Trajectories of participation, mental health, and mental health problems in adolescents with self-reported neurodevelopmental disorders

Purpose Having a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) increases the risk of mental health problems and lower participation. We investigated the trajectories of mental health problems and participation in adolescents with NDD and compared these with trajectories for peers without NDD. In addition, the relationship between participation, mental health (well-being), and mental health problems were investigated. Materials and methods Data from a Swedish longitudinal survey study (LoRDIA) was used and adolescents with and without self-reported NDD were followed from 12/13 to 17 years, in three waves. Mental health problems were measured using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, and well-being was measured with the Mental Health Continuum short form. Results Adolescents with NDD experience more mental health problems than adolescents without NDD. Hyperactivity, a key feature of NDD, remains stable, while emotional problems and psychosomatic complaints, increase over time for girls, independent of NDD. Participation is stable over time but is more related to well-being than to NDD or mental health problems. Conclusions Gender is an important factor with girls exhibiting more problems. Mental health explains more of the variation in participation than mental health problems and NDD. Probably participation intervention can enhance mental health which may protect from mental health problems.

Automated summary

Having a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) increases the risk of mental health problems in adolescents, with girls showing more emotional problems and psychosomatic complaints. Participation remains stable over time and is more related to well-being, which may play a significant role in preventing mental health problems. Gender is an important factor, with girls exhibiting more problems related to mental health.