In our note from the Editor in Chief, Dr. Feder underlines the hope for better outcomes for the ravages of substance use disorders and a timely message for those impacted wildfires and other disasters.

Second generation antipsychotics (SGAs) have significant side effects, which has led us at Carlat to recommend conservative use. This research update adds to concerns about increased mortality, especially at higher doses, making conservative use of SGAs a necessity.

Where does escitalopram fit in the treatment of anxiety, depression, OCD, and other disorders of children and adolescents? We review the data and help you decide where to place escitalopram in your own practice.

Can kids and teens "catch" mental illness from the internet? This clinical update covers how to assess the degree of media influence on symptoms that children and adolescents report and how to talk with kids and teens about self-diagnoses in a way that builds a collaborative exploratory treatment relationship.

Online treatment offers greater access to care for our patients with reduced travel and environmental costs. But is this modality effective? This research update looks at a study in which internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy was used for treating OCD in children and teens.

Does physical activity help relieve depression in children and adolescents? We know it helps adults, but what is the evidence in kids? This research update looks at a study that tries to elucidate the effectiveness of exercise on depression in kids and teens, and how much to emphasize exercise with your own patients.

How do lithium and quetiapine compare in their ability to treat acute mania in children and teens? Are they effective? Do kids go into remission? And how do their side effect profiles compare?  This clinical update can help you decide which patients might be good candidates for which medication. 

Vortioxetine has to be reasonably tolerated in children and teens, with manageable side effects, to have any chance of inclusion into treatment for anxiety or depression. This research update gives you the latest on whether vortioxetine might be a viable approach even before we have good efficacy studies. 

We struggle to manage the metabolic impact of antipsychotic medications on the children and teens we treat. Could topiramate be a viable option for our armamentarium of strategies? Read our research update to find out.