Mental, Behavioral and Development Health

Approximately 1 in 5 youths who identify as a sexual gender minority will undergo a gender identity change in their adolescence; however, such changes do not appear to impact their mental health.

In this Q&A, Anne Bird, MD, discusses the results of a recently published study observing the impact Rady Children's Hospital's new mental health program has had on their patients and mental health symptoms.

In the retrospective, population-based cohort study, the investigators used linked administrative health records of all children born in Western Australia between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2018 (n = 401,462).

“We found no statistically significant effect of early iron supplementation on developmental scores at 24 and 36 months,” wrote the study investigators.

Improvement in access to mental health resources for children would decrease vicarious trauma of foster parents and social workers via improved living and working conditions.

Editor-in-chief Tina Tan, MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS, highlights the April 2024 issue of Contemporary Pediatrics.

Investigators sought to evaluate characteristics of adolescents with a history of depression who do not endorse risk via the PHQ item 9, which is commonly used to screen for self-harm and suicide risk.

Data from a recent study revealed that stigma associated with chronic skin diseases made an impact on the quality of life of affected children and adolescents.

Though concern exists about the associations of marijuana legalization and youth use, no links were found in a recent study.

Research in AJOG: Maternal hyperoxygenation doesn't boost neonatal Apgar scores in pathologic fetal heart rate tracing, showing no FiO2 benefit.

Donna Hallas, PhD, PPCNP-BC, CPNP, PMHS, FAANP, FAAN, highlights the April 2024 issue of Contemporary Pediatrics.

An assessment into development scores before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic show children aged 0 - 5 years old may only had been minimally impacted in communication and problem-solving skills.

Medicaid registry data show parents and guardians whose children have been referred to CPS are more than 3-fold likely to have a substance use disorder.

A new study explored increased health care utilization of children among several specific sleep disorders, race, and age.

NeuroStar Advanced Therapy becomes the first and only transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy cleared by the FDA as an adjunct treatment for patients 15 years and up with depression.

Cynthia Chew, DNP, CPNP-PC, IBCLC, assistant professor, University of Pittsburgh, breaks down her session, "The Why and How of Screening for Perinatal Mental Health Disorders in Pediatric Primary Care," presented at NAPNAP 2024.

"We cannot lead, innovate, and learn if we do not listen to those we seek to serve. Listening is the foundation of trust and trust is the foundation of every therapeutic alliance."

Experts highlight the importance of mental health screening at well-child visits.

The Tennessee STAT tool was associated with improved primary care provider perspective and confidence to lead, rather than refer, on pediatric autism diagnosis.

In 2021, pediatric mental health conditions were associated with $31 billion in child spending and $59 billion in household spending, which made up 46.6% of all pediatric medical spending that year.

Research has demonstrated that SGDY exhibit significantly elevated incidence of mental health diagnoses and conditions compared with their counterparts, including higher rates of suicidality, depressive and anxiety disorders, and substance misuse.

In the study period and among individuals aged 12 to 24 years, mental health-associated visits increased nearly 2-fold from 2006 to 2019.

Editor-in-chief Tina Tan, MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS, highlights our March Mental Health issue of Contemporary Pediatrics.

"Collaboration can help us make more accurate diagnoses, develop more effective multimodal treatment plans, and monitor progress in many areas," said James Wallace, MD.

A new study found female teens and young adults were more likely to have an increased antidepressant dispensing rate during the pandemic than male peers.

A cohort analysis from Japan shows that more visible symptoms—though considered less clinical by experts—may be indicative of heightened suicidal behavior in teenagers.

A new recommendation statement from the Preventive Services Task Force remains inconclusive on the benefits versus risks of asymptomatic screening for speech and language delay disorders.

While at the 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition, Steven Selbst, MD, spoke with Contemporary Pediatrics® about current trends in pediatric emergency medicine, and highlighted the ongoing mental health crisis.

In this Contemporary Pediatrics® interview, Marian F. Earls, MD, MTS, FAAP, and Kori Flower, MD MS MPH, FAAP, discuss their session "How to Include Screening for Social Emotional Health in Your Practice," presented at the 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition.

Cassidy Foley Davelaar, DO, FAAP, CAQSM, shares some of the findings from her research on how social media affects young athletes and their body image at the 2023 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference & Exhibition.