Youth Suicides in the Second Wave of the Pandemic in Turkiye

Objective: It is widely recognized that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated social isolation have significant short- and long-term effects on mental health worldwide. Previous studies have yielded mixed results regarding the short-term impact on mental health during the first wave of the pandemic. This study aims to investigate the influence of the second wave of the pandemic on suicide rates among children and adolescents. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study recorded cases of self-harm among children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years, who were admitted to our center's pediatric emergency department between November 1, 2020, and January 31, 2021. These cases were compared with those admitted during the same months one year prior, considering similar age groups and diagnoses. Results: A total of 53 cases were included in our study, with 21 cases occurring before the pandemic and 32 cases during the second wave. While the total number of admissions decreased during the second wave of the pandemic, there was an increase in suicide attempts. Suicide attempts were more prevalent among females, often linked to family or peer-related issues and impulsivity. Conclusions: The findings of our study highlight the evident long-term adverse effects on mental health during the second wave of the pandemic. To effectively address these consequences in the future, it is crucial to comprehend the devastating long-term impact of the pandemic on mental health

Metallic mercury poisoning and neuropsychological effects: a case report

Mercury is an extremely toxic heavy metal that can devastate central nervous system. We present the case of a 15 year old adolescent with mercury intoxication following 4 days of exposure to elemental mercury at home who was consulted by department of pediatrics with complaints of demonstrated emotional lability, memory impairment, disinhibition, and impulsivity. Olanzapin 2,5 mg/day was initiated. Her neuropsychological performance was evaluated by a neuropsychological test battery at initial examination. Deterioration in neuropsychological functions like interference effect and attention (Stroop Test TBAG form), verbal fluency and switching to other category (Verbal Fluency Test, /(VFT), verbal short term and long term memory and recognition (Auditory Verbal Learning Test, /(AVLT) was detected. In 9 months follow up period her complaints resolved. Initial neuropsychological deficits were also fully recovered at follow up. There was an increase in intelligence scores with increased ability to pay and sustain attention. She had better performance at Stroop Test TBAG form, VFT and AVLT which was similar to her normal peers'. In this case report, the clinical aspects of central nervous system involvement in mercury intoxication and protection from potential toxic effects of laboratory materials like mercury at schools were discussed. School administrators should be aware of and parents and students should be given necessary protective information

Metalik civa zehirlenmesi ve nöropsikolojik etkileri: bir olgu sunumu

[No Abstract Available

Which factors accompany maternal acceptance-rejection in children with specific learning disabilities?

Abstract Background Children with specific learning disabilities (SLDs) and their parents experience many problems that may influence their interactions. The study aimed to evaluate the maternal acceptance/rejection status of children with SLDs and their associations with sociodemographic characteristics, and problem behaviors. Methods The Parental Acceptance-Rejection/Control Questionnaire (PARQ/C) and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) were applied to the mothers with children aged 7–17 years with a diagnosis of SLD. Results Among 266 children enrolled, the mean age was 10.2 years, and 61.7% were male, the mean score was 30.4 for warmth/affection, 25.8 for hostility/aggression, 22.9 for indifference/neglect, 16.3 for undifferentiated rejection, 95.4 for the total PARQ, and 40.8 for the control scales. Generalized linear models revealed that maternal depression, poor family income, parental smoking, and presence of dysgraphia, and poor total difficulties and prosocial scores of SDQ subscales were associated with the maternal acceptance-rejection. There was an interaction between the maternal control subscale and the school success of the child. Conclusion Mothers of children with SLDs had high maternal rejection scores which were associated with unfavorable characteristics of child and family. Early detection and giving appropriate support of these cases could improve the mother’s relationship with her SLD child