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Body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) are recurrent behaviors targeting one or more body regions that may associate with negative outcomes. Little is known on their prevalence and correlates in psychiatric populations. This study examined the preliminary prevalence and correlates of BFRBs in 67 youth aged 9–17 years with primary anxiety-related disorders, mood disorders, or attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), using the Repetitive Body-focused Behavior Scale (RBBS), the Clinical Global Impressions scale, and the Behavior Assessment System for Children—2nd Edition, Behavioral & Emotional Screening System (BASC-2-BESS). Nearly half of the youth and parents reported significant child BFRBs on the RBBS. Additionally, 15% of the youth and 4.5% of the parents reported significant child distress/impairment related to BFRBs. A primary diagnosis of ADHD associated with greater parent-reported BFRB rates, number, and severity. An increased proportion of girls vs. boys presented with child-reported BFRBs and associated distress/impairment. The presence of BFRBs across the sample was associated with increased internalizing and externalizing symptom severity as measured with the BASC-2-BESS. In addition, internalizing and externalizing symptom severity positively correlated with BFRB severity. Our results suggest youth with psychiatric conditions, especially ADHD, who present with elevated symptom severity, may be particularly at-risk for concomitant BFRBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examined factors associated with life satisfaction among 111 youth, ages 8–17 years, presenting for outpatient treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Youth completed the Students’ Life Satisfaction Scale, Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale–Child, and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) modules of the Revised Child’s Anxiety and Depression Scale. A primary caregiver completed a standard demographic form, and the Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Rating Scale–Parent. Results indicated that child-rated ADHD symptoms, depressive symptoms, and generalized anxiety symptoms were negatively related to life satisfaction. Parent-rated ADHD symptoms in the child were related to child-rated ADHD symptoms but not to depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety symptoms, or life satisfaction. Depressive symptoms predicted life satisfaction above and beyond parent-rated ADHD symptom severity; however, neither depressive nor generalized anxiety symptoms were found to uniquely predict life satisfaction above and beyond child-rated ADHD symptom severity. Depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between child-rated ADHD symptom severity and life satisfaction. Assessment and treatment implications are discussed; specifically, we highlight how the variables of interest may impact clinical presentation and treatment course. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]