Autism in Children and Adolescents (April/May/June)

Treating Irritability in Autism: Functional and Medication Approaches

Antipsychotics can be very effective for irritability in autism, but they are often unnecessary, and the side effects are truly problematic. Don’t be the prescriber who hears irritability in autism and immediate prescribes antipsychotics. There are usually multiple steps to try before using the FDA approved antipsychotic medications.

Addressing Suicidality in Autistic Children and Teens

Autistic kids and teens can become despondent or suicidal. When this happens, we need to take it as seriously as with anyone else. We interviewed Dr. Paul Lipkin who has truly useful tips to help us modify our assessment to communicate effectively back and forth to address the problem.

Recognizing and Treating Psychosis in Autism

Is it autism or psychosis or both? Autistic traits and psychotic symptoms can look a lot alike. How common is psychosis in autism? And how can we differentiate co-occurring autistic traits from psychotic symptoms? Dr. Kristin Cadenhead gives us an approach for sorting through the history and addressing these problems separately.

Autistic Drivers Perform Well

Driving is a critical skill for many autistic people we see. But do autistic drivers have more accidents? How are their accidents different from those of non-autistic drivers? This research update gives you insight that you can use to help the autistic drivers you see to better prepare for safer driving.

Testing Neurofeedback for ADHD

Neurofeedback enjoys active marketing for multiple conditions, including treatment of ADHD, but what is the current state of the research supporting this pricey approach? This research update reports on a recent study and puts the use of neurofeedback in context so you can better guide families on whether to try it.

Is It Worth Adding Coenzyme Q10 to Atomoxetine for ADHD?

With so many medications and supplements to try for ADHD, what combinations are effective? This research update looks at a study that tested whether adding Co-Q10 to atomoxetine treatment might improve outcomes in ADHD. Our analysis of this approach is a guide to other combination approaches to ADHD.

Does Treatment of ADHD Help Caregiver Stress?

Parents suffer significant stress, doing their best to support and care for their ADHD kids. Does that stress dissipate at all when the ADHD is alleviated? This controlled trial looked at stress levels of parents whose kids were taking delayed release/extended release –methylphenidate versus those taking placebo. #family-systems-psychiatry.

Stimulant Treatment Effect on Anxiety in ADHD

Are stimulant medication likely to exacerbate anxiety in ADHD kids? It’s reasonable concern, especially since mood symptoms can be worse with withdrawal and heart rate goes up in some kids on stimulants. This study gives nuanced insight into the degree to which stimulants impact anxiety in ADHD kids, for better and worse.

Why Do So Many Pediatric Antidepressant Research Trials “Fail”?

Placebo response rates in antidepressant trials tend to run high, making it difficult to know whether an active medication has truly beneficial effect. This research update unpacks possible reasons for this phenomenon that give you insight into how to treat your patients using a rational multimodal approach.

Child Medication Fact Book for Psychiatric Practice, Second Edition (2023)
All the important facts covering child and adolescent psychopharmacology.
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General Psychiatry
Using SAMe In Clinical Practice with Garrett Rossi, MD
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Child Psychiatry
Recognizing Developmental Trauma Disorder in Children and Adolescents
Whether due to COVID, conflict, climate, or common car crashes, children often lose their caregiver at the same time they experience trauma. Our podcast with Julian Ford will...
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