Child Psychiatry Resources for child and adolescent clinicians https://www.thecarlatreport.com/rss en-us Learning Objectives, Young Adult Mental Health, CCPR, July/August/September 2026 After reading these articles, you should be able to… After reading these articles, you should be able to… 

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6378 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6378-learning-objectives-young-adult-mental-health-ccpr-july-august-september-2026 Medication Nonadherence in Children and Teens Nonadherence affects roughly one-third of youth with severe mental illness—and those who need medication most are often least likely to take it. This update reviews the most common drivers of nonadherence, from forgetfulness and family dynamics to stigma and motivation, with practical strategies clinicians can apply at every visit. Nonadherence affects roughly one-third of youth with severe mental illness—and those who need medication most are often least likely to take it. This update reviews the most common drivers of nonadherence, from forgetfulness and family dynamics to stigma and motivation, with practical strategies clinicians can apply at every visit.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6377 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6377-medication-nonadherence-in-children-and-teens Psychiatry on College Campuses The transition to college is a mental health inflection point. Dr. Mathilde Ross discusses why crises peak in October, how to prepare students for independent healthcare, medication choices that fit chaotic schedules, and what home providers should do—before their patient steps on campus. The transition to college is a mental health inflection point. Dr. Mathilde Ross discusses why crises peak in October, how to prepare students for independent healthcare, medication choices that fit chaotic schedules, and what home providers should do—before their patient steps on campus.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6376 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6376-psychiatry-on-college-campuses Mathilde Ross, MD (Photo by Marissa Fiorucci) A Developmental Framework for Teen Psychiatry Why do teenagers make impulsive decisions even when they know better? Dr. Joshua Feder maps the arc of prefrontal cortex maturation and explains how each developmental stage shapes clinical strategy—from parent coaching in early childhood to motivational interviewing with teens and medication tapering as reflective capacity matures. Why do teenagers make impulsive decisions even when they know better? Dr. Joshua Feder maps the arc of prefrontal cortex maturation and explains how each developmental stage shapes clinical strategy—from parent coaching in early childhood to motivational interviewing with teens and medication tapering as reflective capacity matures.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6375 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6375-a-developmental-framework-for-teen-psychiatry CCPR_JulAugSep2026_Image.jpg Leveraging the Placebo Effect in Child Psychiatry The placebo effect is real, measurable, and often stronger in children than adults, yet it’s routinely underused. This update explains the neurobiology behind placebo response, how "placebo by proxy" shapes outcomes through caregiver expectations, and how to use open-label placebo approaches ethically and effectively in everyday clinical practice. The placebo effect is real, measurable, and often stronger in children than adults, yet it’s routinely underused. This update explains the neurobiology behind placebo response, how "placebo by proxy" shapes outcomes through caregiver expectations, and how to use open-label placebo approaches ethically and effectively in everyday clinical practice.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6374 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6374-leveraging-the-placebo-effect-in-child-psychiatry Behavioral Sleep Interventions Help Parents' Perceptions in Complex Kids Sleep problems are nearly universal in children with ADHD, autism, and chronic illness—but how much can behavioral interventions actually move the needle? A meta-analysis of 15 RCTs examines what changes, what doesn't, and whether the gains last. Sleep problems are nearly universal in children with ADHD, autism, and chronic illness—but how much can behavioral interventions actually move the needle? A meta-analysis of 15 RCTs examines what changes, what doesn't, and whether the gains last.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6373 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6373-behavioral-sleep-interventions-help-parents-perceptions-in-complex-kids Most Teens With SUD or Depression Get No Treatment Treatment access for adolescent mental health and substance use isn't keeping pace with rising rates. A national survey of over 32,000 youth reveals just how wide the gaps are and why turning 18 may make things measurably worse. Treatment access for adolescent mental health and substance use isn't keeping pace with rising rates. A national survey of over 32,000 youth reveals just how wide the gaps are and why turning 18 may make things measurably worse.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6372 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6372-most-teens-with-sud-or-depression-get-no-treatment Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome in Youth Is Rare, but Risk Peaks Early NMS is feared but poorly characterized in pediatric populations. A Medicaid cohort of 1.66 million young antipsychotic users now offers the clearest picture yet of when risk is highest and which combinations clinicians should watch most closely. NMS is feared but poorly characterized in pediatric populations. A Medicaid cohort of 1.66 million young antipsychotic users now offers the clearest picture yet of when risk is highest and which combinations clinicians should watch most closely.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6371 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6371-neuroleptic-malignant-syndrome-in-youth-is-rare-but-risk-peaks-early Add-On Dextromethorphan May Reduce Irritability in Children With ADHD Irritability in pediatric ADHD often persists despite stimulant treatment, yet targeted options are limited. Could an NMDA antagonist already sitting on pharmacy shelves offer a safer adjunct? A small pilot trial reports a striking early signal. Irritability in pediatric ADHD often persists despite stimulant treatment, yet targeted options are limited. Could an NMDA antagonist already sitting on pharmacy shelves offer a safer adjunct? A small pilot trial reports a striking early signal.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6370 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6370-add-on-dextromethorphan-may-reduce-irritability-in-children-with-adhd Note From the Editor-in-Chief Dr. Feder reflects on an issue that makes great summer reading in preparing for the academic year, navigating the long arc of prefrontal development, and sending teens off to college. Dr. Feder reflects on an issue that makes great summer reading in preparing for the academic year, navigating the long arc of prefrontal development, and sending teens off to college.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6369 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6369-note-from-the-editor-in-chief Feder.png Why We Miss Suicide Risk in Autistic Youth What if the patients we assume are safest from suicide are actually the ones we miss? Today we're talking about suicide risk in autistic youth, why it's higher than many clinicians expect, how distress shows up differently, and what small changes in our assessment process and treatment can make a real difference. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #000000}

