-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Childhood bullying behaviors (bullying and victimization) were studied as risk factors for substance use among Finnish males. The study design was a nationwide prospective general population study, where information was collected in 1989 and 1999. Bullying behaviors and childhood psychopathology at age eight were collected from teachers, parents and boys themselves. At age 18, self-reports of frequent drunkenness (once a week or more often), daily heavy smoking (10 cigarettes or more per day), and illicit drug use during the past six months were obtained from 78% of the boys attending the study at age eight (n=2946). Being frequently victimized at age eight predicted daily heavy smoking, and this was evident even after adjusting for childhood family background, psychopathology at age eight and at age 18, and other forms of substance use. In multivariate analysis, bullying others frequently predicted illicit drug use, while being a victim of bullying associated with a lower occurrence of illicit drug use. Bullying behaviors had no association with frequent drunkenness independent of other factors. Accordingly, being a victim of bullying predisposes in particular to subsequent smoking. Bullying others in childhood can be regarded as an early indicator to illicit drug use later in life. The screening and intervention possibilities in order to recognize the risk group for later health compromising behaviors are emphasized.
Addictive behaviors 03/2011; 36(3):256-60. · 2.25 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to explore the validity of registry-based diagnoses of autism in Finland using the Autism Diagnostic Interview - Revised (ADI-R). This study was designed for the Finnish Prenatal Study of Autism and Autism Spectrum Disorders (FIPS-A), an ongoing research project where registry-based diagnoses will be used for epidemiological studies.
In this small pilot study, a clinical sample of 95 subjects diagnosed with childhood autism or pervasive developmental disorder/pervasive developmental disorder - not otherwise specified (PDD/PDD-NOS) or Asperger's syndrome according to the Finnish Hospital Discharge Register (FHDR) was gathered nationwide. A small control group consisting of siblings without any registered diagnoses of those being examined was also included in the study. Diagnoses were further re-evaluated by interviewing parents with the ADI-R.
The mean scores of autistic subjects clearly exceeded cut-off limits for autism on all three ADI-R domains and 96% of the subjects with registered diagnosis of childhood autism fulfilled the criteria based on the instrument as well.
These results suggest that the validity of Finnish registry-based diagnoses of childhood autism can be considered good. Our findings lay important groundwork for further population- based studies of the aetiology of autism.
Acta Paediatrica 09/2010; 99(9):1425-8. · 2.07 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The aim is to study the associations between sense of coherence (SOC), and psychopathology and major life events among adolescent boys. The study population consisted of 2314 Finnish boys born during 1981 who attended military call-up (79% of the original sample). At military call-up in 1999, the boys filled in the Young Adult Self-Report (YASR) and Antonovsky's Orientation to Life Questionnaire (SOC-13), which measure SOC. In univariate analysis, low parental education level, death and serious illness of parent, parental divorce and high symptom level in all YASR scales were associated with poor SOC. In multivariate analysis, most YASR syndrome scales and father's education level were independently associated with SOC. The study demonstrates the sensitivity of the SOC-13 scale to a wide range of mental health problems. The results offer additional support to the argument that SOC may be an important global measure for use in both clinical and research purposes in adolescent psychiatry.
Nordic journal of psychiatry 11/2008; 62(6):464-71. · 0.99 Impact Factor
-
R D Goodwin, A Sourander,
C S Duarte,
S Niemelä,
P Multimäki,
G Nikolakaros,
H Helenius,
J Piha,
K Kumpulainen,
I Moilanen,
T Tamminen,
F Almqvist
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Previous studies have documented associations between mental and physical health problems in cross-sectional studies, yet little is known about these relationships over time or the specificity of these associations. The aim of the current study was to examine the relationship between mental health problems in childhood at age 8 years and physical disorders in adulthood at ages 18-23 years.
Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between childhood mental health problems, reported by child, parent and teacher, and physical disorders diagnosed by a physician in early adulthood.
Significant linkages emerged between childhood mental health problems and obesity, atopic eczema, epilepsy and asthma in early adulthood. Specifically, conduct problems in childhood were associated with a significantly increased likelihood of obesity and atopic eczema; emotional problems were associated with an increased likelihood of epilepsy and asthma; and depression symptoms at age 8 were associated with an increased risk of asthma in early adulthood.
Our findings provide the first evidence of an association between mental health problems during childhood and increased risk of specific physical health problems, mainly asthma and obesity, during early adulthood, in a representative sample of males over time. These data suggest that behavioral and emotional problems in childhood may signal vulnerability to chronic physical health problems during early adulthood.
