Abstract
Background. Research has indicated that unusual experiences (UEs) are highly prevalent and are transient in nonclinical Child and adolescent (CAD) populations. However, for a small number of CAD, UEs become persistent and associated with distress (UEDs) leading to increased mental health difficulties. The association between UEs severity, psychological distress and nonpsychotic disorders such as depression and anxiety has been reported in nonclinical CAD studies, but their association in clinical CAD populations remains unclear.Aim. The current research aims to examine the association between UEDs, anxiety and depression in two clinical samples of CAD referred to mental health services in the UK.
Method. Cross-sectional, longitudinal analysis was employed using secondary data collected from two consecutive randomized controlled trials (RCT). The data from 232 clinically referred children and adolescents (CAD) completed measures assessing UEs, anxiety and depression was used. Results. Overall, higher prevalence rate of UEDs, anxiety and depression were observed in females than males. However, older males (14-18 years) experienced higher levels of anxiety than younger males (8-13years). Both anxiety and depression were strong predictors of severity of UEDs. There was a significant correlation between increase in the severity of depression in the younger age sample (8-14 years) with age. Social anxiety (SAD) was a significant predictor of paranoia In the younger sample (8-14 years), while generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) was a stronger predictor of paranoia in older sample (14-18 years).
Conclusion. The finding indicates a correlation between age and levels of anxiety and depression and severity of UEDs. Findings also indicate that female gender maybe a risk factor for experiencing depression, anxiety and UEDs. Furthermore, findings show social anxiety as a risk factor for developing paranoia in childhood and early adolescents and generalized anxiety as a risk factor for developing paranoia in middle or late adolescents. These findings highlight that early intervention, focusing on emotional literacy, teaching strategies to reduce distress and ways to seek help, may normalize mental health difficulties and encourage CAD to address them when they occur. Furthermore, school programs focusing on reducing social competitiveness and harbouring teamwork and acceptance may reduce the anxieties and worries that CAD may experience early in the school settings. It is important to note that findings in this study are not robust enough to inform clinical practice but are exploratory and can be used to develop pilot models that can inform future research using longitudinal designs with larger CAD clinical samples.
| Date of Award | 1 Nov 2021 |
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| Original language | English |
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| Supervisor | Suzanne Jolley (Supervisor) & Sadie Williams (Supervisor) |