Recent Articles
Tapering Antipsychotic Medications in Children and Adolescents: Part II 4/2/24
Continuing the discussion on the Off Label use of antipsychotic medications for minors, this edition of our newsletter addresses considerations in tapering and, when feasible, discontinuing treatment with these agents. Case Vignette: Steven is a 13-year old boy with autism, mild intellectual disability and expressive speech delay who presented 2 years ago with concerns related […]
Tapering Antipsychotic Medications in Children and Adolescents Part 1 3/21/24
Although pediatricians do not often initiate prescriptions for antipsychotic agents, this and a subsequent e-newsletter edition discuss important issues in their use that can be of relevance to pediatric practice, both in managing acute clinical situations and in managing care for youth with longer term needs for these medicines. About 1% of children ages 7-12 […]
Free Digital Supports for Kids & Families 2/28/24
An important new resource for families with kids, teens and young adults up to age 25 has been launched by California’s Department of Health Care Services as part of the state’s CalHOPE program. This is a resource for youth and families that should be added to a provider’s tool kit in assisting patients and their […]
Deprescribing Psychotropic Medication 2/7/24
Medication regimens that were once good, might not be the best choice now. While psychotropic medications can be remarkably helpful in the management of many behavioral health disorders, it is not infrequently the case – particularly with children and adolescents— that revisions in established medication regimens are appropriate as the patient goes through the developmental […]
COMPASSION FATIGUE 1/11/24
This week we would like to focus on you! As healthcare, emergency and/or community service professionals we are privileged to be able to offer our skills and compassion to those suffering from physical and emotional health challenges, yet while doing so we must attend to our own needs to sustain our physical, mental, emotional and […]
“APPY” Holidays 12/15/23
A national survey found that 38% of young adults 14-22 years old experiencing moderate to severe symptoms of anxiety and depression are using stress and anxiety-reducing apps to help them feel better. [Rideout: 2018] Common signs of anxiety in children and adolescents are acting worried or afraid, crying, shaking, tantrums, and refusing to do things, such as […]
Smoking Cigarettes and E-Cigs: Unmasking the Real Deal
Buckle up, because we’re going to show you what’s really behind the smokescreen. What’s the Deal with Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes? Cigarettes: Imagine tiny toxic torches. You light ’em up, and they become a cocktail of chemicals that mess with your body. Sounds kind of gross. Cigarettes can kill too: 5.6 million kids under the age […]
HOW TO TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT CONFLICT AND WAR: TIPS TO SUPPORT AND COMFORT CHILDREN 10/13/23
International wars and conflict enhance our sense of danger and may cause worry about what will happen in the days and weeks ahead. A range of emotions (e.g., outrage, fear, anxiety and sorrow) are common and can change as the situation evolves. They can create safety concerns for the region that reach into our own […]
HEARING VOICES 9.28.23
When a child or adolescent reports “I hear voices”, it naturally causes concern for parents and healthcare clinicians alike. The immediate question is “what is the cause”? This, followed by “what to do about it?” An optimal approach to assessing “voices” in youth includes a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and family-centered philosophy. The metaphysical experience of […]
Medi-Cal Enhanced Care Management Program 9/8/23
Addressing MEDI-CAL ENHANCED CARE MANAGEMENT (ECM) Today’s newsletter describes California’s new Medi-Cal Enhanced Care Management program, a resource for obtaining Community Supports that can assist individuals in overcoming a variety of life challenges that contribute to worsening of healthcare problems. THE ISSUE: Medi-Cal members with unmet social needs are at higher risk of poor health outcomes […]