What if the patients we assume are safest from suicide are actually the ones we miss? Today we're talking about suicide risk in autistic youth, why it's higher than many clinicians expect, how distress shows up differently, and what small changes in our assessment process and treatment can make a real difference.
]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2/post/6306 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 02:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2-the-carlat-psychiatry-podcast/post/6306-why-we-miss-suicide-risk-in-autistic-youth shutterstock_2789689339.jpg Assessing the Evidence in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Not all studies are created equal — and in child psychiatry, the stakes of getting it wrong are high. Dr. Spielmans introduces the PICOT framework, exposes common sources of bias in clinical trials, and offers practical tools for vetting the research before it reaches your patients. Not all studies are created equal — and in child psychiatry, the stakes of getting it wrong are high. Dr. Spielmans introduces the PICOT framework, exposes common sources of bias in clinical trials, and offers practical tools for vetting the research before it reaches your patients.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6288 Fri, 08 May 2026 12:41:38 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6288-assessing-the-evidence-in-child-and-adolescent-psychiatry SSRIs Help Modestly With Pediatric OCD SSRIs are standard for pediatric OCD, but how much do they actually move the needle? An individual participant data meta-analysis puts a number on it, and the answer is more nuanced than the guidelines suggest. Baseline severity, it turns out, matters more than most clinicians realize. SSRIs are standard for pediatric OCD, but how much do they actually move the needle? An individual participant data meta-analysis puts a number on it, and the answer is more nuanced than the guidelines suggest. Baseline severity, it turns out, matters more than most clinicians realize.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6283 Fri, 08 May 2026 12:16:47 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6283-ssris-help-modestly-with-pediatric-ocd Learning Objectives, Evidence-Based Treatment in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, CCPR, April/May/June 2026 After reading these articles, you should be able to… After reading these articles, you should be able to… 

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6290 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6290-learning-objectives-evidence-based-treatment-in-child-and-adolescent-psychiatry-ccpr-april-may-june-2026 What Works in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Guide to Evidence-Based Treatments When treatment options feel overwhelming, evidence is your anchor. When treatment options feel overwhelming, evidence is your anchor.  

