Hasan Ali Güler

This study examined the psychometric properties of the Turkish version of the Mind Excessively Wandering Scale (MEWS) in adolescents and investigated age‐related differences in excessive mind wandering (EMW) among adolescents with ADHD. The sample included 156 adolescents (80 with ADHD, 76 controls; mean age = 15.08 ± 1.85 years). ADHD diagnoses were established using a semi‐structured clinical interview. Participants completed the MEWS, DERS‐16 and S‐UPPS‐P. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), reliability analyses, group comparisons and regression analyses were conducted. The MEWS showed a unidimensional structure with acceptable model fit and high internal consistency ( α = 0.93). EMW was significantly higher in the ADHD group than in controls. EMW was strongly associated with emotion regulation difficulties and moderately associated with impulsivity and ADHD symptoms. A significant age × group interaction was observed, indicating that the relationship between age and EMW differed across diagnostic groups. Older adolescents with ADHD tended to report higher EMW scores than younger adolescents with ADHD, whereas no comparable age‐related pattern was observed in the control group. The original 12‐item Turkish MEWS demonstrated good psychometric performance in the present adolescent sample. The present findings suggest that EMW may show age‐related differences among adolescents with ADHD. Whether these differences reflect developmental changes across adolescence requires confirmation in longitudinal studies.

Introduction: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are childhood-onset conditions that often persist into adulthood and are associated with substantial functional impairment and complex psychiatric comorbidities. However, the transition from child and adolescent to adult mental health services often remains fragmented, contributing to delayed recognition and unmet clinical needs. This study aimed to describe an interdisciplinary transition clinic model for individuals with NDDs and to present preliminary findings regarding diagnostic outcomes and clinical characteristics. Methods: This study was conducted in a tertiary-care transition clinic jointly operated by consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists and adult psychiatrists, with psychiatry residents participating as observers. All patients were also evaluated by a consultant neurologist as part of the interdisciplinary assessment process. The clinic followed a three-stage model consisting of referral and pre-assessment, interdisciplinary diagnostic evaluation, and integrated treatment and follow-up. Adolescents and young adults aged 15–21 years with suspected or established NDDs underwent psychiatric, neurological, and when clinically indicated, genetic evaluations. Descriptive analyses were performed for diagnostic distributions, newly identified disorders, and psychotropic medication use. Results: A total of 68 participants were included (mean age = 17.90 ± 1.90 years; 54.4% male). The median number of diagnoses increased from 1 (range: 0–4) before the transition clinic assessment to 3 (range: 1–11) after evaluation. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was the most frequent NDD (66.2%), while 80% of autism spectrum disorder diagnoses were identified during the transition clinic process. Social (pragmatic) communication disorder, social anxiety disorder, avoidant and borderline personality disorder, and body-focused repetitive behavior disorders were frequently newly identified during transition clinic assessments. Structural MRI findings were observed in 26.7% of scanned participants. Discussion: These findings suggest that interdisciplinary transition clinics may facilitate the identification of previously unrecognized NDDs and psychiatric diagnoses during adolescence and emerging adulthood. Integrated psychiatric, neurological, and genetic assessment models may also contribute to continuity of care and psychiatric resident education.

Parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are more likely to exhibit subclinical autistic characteristics, commonly described as the Broad Autism Phenotype (BAP). This study examines whether the WAIS‐R verbal‐performance discrepancy and total range scores are associated with social skill deficits in parents of children with ASD, considering sex differences. This case–control study included 24 parents of children with ASD without psychopathology and 28 healthy controls. Participants underwent a structured diagnostic interview (SCID‐5‐CV) and completed the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Verbal, performance and total range scores were calculated based on the difference between the highest and lowest subtest scores. Parents of children with ASD exhibited significantly higher AQ social skills subscale and total scores than controls. Fathers had significantly higher verbal range scores than controls, whereas no significant differences were found in mothers. Logistic regression revealed that each 1‐point increase in verbal range was associated with a 55.7% higher likelihood ( p = 0.032) of belonging to the ASD‐parent group among fathers. An optimal cut‐off score of 7.5 was identified, with 58.3% sensitivity and 71.4% specificity for distinguishing fathers in the ASD‐parent group from controls. Verbal IQ range may represent a potential cognitive marker associated with BAP traits, particularly social skill difficulties, in fathers of children with ASD. However, larger studies are needed to further clarify its clinical significance.

