Mental, Behavioral and Development Health

At the virtual 2021 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition, Hilary McClafferty, MD, FAAP, discusses evidence-based management tools to relieve stress and burnout for pediatricians.

Chronic adolescent exposure to THC and cannabis could lead to adverse mental health outcomes and impacted brain functioning.

Physician well-being has taken a beating throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mental health often plays a role in eating disorders. As a result of the pandemic, has there been an increase in eating disorders in teenagers that required medical care?

Toxic stress can have lifelong negative effects. A new policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) examines how healthy relationships may serve as a buffer.

The long-term impact of COVID-19 on mental health may not be known for years, but right now it's vital to assess mental health in teenagers to help them get the help they may require.

Adolescent oral contraceptive use is associated with a small yet meaningful increased risk of experiencing an episode of major depressive disorder (MDD) in early adulthood, especially among women with no history of MDD in adolescence.

A study looks into the neurological and psychiatric aspects of COVID-19 infections.

Eating disorders have been associated with an inability to control one’s emotions. An investigation examines whether dysregulation in childhood may increase the risk of a future anorexia nervosa diagnosis when a child reaches adolescence.

A study examines the prevalence and long-term impact of psychiatric disorders in children and teenagers who are part of the juvenile justice system.

Although the mental toll of the pandemic has been high for everyone, it’s been especially difficult for children with chronic diseases such as type 1 diabetes. A session at the virtual Scientific Sessions for the American Diabetes Association addressed how one program tackled these concerns.

Being a gender diverse and transgender adolescent can mean an increased risk of mental health concerns. When those concerns lead to treatment programs, are they more likely to have worse outcomes than their cisgender peers?

The pediatric provider plays a role in supporting sexual minority and gender-diverse youth.

Pediatricians may be the first clinician to see a teenager or young adult experiencing psychotic symptoms. A report offers guidance for providing care to these patients in potential crisis.

Exposure to violence is an unfortunate reality for some children. An investigation examines how often medical care is sought because of it.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective way to treat social anxiety disorder, but some children and families struggle to find a local therapist that can help. A study examines whether internet delivered CBT can be effective.

Family health history can serve as a warning for a patient’s current physical health issues. A report indicates that it may also be helpful with mental health issues.

A literature review examines the effectiveness of a number of interventions meant to target self-harm and suicidality.

A 19-year-old young woman presents with rapid onset weight loss. What's the diagnosis?

Teenagers who are Black or Latinx as well as transgender face discrimination on 2 different fronts. A report examines whether this leads to a greater mental health burden.

Frequent experiences with racial discrimination often leads to negative mental health consequences for Black teenagers. A report examines whether programs meant to enhance caregiving practices could mitigate this association.

We all know the importance of a good night’s sleep, but can a child’s sadness be tied to a poor night of sleep? A meta-analysis examines if a connection exists between disrupted sleep and depression.

An investigation examines whether using a brief behavior therapy program could be a highly effective way to treat anxiety and depression in pediatric patients.

Teenagers are a very social group and the pandemic has severely restricted the ability to socialize. A new poll examines the impact of this restriction.

An investigation examines whether a key report on global health trends is hugely underestimating eating disorder cases.

Prescription opioid misuse has been linked to suicidality. A study examines whether the timing of the misuse, either past or current, has an impact.

A 17-year-old boy with a history of anxiety was transported from a juvenile detention center for altered mental status, including hallucinations and agitation. What's the diagnosis?

Barry S. Zuckerman, MD, founder of Reach Out and Read, hopes to personalize the patient-doctor relationship with a new app called Small Moments.

Natural disasters can cause extreme stress. An investigation examines the trajectories of posttraumatic stress following such disasters.

Both the protests in the summer of 2020 for racial justice and the news that non-White Americans are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 have highlighted the urgent need to address racism everywhere, including in pediatric practice.