Psychological Medicine 06/2008; 39(2):301-11. · 6.16 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is to describe structural characteristics and staff resources of child psychiatric and adolescent psychiatric hospital wards in Finland. The target group of the survey consisted of 69 child and adolescent psychiatric hospital units in Finland. Information was obtained from 64 units (93%). Most of the wards were based on 24-h-a-day provision. There were only 7-day-treatment programmes including two family wards. When compared internationally, the numbers of units, beds and staff levels were high in Finland, with all members of staff qualified. The nurse-patient ratio and psychiatrist resources were rather satisfactory. However, in many units there was a lack of psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists. General recommendations and guidelines for staff resources in child and adolescent hospital treatment wards are warranted.
Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing 05/2005; 12(2):209-14. · 0.80 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to examine psychosocial factors associated with military fitness class, classified as capability of service, vs. temporary or permanent exemption from service.
Participants were 2,340 (80% of the original sample) Finnish 18-year-old men at call-up for obligatory military service who filled in the Young Adult Self-Report (YASR) questionnaire.
Temporary exemption from military service was independently associated with the YASR total problem score, externalizing and internalizing problems, excessive alcohol use, drug use, problems with peers and family, and mental health service use. Permanent exemption was independently associated with problems with peers and family.
The YASR is a potential selection tool to be used at call-up. Temporary exemption was more strongly associated with psychosocial problems than permanent exemption. Because of the high level of psychological problems among those temporarily exempted, the call-up situation offers a unique opportunity to identify those with problem behaviour and risk of marginalization.
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 02/2005; 40(1):57-63. · 2.70 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Objective
The aim of this study was to examine psychosocial factors associated with military fitness class, classified as capability of service, vs. temporary or permanent exemption from service.
Method
Participants were 2,340 (80% of the original sample) Finnish 18-year-old men at call-up for obligatory military service who filled in the Young Adult Self-Report (YASR) questionnaire.
Results
Temporary exemption from military service was independently associated with the YASR total problem score, externalizing and internalizing problems, excessive alcohol use, drug use, problems with peers and family, and mental health service use.Permanent exemption was independently associated with problems with peers and family.
Conclusion
The YASR is a potential selection tool to be used at call-up. Temporary exemption was more strongly associated with psychosocial problems than permanent exemption. Because of the high level of psychological problems among those temporarily exempted, the call-up situation offers a unique opportunity to identify those with problem behaviour and risk of marginalization.
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 12/2004; 40(1):57-63. · 2.70 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The aim of this cross-sectional study is to report the self-destructive and suicidal behavior of 98 children and adolescents in child welfare institutions. The children were evaluated using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), the Children's Global Assessment Scale (CGAS) and questionnaires about suicidal and violent behavior, filled in by the child's key worker. Thirty-two per cent of the sample had presented suicidal thoughts, threats or suicide attempts during the previous 6 months. Suicidality was associated with low general functioning level (CGAS<61), self-mutilating behavior and violence. Furthermore, suicidal children had significantly higher CBCL total, externalizing, internalizing, anxious-depressive and aggressive scores. Children with suicide attempts (8% of the sample) had a significantly higher number of different types of traumatic experiences before the placement and higher somatization syndrome scores compared to children with suicidal ideation or non-suicidal children.
Nordic Journal of Psychiatry 01/2003; 57(2):131-7. · 0.98 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to analyse the use of holding, restraints, seclusion and time-out in child and adolescent psychiatric in-patient treatment in Finland. The study included 504 child and adolescent psychiatric in-patients in the year 2000. Time-out had been used for 28 %, holding for 26 %, seclusion for 8 %, and mechanical restraints for 4 % of the in-patients. In multivariate analysis, aggressive acts were the strongest factor associated with all kinds of restraint practices. Psychosis, suicidal acts and older age (13-18 years) were associated with seclusion and mechanical restraints. Younger age (< 13 years), attachment disorder and autism were associated with holding. The longer children had been in treatment, the more likely they were to have been restrained. The high prevalence of restraint techniques used indicates a need for guidelines of restraint and seclusion which take into account the child's need for protection from his/her own impulses and the legal rights of the child.