Objectives: This study examined the psychometric properties of the Turkish versions of the Maladaptive Daydreaming Scale (MDS‐16) and its short form (MDS‐5), with a particular focus on how the scales function in adults with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Design: Cross‐sectional psychometric validation study comparing adults with ADHD to typical controls. Methods: A total of 357 participants (251 with ADHD, 106 controls) completed the MDS‐16, MDS‐5, and additional measures of ADHD symptoms, excessive mind wandering, dissociation, and anxiety/depression. Results: Confirmatory factor analysis supported the four‐factor structure of the MDS‐16 and indicated good model fit for the MDS‐5. Internal consistency was excellent for the MDS‐16 total scale ( α = .93) and good for the MDS‐5 ( α = .87). Multivariate analyses, controlling for sociodemographic variables and comorbid symptom severity, showed significantly higher MD scores in the ADHD group across total and subscale scores ( η ² = .17 for Impairment, .14 for Kinesthesia, .08 for Yearning, .04 for Music). Item‐level analyses showed that Yearning and Music/Kinesthesia items clustered in the moderate‐to‐lower AUC range, whereas Impairment items clustered at the highest AUC levels. Convergent validity was supported by moderate correlations between MD scales and ADHD symptoms, excessive mind wandering, and dissociation ( r = .51–.63), while ADHD symptoms and excessive mind wandering showed a markedly stronger association ( r = .82). Conclusions: The Turkish MDS‐16 and MDS‐5 demonstrated good validity and reliability, with Yearning and Music/Kinesthesia subscales capturing more MD‐specific features, whereas Impairment showed greater overlap with ADHD. Further research is needed to clarify MD–ADHD overlap and improve diagnostic specificity.

Background and Objectives: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience visual problems, yet their ophthalmic health remains underexplored due to testability challenges and limited-service access. This study evaluated ophthalmic screening outcomes in children with ASD and examined whether autism severity influenced ocular findings or cooperation during examinations. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 210 children with ASD (mean age 8.18 ± 4.99 years; 83.3% male). Examinations were conducted in an autism education center using non-contact methods: stereopsis (LANG I stereotest; LANG-STEREOTEST AG, Küsnacht, Switzerland), cover–uncover, and Hirschberg tests for strabismus, Spot Vision Screener (Welch Allyn Inc., Skaneateles Falls, NY, USA) for refractive errors, and Brückner test for red reflex. Autism severity was assessed with the Turkish version of the Adapted Autism Behavior Checklist (AABC). Results: Refractive errors were identified in 22.3% of participants: astigmatism in 15.2%, myopia in 5.2% (including 3 high myopia), and hyperopia in 1.9%. Strabismus was present in 11.9%, most commonly intermittent exotropia. Nearly half (49.5%) could not complete stereopsis testing, and a weak positive correlation was observed between AABC scores and the higher absolute spherical equivalent (SE) value between the two eyes (r = 0.173, p = 0.044). Children unable to complete stereopsis testing had significantly higher AABC scores (22.66 ± 9.69 vs. 13.39 ± 9.41, p < 0.001). Notably, 50 children (23.8%) had never undergone an eye examination prior to this study. Conclusions: Ophthalmic findings, particularly astigmatism and strabismus, are common in children with ASD. Greater autism severity was associated with reduced testability and modestly worse refractive error status. These findings suggest that tailored, accessible eye-care approaches and systematic vision screening may help to reduce overlooked visual problems and support more equitable care for children with ASD.

