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Childhood chronic condition and subsequent self-reported internalizing and externalizing problems in adolescence: a
Heidi Määttä1,2, Meri Honkanen3, Tuula Hurtig4,5,6
1Department of Psychiatry, Lapland Hospital District, P.O. Box 8041, FI-96101, Rovaniemi, Finland. heidi.maatta@student.oulu.fi.
European Journal of Pediatrics
|July 7, 2022
Summary
Childhood chronic conditions are linked to adolescent mental health issues. Early support and monitoring are crucial for children with chronic conditions to prevent future mental health problems.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Health
- Developmental Psychology
- Adolescent Mental Health
Background:
- Childhood adversities are known risk factors for mental disorders.
- Internalizing and externalizing problems are key indicators of psychopathology in youth.
- Chronic conditions in childhood can impact long-term mental well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between parental-reported childhood chronic conditions and subsequent internalizing and externalizing problems in adolescence.
- To examine how the onset (early vs. late) of chronic conditions influences adolescent mental health outcomes.
- To identify specific mental health trajectories associated with chronic conditions in a longitudinal cohort.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986, including 6290 children with chronic condition data at ages 7 and 16.
- Assessed internalizing and externalizing problems at age 8 (teacher-reported) and age 16 (adolescent self-report).
- Adjusted for childhood behavioral problems and social relations when analyzing the effects of chronic conditions on adolescent mental health.
Main Results:
- A history of chronic conditions predicted subsequent somatic complaints in all adolescents.
- Early-onset chronic conditions (before age 7) were associated with increased externalizing and attention problems in adolescence.
- Later-onset chronic conditions (between ages 7-16) predicted internalizing and thought problems in adolescence.
- The observed effects were specific to sex and the type of chronic condition.
Conclusions:
- Childhood chronic conditions significantly predict the development of internalizing and externalizing problems during adolescence.
- Early identification and sustained support are essential for children with chronic conditions to mitigate risks for poor mental health.
- Long-term monitoring of mental health is recommended for adolescents with a history of chronic conditions.
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