A psychiatrist from the University at Buffalo (UB) has received a $3 million grant from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to enhance mental health support for children with cystic fibrosis (CF). This initiative, named TIDES 2.0, expands on the International Depression Epidemiological Study (TIDES), which has integrated mental health screenings into the care of nearly 90% of U.S. adults and adolescents with CF since its launch in 2014.
Dr. Beth A. Smith, the study’s principal investigator and interim chair of psychiatry at UB, emphasized the need for mental health evaluations in children aged 18 months to 11 years. The study aims to assess the prevalence of mental health issues in this demographic, identify effective screening methods, and develop new guidelines for mental health care in children undergoing revolutionary CF therapies.
Cystic fibrosis, a chronic genetic condition often diagnosed in infants, significantly affects respiratory and digestive functions. While advancements in treatment over the past two decades have markedly improved life expectancy, they have also complicated the health landscape for patients, with increasing rates of comorbidities.
Previous research indicates that depression correlates with poorer health outcomes in individuals with CF, prompting early intervention as vital. Dr. Smith noted that symptoms of depression can manifest as early as age 7, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues promptly for both children and their families.
The study’s success relies on the commitment of the entire CF care team, including pulmonologists like Dr. Danielle M. Goetz, who play a pivotal role in integrating mental health screening into routine care. Smith aims to demonstrate that effective mental health treatment can alter negative health trajectories for children with CF.
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