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 08/2002; 11(4):162-7. · 2.82 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to study the prevalence, characteristics and predisposing factors of tension-type headache in children. An unselected population-based questionnaire study was carried out in 1409 Finnish schoolchildren aged 12 years. Of them, 1135 (81%) returned an acceptably completed questionnaire. The prevalence of episodic tension-type headache in children was 12% (138 of 1135). Children with episodic tension-type headache also often reported characteristics of pain typical for migraine. Children with frequent and persistent episodic tension-type headache reported stabbing and severe occipital pain, phonophobia and abdominal pain significantly more often than children with infrequent episodic tension-type headache. Neck-shoulder symptoms, symptoms of depression and oromandibular dysfunction were each independently associated with episodic tension-type headache. The father's occupation of a lower-level white-collar worker put the child at a four-fold risk for episodic tension-type headache. We conclude that episodic tension-type headache is as common as migraine in children. It can be associated with depression, oromandibular dysfunction and muscular stress. Especially children with frequent and persistent episodic tension-type headache report characteristics of pain typical for migraine.
Cephalalgia 07/2002; 22(5):401-8. · 3.43 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The psychometric properties of the self-report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) among Finnish 13- to 17-year-old adolescents (n = 1,458) were studied. The results show that the psychometric properties of the Finnish SDQ self-report were adequate. The results of the correlation analysis confirmed the postulated structure of the SDQ self-report. The correlations of the items to their respective subscales ranged from moderate to high (r = 0.47-0.73). The internal consistency was acceptable on three and somewhat lower on two of the five subscales (alpha=0.53-0.71). In addition, the factor analysis sufficiently confirmed the postulated structure of the SDQ for girls and boys, except for the conduct problems scale of boys, which was fused with emotional symptoms and with hyperactivity. The means of the SDQ self-report total difficulties scores were very similar to those in a previous study in Great Britain. The results provide additional confirmation of the usefulness of the SDQ as a screening instrument in epidemiological research and clinical practice.
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 10/2001; 10(3):180-5. · 2.82 Impact Factor
-
A Sourander
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Behavioural and emotional problems in Finnish three-year-olds was studied using the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 2-3 as a standardised rating scale at well-baby clinics in two cities in Finland. Altogether 374 questionnaires were analysed which is 71% of the target population. When compared with studies from other countries the mean scores and prevalences of preschool children's problem behaviours were rather similar. Boys were reported to be more destructive than girls. Parental education level, living in one-parent family and parental unemployment were associated with a higher level of problem behaviours. No significant differences were found in emotional or behavioural problems related to the child's day care. Co-sleeping with parents was associated with sleep problems.
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 07/2001; 10(2):98-104. · 2.82 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence of depression and factors associated with depressive mood among pregnant women.
391 women who were 14-37 weeks pregnant were evaluated with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Screen (EPDS), which has also been validated for prenatal use. Four questionnaires were used in order to explore associated factors: a questionnaire on background and pregnancy data, the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory (SASSI) and two Social Support Questionnaires (SSQ1 and 2).
7.7% of the total sample screened positive on the EPDS with a cut-off point of 12/13 recommended. Substance dependency and experienced difficulties in social environment had an independently significant association with maternal depression.
The caseness was defined with a self-report instrument.
Substance dependency and experienced difficulties, especially in relation to friends, partner and own mother, are associated with antenatal depression. It is important to be aware of this when developing interventions in maternity care primary units.
Journal of Affective Disorders 07/2001; 65(1):9-17. · 3.52 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The study examines the associations of parent, teacher and self-report evaluations of child psychopathology, help-seeking variables and family factors with the use of child mental health services.
The study comprised an 8-year follow-up of the Epidemiological Child Psychiatry Study in Finland. Children were evaluated at age 8 with Rutter parent and teacher scales and with the Child Depression Inventory, and at age 16, with the Child Behavior Checklist and the Youth Self Report. Information was obtained from about 70% of the follow-up sample (n=857).
About 7% of the sample had been in contact with child mental health services during the follow-up. The most potent predictors at age 8 of later referral were total problem behaviours and antisocial problems in parental evaluation, teacher's evaluation of the child's need for referral and living in other than a biological two-parent family. At age 16, externalizing and internalizing problems, total competence and family composition were independently associated with service use.
Both child psychopathology and family disruption were associated with service use. Only a minority of children at risk of psychiatric disorders had used child mental health services.
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology 07/2001; 36(6):294-8. · 2.70 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: To study the prevalence of and factors associated with suicidal behaviour among 580 adolescents.
An 8-year longitudinal study included questions about suicidal attempts and thoughts at age 16. Children were evaluated with parent and teacher Rutter scales and self-reported Child Depression Inventory at age 8. At age 16, parents filled in the Child Behaviour Check List and adolescents the Youth Self Report.
