 |
|
Lower childhood IQ associated with higher risk of adult mental disorders
December 01, 2008Mental health professionals should consider cognitive ability of patients in prevention and treatment planning
Boston, MA -- Researchers have hypothesized that people with lower IQs may have a higher risk of adult mental disorders, but few studies have looked at the relationship between low childhood IQ and psychiatric disorders later in life. In a new, long-term study covering more than three decades, researchers at Harvard School of Public Health (HSPH) found that children with lower IQs showed an increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders as adults, including schizophrenia, depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Lower IQ was also associated with psychiatric disorders that were more persistent and an increased risk of having two or more diagnoses at age 32.
The study will be published online December 1, 2008 and in the January print issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry.
The study participants were members of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, a cohort of children born in 1972-1973 in Dunedin, New Zealand. At the initial assessment at age 3, the study had 1,037 children. The participants were also interviewed and tested on their overall health and behavior at ages 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 21, 26 and at age 32, when 96% of the original cohort participated. IQs were assessed at ages 7, 9 and 11. Psychiatric disorders were assessed at ages 18 through 32 in interviews by clinicians who had no knowledge of the subjects' IQ or psychiatric history.
The authors used IQ as a marker of a concept called cognitive reserve, which refers to variation between people in their brain's resilience to neuropathological damage.
The results showed that lower childhood IQ predicted an increased risk of a variety of adult mental disorders. "Lower childhood IQ predicted increased risk of schizophrenia, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. Individuals with lower childhood IQ also had more persistent depression and anxiety and were more likely to be diagnosed with two or more disorders in adulthood," said lead author Karestan Koenen, assistant professor of society, human development, and health at HSPH.
No association was found between lower childhood IQ and substance dependence disorders, simple phobia, panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The mechanism through which lower childhood IQ might lead to increased risk of adult anxiety disorders is not known, but the authors suggest some possible explanations. They write that lower childhood IQ might reveal a difference in brain health that makes an individual more vulnerable to certain mental disorders. Another possible mechanism is stress--individuals with lower childhood IQs are less equipped to deal with complex challenges of modern daily life, which may make them more vulnerable to developing mental disorders.
The findings may be helpful in treating individuals with mental health disorders. "Lower childhood IQ was associated with greater severity of mental disorders including persistence over time and having two or more diagnoses at age 32," said Koenen. "Since individuals with persistent and multiple mental disorders are more likely to seek services, cognitive ability may be an important factor for clinicians to consider in treatment planning. For example, individuals with lower cognitive ability may find it harder to follow instructions and comply with treatment regimens. By taking clients' cognitive ability into account, clinicians may improve treatment outcome," she said.
The results may also be helpful in prevention planning. "Educators and pediatricians should be aware that children with lower cognitive ability may be at greater risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Early detection and intervention aimed at ameliorating mental health problems in these children may prevent these problems from carrying over into adulthood," said Koenen.
Harvard School of Public Health
The study participants were members of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, a cohort of children born in 1972-1973 in Dunedin, New Zealand. At the initial assessment at age 3, the study had 1,037 children. The participants were also interviewed and tested on their overall health and behavior at ages 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 18, 21, 26 and at age 32, when 96% of the original cohort participated. IQs were assessed at ages 7, 9 and 11. Psychiatric disorders were assessed at ages 18 through 32 in interviews by clinicians who had no knowledge of the subjects' IQ or psychiatric history.
The authors used IQ as a marker of a concept called cognitive reserve, which refers to variation between people in their brain's resilience to neuropathological damage.
The results showed that lower childhood IQ predicted an increased risk of a variety of adult mental disorders. "Lower childhood IQ predicted increased risk of schizophrenia, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. Individuals with lower childhood IQ also had more persistent depression and anxiety and were more likely to be diagnosed with two or more disorders in adulthood," said lead author Karestan Koenen, assistant professor of society, human development, and health at HSPH.
No association was found between lower childhood IQ and substance dependence disorders, simple phobia, panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The mechanism through which lower childhood IQ might lead to increased risk of adult anxiety disorders is not known, but the authors suggest some possible explanations. They write that lower childhood IQ might reveal a difference in brain health that makes an individual more vulnerable to certain mental disorders. Another possible mechanism is stress--individuals with lower childhood IQs are less equipped to deal with complex challenges of modern daily life, which may make them more vulnerable to developing mental disorders.
The findings may be helpful in treating individuals with mental health disorders. "Lower childhood IQ was associated with greater severity of mental disorders including persistence over time and having two or more diagnoses at age 32," said Koenen. "Since individuals with persistent and multiple mental disorders are more likely to seek services, cognitive ability may be an important factor for clinicians to consider in treatment planning. For example, individuals with lower cognitive ability may find it harder to follow instructions and comply with treatment regimens. By taking clients' cognitive ability into account, clinicians may improve treatment outcome," she said.
The results may also be helpful in prevention planning. "Educators and pediatricians should be aware that children with lower cognitive ability may be at greater risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Early detection and intervention aimed at ameliorating mental health problems in these children may prevent these problems from carrying over into adulthood," said Koenen.
