Alternative Treatments for Depression 4/11/2021

Depression is a common, often undertreated mental health for children and adolescents across the country. Front line treatments are well known, and include: various forms and types of psychotherapies (individual and/or family, DBT, IPT, etc.), medications such as the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), selective norepinephrine uptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and others, and various supportive interventions, […]

Treatment for Anxiety in Children and Adolescents

The presenting symptoms of anxiety in children and adolescents were discussed in last week’s edition and today’s focuses on treatment in pediatric populations.  Primary care pediatric providers can play a major role in diagnosis, treatment planning, prescribing and, as needed, referring for consultation or specialty intervention. Treatment options include therapy or a combination of therapy […]

Understanding Disruptive Mood – Dysregulation Disorder

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) is a new diagnosis in DSM V. It was added as a diagnosis to fill a gap in important diagnostic categorization when thinking about childhood psychiatric concerns. While there is overlap in symptoms among DMDD and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD) and Bipolar Disorder, there are […]

Assessing and Treating Sleep Disturbance in Patients with Dementia (part 2): Treatment

There are non-pharmacological and pharmacological options to treat sleep disturbance in patients with dementia. Non-pharmacological approaches include: light therapy, regular exercise, and behavioral treatment/sleep hygiene. In general, evening bright light treatment is helpful for sleep maintenance problems and morning light exposure is helpful for patients whose sleep is phase-delayed or who are suffering from a […]