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6289 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6289-what-works-in-child-and-adolescent-psychiatry-a-guide-to-evidence-based-treatments CCPR_AprMayJun 2026_issueimage_sm.png Managing Genetic Risk for Psychiatric Conditions in Children and Adolescents Genetic risk is real, but it’s not destiny. Dr. Besterman unpacks what heritability actually means in clinical practice, clarifies when genetic testing is and isn’t warranted, and offers concrete strategies for helping families move toward a more empowered understanding of their child’s risk. Genetic risk is real, but it’s not destiny. Dr. Besterman unpacks what heritability actually means in clinical practice, clarifies when genetic testing is and isn’t warranted, and offers concrete strategies for helping families move toward a more empowered understanding of their child’s risk.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6287 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6287-managing-genetic-risk-for-psychiatric-conditions-in-children-and-adolescents CCPR_QA2 Aaron Bestermann_photo_sm.png New Antipsychotic Formulations for Children and Adolescents: Caution Prevails Newer antipsychotics promise novel mechanisms and fewer metabolic headaches, but the pediatric data have not caught up with the enthusiasm. This update cuts through the excitement around lumateperone, xanomeline-trospium, and TAAR1 agonists, and offers a practical framework for deciding when, if ever, to venture beyond the tried-and-true SGAs. Newer antipsychotics promise novel mechanisms and fewer metabolic headaches, but the pediatric data have not caught up with the enthusiasm. This update cuts through the excitement around lumateperone, xanomeline-trospium, and TAAR1 agonists, and offers a practical framework for deciding when, if ever, to venture beyond the tried-and-true SGAs.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6286 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6286-new-antipsychotic-formulations-for-children-and-adolescents-caution-prevails A Three-Question Scale Offers a Quick Read on Antidepressant Side Effects in Youth Side effects are the most common reason kids stop antidepressants, yet most monitoring tools are too cumbersome for real-world visits. The FIBSER-C asks just three questions and takes under a minute. Could this be the side effect check-in your practice has been missing? Side effects are the most common reason kids stop antidepressants, yet most monitoring tools are too cumbersome for real-world visits. The FIBSER-C asks just three questions and takes under a minute. Could this be the side effect check-in your practice has been missing?

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6285 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6285-a-three-question-scale-offers-a-quick-read-on-antidepressant-side-effects-in-youth SSRIs May Slow Height Gain SSRIs are among the most prescribed medications in adolescents, but are we paying close enough attention to what they may be doing to pubertal growth? A prospective cohort study found dose-related reductions in height velocity, with changes in growth hormone signaling suggesting a possible biologic mechanism. SSRIs are among the most prescribed medications in adolescents, but are we paying close enough attention to what they may be doing to pubertal growth? A prospective cohort study found dose-related reductions in height velocity, with changes in growth hormone signaling suggesting a possible biologic mechanism.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6284 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6284-ssris-may-slow-height-gain Low-Dose Aripiprazole for Youth With Anorexia When family-based therapy stalls in adolescents with anorexia, what comes next? A retrospective matched-cohort study suggests that low-dose aripiprazole may loosen cognitive rigidity enough to get treatment moving again — with doses averaging under 3 mg/day and a surprisingly favorable side-effect profile. When family-based therapy stalls in adolescents with anorexia, what comes next? A retrospective matched-cohort study suggests that low-dose aripiprazole may loosen cognitive rigidity enough to get treatment moving again — with doses averaging under 3 mg/day and a surprisingly favorable side-effect profile.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6282 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/6282-low-dose-aripiprazole-for-youth-with-anorexia Managing Suicidality in Autistic Youth Autistic youth are significantly more likely to attempt suicide than their neurotypical peers—and the warning signs are easy to miss. Learn how suicidality presents differently in autism, how to adapt screening tools, and how to build practical, autism-informed safety plans that strengthen regulation, communication, and connection. Autistic youth are significantly more likely to attempt suicide than their neurotypical peers—and the warning signs are easy to miss. Learn how suicidality presents differently in autism, how to adapt screening tools, and how to build practical, autism-informed safety plans that strengthen regulation, communication, and connection.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5860 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:57:20 -0500 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5860-managing-suicidality-in-autistic-youth CCPR_JanFebMar_2026_Autism.jpg Treating Anxiety and Sleep Issues in Children and Adolescents A parent sits across from you and asks, "Why can't my child just take the same anxiety medicine that helps me?” Sounds reasonable, but the evidence tells a very different story. p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; color: #000000}

A parent sits across from you and asks, "Why can't my child just take the same anxiety medicine that helps me?” Sounds reasonable, but the evidence tells a very different story.




