Abstract
T
Valid and scalable biomarkers for major depressive disorder (MDD) in youth remain elusive (Radoeva et al., 2023; Recarey-Rama, 2025). McVoy and colleagues have pioneered work focused on developing resting state quantitative electroencephalogram (EEG) biomarkers of MDD. Their latest study is a longitudinal investigation involving adolescents with MDD and age- and gender-matched controls, examining EEG coherence as input for machine learning models aimed at prediction MDD diagnosis. While a random forest model did not predict depression with statistical significance, the study presents a framework for future studies with a focus on default mode and cognitive control network coherence patterns (McVoy et al., 2025).
Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are standard treatment options for children and adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder but there remains a need for patient-centered and precision-based approaches for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Peisch, 2025). Clinicians and families often struggle with treatment selection and timing choices for children with ADHD as the options continue to expand. In this issue, Kweon, Lee and colleagues present a study that examined the impact of atomoxetine augmentation treatment for ADHD on nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior. In an open-label trial (N = 23), adjunctive atomoxetine was associated with improvements in depressive symptoms and the severity of nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior. This preliminary work provides a foundation for larger study and has the potential to inform decision making in the context of treatment planning for youth with ADHD and complex co-occurring conditions (Lee et al., 2025).
Treatment options for anxiety also continue to expand and evolve (Strawn and Larson, 2023; Valadez et al., 2024). However, there are knowledge gaps regarding patient preferences and satisfaction. In this issue, McNeil and colleagues, examine a large sample of youth aged 7–17 years (n = 426) and their parents (n = 429) from a large multisite randomized controlled clinical trial of cognitive behavioral therapy, sertraline, combined treatment, or a placebo. At the completion of treatment, children, adolescents, and their parents reported the greatest satisfaction with combined sertraline and cognitive behavioral therapy treatment and the lowest satisfaction with placebo. Parents endorsed more satisfaction compared to youth. Higher pretreatment expectations predicted greater satisfaction with cognitive behavioral therapy and sertraline among youth but not their parents. The strength of the patient-therapist relationship after 6 weeks of treatment predicted greater satisfaction among youth and parents. Overall, satisfaction appeared to align with clinical outcomes (McNeil et al., 2025).
This issue also includes a thoughtful discussion reviewing clinical trial recruitment challenges in studies of patients with neurogenetic syndromes and three important contributions focused on the clinical management of catatonia.
We hope you enjoy this issue of Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology.
Footnotes
Disclosures
P.E.C. has received research support from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), Brain and Behavior Research Foundation and the Mayo Clinic Foundation. Dr. Croarkin has received research support from Pfizer, Inc. He has received grant-in-kind equipment support from Neuronetics, Inc. and MagVenture, Inc. for investigator-initiated studies. He received grant-in-kind supplies and genotyping from Assurex Health, Inc. for an investigator-initiated study. He served as the principal investigator for a multicenter study funded by Neuronetics Inc., a site principal investigator for a study funded by NeoSync, Inc., and site principal investigator for a study funded by Innosphere. Dr. Croarkin served as a paid consultant for Engrail Therapeutics, Meta Platforms, Inc, MindMed, Myriad Neuroscience, Procter & Gamble Company, and Sunovion. P.E.C. is employed by Mayo Clinic. He receives compensation as the Editor-in-Chief for the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology.