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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

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Open Access 01-09-2017 | Original Paper

Homotypic and heterotypic psychopathological continuity: a child cohort study

Authors: Mark Shevlin, Eoin McElroy, Jamie Murphy

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 9/2017

Abstract

Background

Heterotypic psychopathological continuity (i.e. one disorder predicting another at a later time point) contradicts the conventional view that psychiatric disorders are discrete, static entities. Studying this phenomenon may help to tease out the complex mechanisms that underpin psychiatric comorbidity. To date, no studies have explicitly compared heterotypic effects within and across higher order dimensions of psychopathology.

Methods

Patterns of homotypic and heterotypic psychopathological continuity were examined using cohort data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC, N = 4815). Eight common psychiatric disorders were assessed at age 7.5 and again at age 14 years using the maternal report version of the Development and Well-Being Assessment (DAWBA). Cross-lagged models were used to compare patterns of homotypic and heterotypic continuity within and across three higher order dimensions of psychopathology; internalizing-fear, internalizing-distress, and externalizing.

Results

Homotypic continuity was universal. Considerable heterotypic continuity was observed even after controlling for homotypic continuity and the presence of all disorders at baseline. Heterotypic continuity was more common within higher order dimensions, but a number of significant cross-dimension effects were observed, with ADHD acting as a strong predictor of subsequent internalizing disorders.

Conclusions

Heterotypic continuity may reflect elements of shared aetiology, or local-level interactions between disorders.

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Title: Homotypic and heterotypic psychopathological continuity: a child cohort study
Authors: Mark Shevlin
Eoin McElroy
Jamie Murphy
Publication date: 01-09-2017
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 9/2017
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-017-1396-7

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Homotypic and heterotypic psychopathological continuity: a child cohort study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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