Adolescent Medicine

Over the past 5 to 10 years, there has been an increasing incidence of synthetic "club" drug or "designer" drug use that has quietly permeated the adolescent and young adult culture. This review of MDMA, also known as "Ecstasy," ketamine, GHB, and methamphetamine, provides a basic introduction to help practitioners get "up to speed."

Q A 15-year-old girl in my practice routinely comes across pornographic materials at her father's house when she goes for a visitation (her parents divorced recently). She has asked her mother not to speak to her father about this because she doesn't want him to know she is snooping. What advice should I give the mother to deal with this uncomfortable situation?

Contemplating or attempting suicide: Is your teenager at risk (PDF)

Oral contraceptives are a safe and reliable choice of birth control for most teenage girls. Here&s what you need to know to prescribe them appropriately and counsel your patients effectively.

Physicians have known for three decades that taking high doses of oral contraceptive pills afterunprotected intercourse can prevent ovulation and implantation. Isn't it time you considered offering adolescent patients this effective means of avoiding unintended pregnancy?