Harvard School of Public Health
More Adult Mental Disorders Current Events and Adult Mental Disorders News Articles
 |
Mental Disorders in Older Adults, Second Edition: Fundamentals of Assessment and Treatment by Steven H. Zarit (Author), Judy M. Zarit (Author) Now in a revised and expanded second edition, this book provides foundational knowledge and skills for mental health practice with older adults and their caregivers. The authors draw on research and clinical expertise to comprehensively address normal aging processes, frequently encountered clinical problems, and effective approaches to evaluation, psychotherapy, family support, and consultation in institutional settings. Updated throughout with the latest knowledge, the second edition features many new case examples, a new chapter on treating anxiety, and innovative assessment strategies. Increased attention is given to different forms of dementia and how to distinguish among them. Coverage of psychopharmacology and combined treatments also has been expanded. |
 |
ADHD in Adults Starring: Russell A. Barkley Directed By: Guilford Press From leading ADHD authority Dr. Russell A. Barkley, this instructive program integrates information about ADHD with the experiences of adults from different walks of life who suffer from the disorder. Including interviews with these individuals, their family members, and the clinicians who treat them, the program addresses such important topics as the symptoms and behaviors that are characteristic of the disorder, how adult ADHD differs from the childhood form, the effects of ADHD on the family, and successful coping strategies. Approaches to adult diagnosis and treatment are explained in detail. Dr. Barkley also describes his innovative theory of ADHD, which offers insights into why people with the disorder have so much difficulty making adjustments in their lives. The accompanying... |
|
Selecting Effective Treatments: A Comprehensive, Systematic Guide to Treating Adult Mental Disorders (Jossey-Bass Social and Behavioral Science Series) by Linda Seligman (Author) The premier guide for mental health practitioners describes the full range of psychological disorders, along with their proven methods of treatment. Using case studies, sample treatment plans, and "client map", the book offers clinicians an excellent comprehensive resource to treatment planning and client care. | |
 |
Metacognition and Severe Adult Mental Disorders: From research to treatment by Giancarlo Dimaggio (Editor), Paul Lysaker (Editor) Many adults who experience severe mental illness also suffer from deficits in metacognition - put simply, thinking about one’s own thought processes - limiting their abilities to recognize, express and manage naturally occurring painful emotions and routine social problems as well as to fathom the intentions of others. This book presents an overview of the field, showing how current research can inform clinical practice. An international range of expert contributors provide chapters which look at the role of metacognitive deficit in personality disorders, schizophrenia, and mood disorders, and the implications for future psychotherapeutic treatment. Divided into three sections areas covered include:
|
 |
Music Therapy in the Treatment of Adults With Mental Disorders: Theoretical Bases and Clinical Interventions by Robert F. Unkefer (Editor), Michael H. Thaut (Editor) |
|
Icd-10 Casebook: The Many Faces of Mental Disorders-Adult Case Histories According to Icd-10 by T. B. Ustun (Editor) Using selected case studies, this text demonstrates diagnosis and classification according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Chapter Five, Mental and Behavioural Disorders, 10th revision (ICD-10). | |
 |
Mental Disorders in Older Adults: Fundamentals of Assessment and Treatment by Steven H. Zarit (Author), Judy M. Zarit (Author) Based on the authors' extensive experience in the field, this essential guide provides practitioners with the latest information on the aging process, its effects on mental health, and how older adults can be helped to lead healthier, happier, and more independent lives. |
|
Music Therapy for Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Mental Disorders by Barbara J. Crowe MMT MT-BC (Author), Cynthia Colwell PhD MT-BC (Author), Barbara J. Crowe (Editor), Cynthia Colwell (Editor), Angie K Elkins (Editor) Whether new to the profession or an experienced clinician, this text provides a wealth of state-of-the-art information for undergraduates, graduates and professionals. This volume covers the wide range of mental disorder diagnoses including psychotic disorders, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, and personality disorders and addresses specific populations such as forensic and drug and alcohol rehabilitation. How music therapy is used within each model is explored, including music psychotherapy, rehabilitation, behavioral approach, and transpersonal therapy. Detailed information is provided on assessment tools and music therapy interventions including drum circles, vocal psychotherapy, music and imagery, and music psychotherapy techniques. Music therapy has been used for... | |
 |
What's Eating Gilbert Grape (Special Collector's Edition) Starring: Johnny Depp, Leonardo DiCaprio, Juliette Lewis, Mary Steenburgen, Darlene Cates Directed By: Lasse Hallström Also With: Sven Nykvist (Cinematographer), Lasse Hallström (Producer), Alan C. Blomquist (Producer), Bertil Ohlsson (Producer), David Matalon (Producer), Meir Teper (Producer), Peter Hedges (Writer) Gilbert Grape (Johnny Depp) lives in Endora, a place where nothing much happens. The only times the police got something to do is when Gilbert's autistic brother Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio) tries to climb up on the watertower nearby. Taking care of Arnie is mostly Gilbert's task which can be pretty demanding, at least while you are working at the local grocery store. Then one day Becky (Juliette Lewis) and her grandmother passes through Endora getting trouble with the car. Gilbert falls in love with Becky, but gets problems when he tries to find time for his own private life. |
|
The Social and Economic Circumstances of Adults with Mental Disorders by Howard Meltzer (Author), etc. (Author), Office for National Statistics (Editor) This report presents the findings from a survey of psychiatric morbidity among adults aged 16 to 74 living in private households in Great Britain. The survey was carried out between March and September 2000 and was commissioned by the Department of Health, the Scottish Executive and the National Assembly for Wales. This report focuses mainly on the extent to which people with different types of mental disorder (neuroses, psychoses, alcohol and drug dependency) differ from those without a disorder on: educational attainment, economic activity, financial circumstances, housing, activities of daily living, the experience of stressful events and social functioning.This title is one of a series of topic reports from the 2000 survey. Previous reports have included non-fatal suicidal behaviour... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |