Mental, Behavioral and Development Health

A study found that individuals with ADHD traits in childhood had increased odds of physical multimorbidity and disability by midlife.

Eye-tracking technology revolutionizes autism diagnosis, enabling earlier detection and intervention for children, enhancing clinical efficiency and accuracy.

FDA accepted centanafadine NDA for priority review, supported by phase 3 trials showing efficacy in children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD.

Get caught up with Contemporary Pediatrics! This list helps you navigate our top stories from the week, all in one place.

Researchers identified 5 distinct classifications of youth suicide, revealing that nearly half of cases had no prior clinical contact or documented risk.

Analysis of nearly 900 million hours of monitored infant sleep shows rapid stabilization of sleep patterns in the first year of life.

A large 2026 meta-analysis found no association between prenatal paracetamol (acetaminophen) use and autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability in children.

Get caught up with Contemporary Pediatrics! This list helps you navigate our top stories from the week, all in one place.

Young adult and adolescent survivors of childhood cancer exhibit accelerated epigenetic aging associated with worse neurocognitive outcomes.

Multiple adverse prenatal exposures have been linked to lasting behavioral problems and altered brain development through adolescence.

Prenatal exposure to hot, humid conditions was associated with significantly reduced child growth, with effects far greater than heat alone.

Teen use of alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine remained stable in 2025, while daily energy drink use rose and heroin and cocaine use showed small increases.

The investigational compound centanafadine to treat ADHD in children, adults, and adolescents, is a first-in-class NDSRI.

The CDC website now claims "studies supporting a link [between vaccines and autism] have been ignored by health authorities."

National CPS data from 2012-2023 show declines in confirmed child maltreatment, but disparities remained, particularly among Black and female children.

New research shows an increase in neurodevelopmental disorder risk among children exposed to maternal COVID-19 infection in utero.

Children face increasing eco-anxiety due to climate change, impacting their mental health. Pediatric healthcare providers play a crucial role in supporting their resilience.

The AAP encourages pediatricians to use shared decision-making with families inquiring about leucovorin while providing clear information about available evidence and potential risks.

Donna Hallas, PhD, PPCNP-BC, CPNP, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN, shares her thoughts on a featured article from the October 2025 issue of Contemporary Pediatrics.

Integrating health care and behavioral science transforms experiences for neurodivergent children, reducing anxiety and fostering confidence during medical procedures.

Explore effective techniques for gathering psychosocial histories from adolescents using the HEADS FIRST Checklist to enhance mental health interventions.

Ellen Fremion, MD, outlines strategies to support smooth transitions from pediatric to adult care, stressing early planning and strong collaboration.

In this video, Jeanne Marconi, MD, highlights some of the challenges providers face when implementing mental health screenings.

Pediatricians can use structured visits, rating scales, and AAP guidelines to improve ADHD diagnosis, follow-up, and care coordination.

Youth suicides by sodium nitrite/nitrate are rising, highlighting prevention gaps and opportunities for early medical and public health intervention.