Individuals with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are at an increased risk of suicidal ideation and attempts compared to the general population. However, the mechanisms underlying suicidal behaviors in this group remain poorly understood. The role of childhood trauma, which frequently co-occurs with ADHD, and emotional dysregulation in suicidal behaviors remains unclear. This study employs a case-control design to investigate the impact of childhood trauma and emotional dysregulation on suicidal tendencies in adults with ADHD. A total of 160 adults diagnosed with ADHD who presented to the Adult Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic at Selçuk University, along with 107 typical controls, were included in the study. Participants were assessed using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale, Suicidal Ideation Scale, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale—Short Form. Regression and mediation models were conducted to examine factors influencing suicidal tendencies, controlling for sociodemographic and clinical variables. Compared to controls, individuals with ADHD exhibited significantly higher levels of suicidal ideation, childhood trauma, and emotional dysregulation. Regression analysis revealed a positive association between childhood trauma, emotional dysregulation, and suicidal ideation. However, ADHD symptoms did not directly contribute to increased suicidal ideation; rather, their effect was mediated through childhood trauma and emotional dysregulation. Additionally, the presence of depression was significantly associated with both suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. These findings suggest that childhood trauma and difficulties in emotion regulation play critical roles in suicidal ideation among individuals with ADHD. In addition to depression treatment, comprehensive interventions targeting childhood trauma and emotional dysregulation may serve as promising strategies for reducing suicidal behaviors.

Objective: This study examined the incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in individuals with bipolar disorder (BD) and identified clinical and biological predictors of incident MetS during a 1-year follow-up. Methods: The study included 100 euthymic BD type-1 patients consecutively recruited from outpatient clinics between July 2023 and July 2024. MetS was defined according to International Diabetes Federation criteria. Patients without MetS at baseline but with MetS during follow-up were classified as having incident MetS. A logistic regression model was utilized to estimate the adjusted odds ratios (OR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations between predictors and incident MetS. Results: Of the participants enrolled in the study (n = 100, 92% response rate), 29% met MetS criteria at baseline. Of the 71 without baseline MetS, 29 (40.8%) developed MetS over a 1-year period. Significant predictors of MetS onset included a higher number of manic/hypomanic episodes (OR = 1.459, 95% CI = 1.005-2.118, P = .047), increased chlorpromazine-equivalent antipsychotic dosages (OR = 1.007, 95% CI = 1.001-1.013, P = .024), high waist circumference (OR = 1.247, 95% CI = 1.052-1.479, P = .011), and hypertriglyceridemia (OR = 1.041, 95% CI = 1.007-1.077, P = .020). Conversely, lamotrigine use was inversely associated with MetS development (OR = 0.030, 95% CI = 0.001-0.659, P = .026). Conclusion: A high incidence of MetS (41%) was observed during a 1-year follow-up of patients with BD in Turkey. Identified risk factors highlight opportunities for intervention through mood recurrence prevention, careful pharmacotherapy management, and treatment of pre-existing components of MetS.

This study aims to assess the mediating effect of childhood trauma and dissociative experiences on the relationship between self-reported ADHD symptoms during childhood and adulthood in two separate cross-sectional studies. In Study 1, undergraduate students completed an online survey including a sociodemographic form, the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS), the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS), the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and the Dissociative Experiences Scale (DES). Data from 1,148 participants were analyzed using descriptive statistics and mediation analysis. In Study 2, sociodemographic, clinical, and diagnostic data from 202 adults with ADHD, followed at the Adult Neurodevelopmental Disorders Clinic at Selçuk University, were analyzed. Diagnostic evaluations were conducted using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Clinician Version. Clinical data included age, gender, years of education, comorbid conditions, and current ADHD medication use. The same self-report scales (ASRS, WURS, CTQ, and DES) were administered in both studies. The two samples differed significantly in terms of clinical characteristics and self-reported symptoms. Current ADHD symptoms were not only directly associated with childhood ADHD symptoms but also indirectly associated with them through increased childhood trauma and dissociative experiences, independent of demographic and clinical confounding factors in both studies. The pathway involving childhood trauma and dissociation may partially mediate the persistence of ADHD symptoms from childhood to adulthood in both undergraduate and adult ADHD samples. Longitudinal clinical studies are needed to better understand how the childhood trauma and dissociation pathway may influence the persistence of ADHD symptoms as individuals age, potentially extending into adulthood.