Mental, Behavioral and Development Health

Parents and pediatricians navigate the complexities of neurodiversity, emphasizing the need for open communication and better resources for child development.

A clinical trial found CBD was safe and well-tolerated in autistic boys, with some showing behavioral improvements, though placebo effects were strong.

Even low-level lead exposure in early childhood may speed up memory loss, according to a new study using a cognitive task to measure forgetting rates.

Data from the study suggest caretakers of CPP patients be vigilant for psychiatric symptoms to begin care at an early stage.

The total number of pediatric mental health hospitalizations declined in 2022, the first time observed since 2009.

Addictive use of screens—not total time—was linked to higher risks of suicidal behavior and mental health issues in early adolescents.

A recent study found screen time and socioemotional problems in children are linked in both directions, with gaming tied to greater risk than other activities.

New research highlights how differences in state laws may be linked to changing trends in pediatric firearm mortality across the United States.

Children with blood lead levels below CDC intervention thresholds had lower test scores through adolescence, a new study showed.

Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN, highlights the connection between poor dietary patterns and mental health challenges in children, and offers nutrient-focused solutions.

Victor Carrion, MD, explains how providers can recognize the signs of accumulated stress in children and support recovery through education and connection.

Can you diagnose this patient?

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

A recently published study found sharp increase in the use of nicotine pouches among US high school students, with usage nearly doubling from 2023 to 2024.

“These findings provide evidence that social media may be contributing to the development of depressive symptoms,” said Jason M. Nagata, MD, MSc.

Victor Carrion, MD, emphasizes how pediatricians can monitor and support mental health in youth while navigating limited access to specialized care.

Colleen Sloan, PA-C, RDN, highlights what she is seeing in practice related to screen time, devices, and social media and impacts on nutrition.

Music therapist Jenna Marcovitz discusses the role of pediatricians in making timely referrals to music therapy to support whole-child health.

In this video interview, Jenna Marcovitz, MA, MT-BC, CCLS, RMT, provides insight to music therapy and how it can benefit a wide range of pediatric patients.

Peter S. Jensen, MD, discusses the risks and benefits of social media use by children, emphasizing the need for parental oversight and national guidelines.

Research shows that nearly 80% of foster children have at least 1 significant mental health need.

Joshua Feder, MD, highlights the need for psychiatry to better integrate sensory processing research into care strategies beyond autism.

In this article, we recap our top stories, expert interviews, and Q+A discussions from the 2025 Pediatric Academic Societies meeting.

At PAS 2025, Jesse Hinckley, MD, PhD, presented data showing cannabis use sharply increases odds of depression and suicidal behavior in youth.

Study finds education from multiple sources increases parent inquiry about firearms.