]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2/post/5837 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 02:00:00 -0500 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2-the-carlat-psychiatry-podcast/post/5837-treating-anxiety-and-sleep-issues-in-children-and-adolescents shutterstock_2733364919.jpg Autism and Divorce: A Legal Expert’s Guide for Clinicians Custody disputes involving autistic children often pull clinicians into unfamiliar legal terrain. This interview clarifies your role in court and mediation, explains how judges use clinical input, and offers guidance on maintaining ethical boundaries while keeping the child’s developmental and emotional needs at the center. Custody disputes involving autistic children often pull clinicians into unfamiliar legal terrain. This interview clarifies your role in court and mediation, explains how judges use clinical input, and offers guidance on maintaining ethical boundaries while keeping the child’s developmental and emotional needs at the center.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5859 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5859-autism-and-divorce-a-legal-experts-guide-for-clinicians CCPR_QA1 Ethan Marcus_photo_sm.png Autism and the Transition to Adulthood: A Clinical Guide The shift from school-based services to adult systems can feel like a cliff for autistic youth. Dr. Baker-Ericzen explains how to strengthen executive functioning, promote supported decision-making, and address anxiety early—helping young people build autonomy, confidence, and meaningful adult outcomes. The shift from school-based services to adult systems can feel like a cliff for autistic youth. Dr. Baker-Ericzen explains how to strengthen executive functioning, promote supported decision-making, and address anxiety early—helping young people build autonomy, confidence, and meaningful adult outcomes.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5858 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5858-autism-and-the-transition-to-adulthood-a-clinical-guide CCPR_QA2 Mary Baker-Ericzen_photo_sm.png Autism and Substance Use: Clinical Considerations Autistic teens may turn to substances to manage anxiety, reduce social discomfort, or fit in with peers. This article reviews risk factors, assessment adaptations, and tailored treatment strategies—including motivational interviewing, family engagement, and medication considerations—to support healthier coping and social connection. Autistic teens may turn to substances to manage anxiety, reduce social discomfort, or fit in with peers. This article reviews risk factors, assessment adaptations, and tailored treatment strategies—including motivational interviewing, family engagement, and medication considerations—to support healthier coping and social connection.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5857 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5857-autism-and-substance-use-clinical-considerations Divalproex for Aggression in Autism: IV May Calm Crises, Oral Results Mixed Dr. Feder reflects on the groundbreaking evolution of the standard of care in autism, including strength-based developmental interventions, neuro-affirming practice, and policy shifts affecting access to services. He highlights the importance of suicide screening, legal awareness, and recognizing the lifelong potential of autistic individuals. Dr. Feder reflects on the groundbreaking evolution of the standard of care in autism, including strength-based developmental interventions, neuro-affirming practice, and policy shifts affecting access to services. He highlights the importance of suicide screening, legal awareness, and recognizing the lifelong potential of autistic individuals.

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5854 Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5854-divalproex-for-aggression-in-autism-iv-may-calm-crises-oral-results-mixed Learning Objectives, Autism in Children and Adolescents, CCPR, January/February/March 2026 After reading these articles, you should be able to… After reading these articles, you should be able to… 

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5861 Wed, 31 Dec 2025 23:00:00 -0500 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5861-learning-objectives-autism-in-children-and-adolescents-ccpr-january-february-march-2026 Psychiatry Practice Boosters, Fifth Edition (2026) - 4 SA / 10 CME Psychiatry Practice Boosters, Fifth Edition (2026) - 4 SA / 10 CME Course Psychiatry Practice Boosters, Fifth Edition (2026) - 4 SA / 10 CME Course

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5813 Sun, 28 Dec 2025 14:59:34 -0500 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5813-psychiatry-practice-boosters-fifth-edition-2026-4-sa-10-cme Psychiatry Practice Boosters, Fifth Edition (2026) - 4 SA / 10 CME Psychiatry Practice Boosters, Fifth Edition (2026) - 4 SA / 10 CME Course Psychiatry Practice Boosters, Fifth Edition (2026) - 4 SA / 10 CME Course

]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5812 Sun, 28 Dec 2025 14:50:07 -0500 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/articles/5812-psychiatry-practice-boosters-fifth-edition-2026-4-sa-10-cme Living Without Illusions: Psychological Survival in a World of Persistent Hatred Today’s episode is one we’ve been sitting with for a long time. We’re talking about how to survive psychologically in a world where hatred is persistent, not abstract, not metaphorical but recurring, and sometimes lethal. Today’s episode is one we’ve been sitting with for a long time. We’re talking about how to survive psychologically in a world where hatred is persistent, not abstract, not metaphorical but recurring, and sometimes lethal.



]]> http://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2/post/5802 Fri, 19 Dec 2025 23:00:00 -0500 https://www.thecarlatreport.com/blogs/2-the-carlat-psychiatry-podcast/post/5802-living-without-illusions-psychological-survival-in-a-world-of-persistent-hatred shutterstock_2716137939.jpg quiet room window light contemplative