Objectives: Maternal depression negatively affects depression and anxiety symptoms in the offspring. This study examined the association between maternal depression and their adolescent offspring depression and anxiety, as well as the mediating role of emotional trauma in determining the association. Methods: Participants were 237 mothers (46.08±5.00 years) and their adolescent offspring (16.54±1.51 years). The participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory-II, Early Trauma Inventory Self Report-Short Form, Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children, and the Screen for Children’s Anxiety Related Disorders. The mediating effect of emotional trauma on offspring was explored using mediation analysis. Results: Maternal depressive symptoms were significantly correlated with adolescent offspring traumatic experiences, as well as with their depressive and anxiety symptoms. Mediation analysis results showed that emotional trauma of offspring significantly mediated the effect of maternal depression on their depressive and anxiety symptoms. Conclusion Findings indicate that maternal depression was significantly associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms in adolescent offspring, mediated by their emotional trauma. Future research is needed to investigate pathways and intervention strategies to prevent the intergenerational transmission of emotional problems.

Objectives: Digital therapeutics are becoming increasingly important in mental health due to their numerous advantages. One area that could benefit significantly is parenting education. To address this, we developed a short-term, smartphone-based parenting education program designed to support parents who lack access to relevant resources. This study analyzed baseline data from participants to identify factors influencing depressive symptoms in both parents and children. Methods: Participants were recruited from a rural region of the Republic of Korea. The study included parents experiencing stress related to raising children aged 11 to 16 years. Data on psychological well-being and family relationships were collected and analyzed from 47 parent-child dyads. Participants engaged with a six-week parenting education application aimed at reducing parenting stress. This article does not include an analysis of the intervention’s efficacy. Results: The child perceived their families as more chaotic compared their parents (t=-2.55, p=0.01). Parental depression was significantly associated with their stress levels (B=0.70, p=0.004), anxiety (B=0.32, p=0.03), relational frustration (B=0.16, p=0.04), family enmeshment (B=-0.13, p=0.04) and the child’s perception of family flexibility (B=0.10, p=0.04). In contrast, children’s depression was associated with lower self-esteem (B=-0.55, p=0.02) and aggression (B=0.23, p=0.01). Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of individualized parenting education programs, particularly those that address the specific needs of both parents and children. Digital therapeutics hold significant potential for providing accessible, evidence-based parenting support aimed at improving mental health outcomes in families.

Objectives: Because appetite-regulating hormones are implicated in neuronal survival, growth, and differentiation, they have been suggested to play a role in anxiety disorders. To date, few studies have focused on the association between these hormones and anxiety disorders in children. This study investigated the potential differences in leptin, ghrelin, and nesfatin-1 serum levels in drug-naïve children with anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, and in healthy controls. Methods: This study included 45 children (14 boys and 31 girls) with anxiety disorders and 35 healthy controls (13 boys and 22 girls) aged 8–18 years. The severity of anxiety disorders and additional symptoms were evaluated using the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scales–Child Version. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate leptin, ghrelin, and nesfatin-1 serum levels. Results: Leptin levels were significantly higher in children with anxiety disorders than in the control group, and ghrelin and nesfatin-1 levels were significantly lower in children with anxiety disorders than in the control group for girls and for the entire sample. However, only low nesfatin-1 levels were significantly associated with anxiety disorders in boys. In the entire sample, potential confounders such as age, sex, body mass index, and the severity of depressive symptoms were controlled for, and the results were the same for ghrelin and nesfatin-1 levels. However, the difference in leptin levels between groups was not significant. Conclusion These findings suggest that dysregulation of ghrelin and nesfatin-1 concentrations may be related to the etiopathogenesis of childhood anxiety disorders.

What shapes human development? The long-standing academic debate of nature versus nurture, dating back to ancient Greece. It has evolved through extensive research to emphasize the complex and dynamic interplay between genetic and environmental factors, rather than favoring one over the other. However, in clinical practice, this balanced perspective is often challenged by extreme cases. Tara Westover’s 2018 memoir, Educated, presents a powerful autobiographical narrative of identity formation through education and self-enlightenment. This book explores the journey of a gifted child raised in an extreme environment as she seeks to understand herself and her family, ultimately redefining the meaning of education. Through this lens, Educated extends beyond an individual account of adversity and resilience, offering broader insights into universal experiences of trauma, growth, and self-discovery.

