Latest evidence-based child and adolescent mental health news

Binge Eating Disorders: Executive Functioning and Treatment outcomes for Adolescents Undergoing CBT

In this In Conversation podcast, we are joined by Dr. Andrea Goldschmidt, from the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Goldschmidt is a licensed clinical psychologist whose research focuses on eating behaviors that are associated with poor weight-related outcomes. The focus of this podcast will be on her recent JCPP paper ‘Executive functioning and treatment outcome among adolescents undergoing cognitive-behavioral therapy for binge-eating disorder’. There is an overview of the paper, methodology, key findings, and implications for practice.

Discussion points include: An introduction to Binge Eating Disorders and why this area of eating disorders is often overlooked. The effects of executive functioning on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) outcomes in adolescents and the impact of executive functioning on treatment engagement. More impulsive decision-making being both associated with more frequent LOC eating following treatment but also with a greater number of sessions attended. Apps that teach self-guided CBT and insight into an upcoming trial focusing on this type of intervention. Advice for people who think that they, or somebody they know, may have a Binge Eating Disorder.

How's your day been?

We often get asked ‘How’s your day been?’ If you’re living, teaching, or working with an autistic teenager, you’ve probably, at some point said ‘Uplifting’. ‘Hilarious’. ‘Rewarding’. You’ve also most likely said something like; ‘Challenging’. ‘A struggle’. ‘Testing’.

Autistic children and teenagers vary considerably in their individual strengths and difficulties (SIGN 2016), with many having co-existing conditions which can make getting the right support more challenging (Maskey 2013). They often grapple with intense emotions like anxiety, stress, depression, and anger. Even minor triggers, can lead to meltdowns. Dr. Michelle Garnett and Professor Tony Attwood look at some of these common challenges in this blog.

We are also delighted to welcome Professor Tony Attwood to deliver the webinars below. All delegates will have exclusive access to a recording available for 90 days after the event.

The profile of abilities in Autistic girls – Thursday 10 October 9am – 12noon

Tony will describe the strengths and abilities commonly experienced by autistic girls, as well as key challenges, including self-understanding, developing an authentic self, navigating school, developing relationships whilst staying true to oneself, self-advocacy. Tony will also discuss co-morbidity with issues of mental health including; ADHD, anxiety, depression, autistic burnout and eating disorders.

Autism and Family Dynamics – Thursday 17 October 9am – 12noon

Tony will look at key aspects of life that play an integral role in family life to understand how autism can affect different members of a family in different ways. The degree of challenge may vary depending on the severity of the autism, but the autism-related issues that families deal with are similar. This talk will also look at stress management for all members of the family with practical tips and advice for parents/carers and siblings.

Intergenerational Consequences of Racism in the United Kingdom

In this Papers Podcast, Dr. Yasmin Ahmadzadeh discusses her co-authored CAMH journal paper ‘Intergenerational consequences of racism in the United Kingdom: a qualitative investigation into parents’ exposure to racism and offspring mental health and well-being’.

Discussion points include:

• Definition of racism, what is currently known about the experiences of racism and how the experiences are linked to negative mental and physical health outcomes amongst those exposed.
• Why this area has been largely neglected in the research community within the UK, with most studies coming from the US.
• The bidirectional nature of parent and child experiences of racism with indirect effects impacting mental health and wellbeing in both generations.
• The difficulties in families where parent and child approaches differ in relation to active coping strategies and denial of racism.
• How one might reduce harms when talking about racism with children and young people.
• Protective factors and the importance of social cohesion, safe spaces and education.

Celebrating the Future of CAMH: ACAMH Awards 2024 Long list

It is our pleasure to announce the long list of nominees for the 2024 ACAMH Awards.

Congratulations to all nominees for making it on the longlist. To be nominated for an ACAMH Award is a prestigious recognition of those who are at the forefront of the advancement of child and adolescent mental health research and practice.

The standard of this year’s nominations was superb and will be narrowed down to a shortlist by a panel of experts in the field of child and adolescent mental health. The shortlist will be announced in October 2024. The Awards will be presented at a virtual ceremony in November 2024.

Congratulations to all the 2024 nominees. See who made the list here.

EVENTS

You DO NOT have to be an ACAMH Member to come to our events. All ACAMH webinars are centred around evidence-based research, and our speakers are some of the leading lights in the field. ACAMH is a charity, and we receive no government funding, nor do we ask for donations. We try to keep our costs as low as possible. Don’t forget as a charity any surplus made is reinvested back as we work to our vision of ‘Sharing best evidence, improving practice’.

Can’t make it on the day? Don’t worry! Delegates have exclusive access to recordings and slides for 90 days after the event, plus a personalised CPD certificate via email.

4 x 2 hour webinars from just ￡40

Intervention and prevention of the sexual abuse of children and young people and those displaying harmful sexual behaviour

The object of the seminars is that given the introduction of Mandatory Reporting it is likely that there will be increasing numbers of sexually abused CYP identified. Presenting current approaches to working with CYP who have been sexually abused and those responsible for sexually harmful behaviour, and approaches to prevention. Starts September. Full details online

Trauma in children and young people – understanding the range of impact and treatment options

This face-to-face conference in Southampton will dive deep into the challenges of effectively working with traumatised young people and their families, while also addressing the pivotal role of systems in mitigating secondary trauma.

18 September 9am. LAST CHANCE TO BOOK! Full details online

Schools – a pathway to Public health through Trauma Informed approaches to establish a healthy environment

School as a pathway to public health ensures that the environment promotes psychological safety, enables equity and inclusion and facilitates children to be able to live life well, interrupting the cycle of intergenerational trauma. Led by Julie Harmieson, TISUK Director of Education and National Strategy.

This free webinar is open to all. 17 September. Full details online

School Anxiety & Emotional Based School Avoidance

This webinar will bring attention to, and focus on, the emotional components of being a pupil or student in the journey of schooling and learning. The session will take strong and particular interest in the rise in problems of attendance during and since the COVID closures, along with rising suspension & exclusion rates in the years leading up to the pandemic, and at present.

3 October. Full details online

Grief and Trauma-Practice and Research

The seminar will provide a bridge between research and clinical contexts of traumatic experiences and loss in bereaved children and young people. Led by Dr. Shelley Gilbert of Grief Encounter, and Dr. Saul Hillman, Senior Research Fellow at Anna Freud and an Honorary Lecturer at University College London.

This free webinar is open to all. 29 October.

Full details online

FREE ACAMH Posters! Helping You, Help Others

As part of our commitment to sharing information and best practice globally, we are delighted to offer you the chance to get FREE A3 posters, including FREE delivery! Order now and be part of the advancement of child and adolescent mental health.