In recent years the autism diet has increased in popularity. But does it work? Dr. Jennifer Harrison Elder explains the evidence.

Current diagnostic criteria for ADHD involves documentation of impairment in more than one setting. Since most kids receive an ADHD diagnosis during their school years, we greatly depend on teachers to provide us with information on behavior and symptoms.

By now most of us know how PTSD looks in DSM-5. Among a number of changes is the removal of criterion A2, which required a response to an event to include “intense fear, helplessness, or horror.” Criterion A1—exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence—was slightly edited, but remains a diagnostic requirement for the disorder.

Evidence is emerging that probiotics, those living organisms found in yogurt and other fermented foods, can do more than improve digestive health. Preliminary research has found that some of these bacteria may also have antidepressant or anxiolytic effects.

A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that more than two out of every five middle and high school students who smoke either use flavored little cigars or flavored cigarettes.

After reading these articles, you should be able to…

The epidemic of psychiatric comorbidity has been a problem since DSM-III appeared way back in 1980. Not much has been done to improve this area in the subsequent editions of the manual.

Unfortunately, children are exposed to traumatic events—isolated ones such as natural disasters or serious accidents, and recurring traumas such as domestic violence and sexual abuse. However, throughout history, most people didn’t believe that children experienced lasting psychic trauma as a result of these events.

Allen Frances, MD, a leading critic of DSM-5 and best-selling author, shares his take on where the new manual goes wrong.

Treatment options for pediatric PTSD and trauma symptoms are limited, and the symptoms are clearly detrimental to youths’ functioning, particularly in the presence of comorbid disorders.