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (Complex PTSD) in pediatric patients is challenging to manage, particularly when conventional therapeutic approaches are insufficient. We report the case of Miss A, a 15-year-old girl with a history of severe neglect and abuse, adopted at age 5, who presented with frequent reliving of trauma memories, significant emotional dysregulation, dissociative episodes, recurrent self-harm, and aggression. Her treatment was complicated by comorbid mild-grade learning disability and suspected autism spectrum disorder. Initial management with promethazine, melatonin, and lorazepam, and later aripiprazole and fluoxetine provided limited relief. Following hospital readmission, guanfacine, an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist, was initiated. Miss A demonstrated a marked reduction in emotional dysregulation, self-harm, aggression, and suicidal thoughts, suggesting that guanfacine may offer significant benefits for managing Complex PTSD in such cases. This case underscores the difficulties in treating Complex PTSD with comorbid conditions, and highlights guanfacine as a potential adjunct therapy. However, further research is required to validate its efficacy and safety.

Self-harm is a prevalent phenomenon among children and adolescents, and its incidence has increased over time. This behavior is often a maladaptive coping mechanism caused by difficulties with emotional regulation. Self-harm behavior in children and adolescents is a predictor of future suicide attempts and requires comprehensive management. This study reviewed current holistic management of selfharm in children and adolescents. By synthesizing evidence-based practices, this study shows that management should include the recognition of risk factors for self-harm and suicidal behavior, early detection, pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapies, and prevention programs at all levels. This study aimed to increase awareness and encourage participation from all societal levels, including schools and policymakers, in handling self-harm in children and adolescents.

This review highlights the current and emerging pharmacological treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Stimulants such as methylphenidate are the first-line treatment for improving attention and behavior. Non-stimulants, such as atomoxetine serve as alternative options, particularly for patients with comorbid conditions or those intolerant to stimulants. Emerging treatments, not yet available in Korea, include the methylphenidate prodrug, delayed-release/extended-release methylphenidate, and transdermal dextroamphetamine, that provide innovative delivery systems for sustained symptom control. Additionally, novel drugs such as viloxazine and centanafadine show promise as alternatives with potentially fewer side effects, broadening the spectrum of available therapies. As these new medications become accessible, they may help develop more personalized treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs and potential side effects.

Objectives: This study investigated the relationship between exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), specifically phthalates, bisphenol A, bisphenol F, and bisphenol S, and the severity of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms using neuropsychological tests in children diagnosed with ADHD. Methods: This study included 67 medication-naïve children with ADHD aged 6–16 years. The urinary concentrations of EDCs were measured, and ADHD symptom severity was evaluated using neuropsychological tests and clinical symptom scale measurements. The Jonckheere–Terpstra test, Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses, linear regression models, and multiple regression models were used to examine the relationship between EDC exposure and ADHD symptoms. Results: A significant correlation was observed between urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and commission error T-scores in the visual Advanced Test of Attention test. No significant associations were found with other neuropsychological indicators or bisphenol levels. Conclusion Phthalate exposure affects impulsivity in children with ADHD, which is consistent with the results of previous studies that used parental surveys. However, bisphenols are not clearly associated with ADHD symptoms, which is consistent with the results of previous studies.

Objectives: This study examined the neurocognitive profiles of early adulthood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) patients using the Korean version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, 4th Edition (K-WAIS-IV) and Continuous Performance Test 3rd Edition (CPT-3) assessment results. Methods: A total of 105 individuals underwent the K-WAIS-IV assessment, and 68 participants completed the CPT-3. We examined the differences between intelligence subindex scores using paired t-tests and applied Pearson’s correlation analysis to determine the correlation between the K-WAIS-IV and CPT-3 scores. Results: Working Memory Index scores were significantly lower than Verbal Comprehension Index scores, whereas Processing Speed Index (PSI) scores were significantly lower than all three other subindex scores. Significant negative correlations were found between all four K-WAIS-IV subindex scores and the CPT-3 scores for Detectability, Omissions, Commissions, Perseverations, Hit Reaction Time, Hit Reaction Time Standard Deviation, and Variability. Conclusion The PSI of the K-WAIS-IV can be considered a useful predictor in early adulthood ADHD patients combined with the CPT-3 examination.