distal change) from the intermediate coping activities (proximal change) that are prescribed to facilitate that target behavior change. The goal of the CLA-PD is …

Medical Therapy For Inappropriate Sexual Behaviors In A Teen With Autism Spectrum Disorder., Loyal Coshway, Julia Broussard, Kruti Acharya, Karen Fried, Michael E. Msall, John Lantos, Leena Nahata

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

Teens with autism spectrum disorder often exhibit sexual behaviors in public that are disturbing to parents, teachers, and peers. Some have proposed that such behaviors can be curtailed with hormonal suppression. There is information on the Internet suggesting that such medications work, and some reports in the peer-reviewed medical literature support these claims. Such medications can have serious side effects. In this paper, we present a case in which parents requested such treatment of their teenage son with autism spectrum disorder.

The Relationship Between Emotion Regulation, Social Support, And Alcohol-Related Problems Among Racially Diverse Adolescents., Briana A. Woods-Jaeger, Richard H. Nobles, Linnea Warren, Mary E. Larimer

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

No abstract provided.

Allergic Diseases And Internalizing Behaviors In Early Childhood., Maya K. Nanda, Grace K. Lemasters, Linda Levin, Marc E. Rothenberg, Amal H. Assa'ad, Nicholas Newman, David Bernstein, Gurjit Khurana-Hershey, James E. Lockey, Patrick H. Ryan

Manuscripts, Articles, Book Chapters and Other Papers

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The relationship between allergic diseases and internalizing disorders has not been well characterized with regard to multiple allergic diseases or longitudinal study. The objective of this study was to examine the association between multiple allergic diseases in early childhood with validated measures of internalizing disorders in the school-age years.

METHODS: Children enrolled in the Cincinnati Childhood Allergy and Air Pollution Study underwent skin testing and examinations at ages 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 years. At age 7, parents completed the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition (BASC-2), a validated measure of childhood behavior and emotion. …