Prospective longitudinal associations between persistent sleep problems in childhood and anxiety and depression disorders in adulthood

The objective of this study was to examine the associations between persistent childhood sleep problems and adulthood anxiety and depression. Parents of 943 children (52% male) participating in the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study provided information on their children’s sleep and internalizing problems at ages 5, 7, and 9 years. When the participants were 21 and 26 years, adult anxiety and depression were diagnosed using a standardized diagnostic interview. After controlling for childhood internalizing problems, sex, and socioeconomic status, persistent sleep problems in childhood predicted adulthood anxiety disorders (OR (95% CI) = 1.60 (1.05– 2.45), p = .030) but not depressive disorders (OR (95% CI) = .99 (.63–1.56), p = .959). Persistent sleep problems in childhood may be an early risk indicator of anxiety in adulthood

Psychological effects of liver disease and transplantation

Psychological adjustment in children with liver disease was investigated. Three groups of children 6-15 years old participated: ten had undergone a liver transplant (Gp1), 15 had ongoing chronic liver disease (Gp2) and 15 were healthy controls (Gp3). Children who had had a transplant appeared well adjusted and thought of themselves as healthy rather than ill, although areas of vulnerability were present, for example increased anxiety. No differences emerged in terms of coping with common or illness-related problems or understanding of the causes of illness and use of medication Gps 1 and 2 showed higher levels of understanding of the functions of the liver but less understanding of illness prevention when compared to their healthy peers. Gp2 experienced less control over their health when compared to the other two groups. Gp1 rated themselves as more 'healthy' than Gp2 but less so than Gp3. Conclusion: Children with chronic liver disease are able to communicate how they deal with the stresses of the condition. Though well adjusted in many ways, those who have had a transplant still show areas of psychological vulnerability which need to be addressed in clinical practice