14% of girls and 7% of boys reported suicidal thoughts or preoccupations at age 16. Emotional and behavioural problems at age 8, especially antisocial symptoms, reported by parents and teachers and depressive symptoms reported by the child were correlated with suicidal thoughts and behaviour 8 years later. At age 16, internalizing and externalizing problems and low social competence were associated with suicidal features. Only about 20% of those who reported suicidal features had been referred to child mental health services.
Many adolescents with suicidal thoughts and behaviour had a high rate of behavioural and emotional problems already at age 8.
The early school years represent an opportunity for interventions which may prevent self-destructive behaviours in adolescence.
Journal of Affective Disorders 04/2001; 63(1-3):59-66. · 3.52 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Examination of maternal interactive behavior and psychosocial situation of substance-abusing mothers in treatment.
Twelve mothers with an alcohol or drug abuse problem and 12 control mothers were assessed in random order with the Parent-Child Early Relational Assessment, for the analysis of videotaped mother-infant interactions at 3 and 6 months' postpartum. Depressive symptoms were assessed with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and aspects of social support with two Social Support Questionnaires.
Substance-abusing mothers tended to have more problematic areas in their interactive behavior, a tendency which increased during the study period. As was expected, they were more often depressive, and experienced more social environment difficulties and less social support.
Mothers with alcohol and drug abuse problems need intensive professional support in early motherhood, and are seen to be particularly motivated to strive for abstinence and accept help at this stage of life.
Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment 04/2001; 20(2):143-51. · 3.14 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: This study was part of an 8-year follow-up study of the Epidemiological Multicenter Child Psychiatric Study in Finland. The Child Behavior Checklists (CBCLs) were analyzed for 598 15- to 16-year-old adolescents living in the southwestern area of Finland in 1997. The internal consistency of the CBCL syndrome scales was adequate (the alpha coefficient ranged from 0.66 to 0.89). The CBCL scores differentiated between non-referred adolescents and adolescents who had been referred to the mental health service or had severe problems according to the parents. Boys had more externalizing problems than girls in the maladjustment group. Girls had more somatic symptoms in the maladjustment group than boys.
Nordic Journal of Psychiatry 02/2001; 55(5):337-41. · 0.98 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The Youth Self-Report (YSR) was completed by 586 15- to 16-year-old Finnish adolescents. The internal consistency of the YSR problem scales ranged from 0.61 to 0.90. Girls reported significantly more internalizing, withdrawn, somatic, anxious-depressive thought and attention problems. The adolescent was defined as having maladjustment if he she had used mental health services or had more severe problems than the peer group according to parent or self-report (11% of the sample). There were significant differences at the 0.001 level on all YSR scales between maladjustment and non-maladjustment groups. In logistic regression analysis anxious-depressive and delinquency scales had the strongest association with maladjustment. The results are compared with results from previous population-based studies using the YSR in Nordic countries.
Nordic Journal of Psychiatry 02/2001; 55(6):381-5. · 0.98 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The aim of the study was to examine factors associated with dieting and weight concerns among Finnish adolescents. A school-survey included a 9-item screening scale for assessing attitudes and behaviors involving dieting and body image and a self-report measure of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire assessing emotional and behavioral problems. Altogether 1458 questionnaires were analyzed, which accounted for about 89% of the target population including all the 7th and the 9th graders in two cities in Finland. According to the results, dieting and weight concerns were extremely common among Finnish adolescents. For all aspects of weight control and dieting concerns, the rates of occurrence were greater among girls. A high level of dieting concerns was associated with female sex, body mass, emotional, conduct, and hyperactivity symptoms, and alcohol use.
Nordic Journal of Psychiatry 02/2001; 55(6):427-31. · 0.98 Impact Factor
-
[show abstract]
[hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The emotional and behavioural problems of 7- to 15-year-old Finnish children and adolescents (n = 735) were assessed in a community population by a brief screening instrument, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). The parent-, teacher- and self-reports of the SDQ were obtained. The results show that for the total scores, the inter-rater agreement between the pairs of reports was 0.38-0.44. The internal consistency in all three questionnaires was 0.71. Functioning above the 90th percentile of the SDQ total difficulties scores in parent-, teacher- and self-reports was strongly associated with help-seeking variables and problematic behaviour according to parents. The correlation of the parental SDQ total scores and the Child Behaviour Checklist total scores was 0.75 and the correlation of the self-report SDQ total scores with the Youth Self Report total scores was 0.71. The differences in sex, grade and informants of the SDQ total difficulties scores are reported. The study gives further evidence of the usefulness of the SDQ as a promising screening instrument for epidemiological research and clinical purposes.
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry 01/2001; 9(4):277-84. · 2.82 Impact Factor
