Mental, Behavioral and Development Health

It’s no fantasy that children who play freely in the great outdoors are healthier in body and mind. New studies also suggest that active engagement with the natural environment reduces stress and relieves depression in all ages.

For Contemporary Pediatrics, Dr Bobby Lazzara discusses a large cohort study using a military health system database that examined the concurrent diagnosis of hyperthyroidism and mental illness.

Postpartum depression has a number of profound effects. A new study indicates that postpartum depression could increase the risk of atopic dermatitis, especially at ages 5 and 9 years.

It seems to be a logical conclusion: Weight loss in severely obese teenagers will result in better mental health outcomes in addition to the more obvious health benefits. However, a new Swedish study indicates that this may not be the case.

As the rate of suicide climbs, the ability to access shows like 13 Reasons Why without parental supervision grows, and social media pushes an impossible quest for perfection, it has become more important than ever for parents, caregivers, and educators to have a good understanding of what depression is and what the signs are.

Why is there a gap in the mental health training of general pediatricians? This is a question that brings about a wide spectrum of opinions and likely just as many emotions from clinicians. Although there is no single answer to this question, the lack of appropriate training in mental health remains an issue in the training of pediatricians.

A recent study suggests that positive childhood experiences may counter the damaging effects of adverse experiences.

A recent study suggests that positive childhood experiences may counter the damaging effects of adverse experiences.

A recent study suggests that positive childhood experiences may counter the damaging effects of adverse experiences.

A recent study suggests that positive childhood experiences may counter the damaging effects of adverse experiences.

A recent study suggests that positive childhood experiences may counter the damaging effects of adverse experiences.

A recent study suggests that positive childhood experiences may counter the damaging effects of adverse experiences.

A recent study suggests that positive childhood experiences may counter the damaging effects of adverse experiences.

A recent study suggests that positive childhood experiences may counter the damaging effects of adverse experiences.

A recent study suggests that positive childhood experiences may counter the damaging effects of adverse experiences.

A recent study suggests that positive childhood experiences may counter the damaging effects of adverse experiences.

A new nationwide program helps primary care providers (PCPs) with mental health training to better address routine psychosocial issues in children and their families.

For many of us in pediatrics, depression and other related diagnoses can present a challenge. Our counterparts who treat adults see and treat depression more often and are often more comfortable with both diagnosis and treatment. It's time to work on this.

Pediatricians across the country will be affected by the trauma inflicted on children who are separated from their families and detained at the border.

Pediatricians are the ideal first-line providers to help identify, refer, and support new mothers affected by postpartum depression.

Clinically significant depression can occur in children aged as young as 3 years. Here’s how to recognize the symptoms and identify risk factors in your young patients.

A new study in JAMA Psychiatry provides another reason to recommend long-acting reversible contraceptives to adolescent female patients: oral contraceptives may increase the risk of depression.

Oregon has passed several new laws aimed at suicide prevention, with 2 of those specifically targeting students by offering excused mental health days and requiring school districts to develop comprehensive suicide prevention plans for at-risk students.

Fast food is a common element of many teenagers’ diets. This ubiquitous nature has frustrated pediatric providers fighting the tide of pediatric obesity, but a new small study from University of Alabama at Birmingham researchers indicates that another negative consequence could be an increased risk of depression.

Does childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increase the risk of psychiatric disorders or suicide attempts? A study from the Karolinska Institutet in Solna, Sweden, examines whether the link exists.

The detention crisis at the border of the United States has led to many doctors worrying about the psychological toll on the children held in the detention camps. A recent studyoffers some insight into the problem.

More adolescents are turning to the emergency department for help during mental health crises, leading researchers to call for better treatment and prevention strategies.

Research suggests a family history of mental and neurologic disorders may increase risk factors for diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in a child.

This month’s quiz will test your knowledge of key diagnostic points in the screening process for depression in primary care. You’ll test your knowledge on 5 key points. Each point gives you context for the correct answer-and, most importantly, provides valuable resources.