Although severe debilitating psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, chronic substance use and other serious disorders are relatively rare in the populations served by pediatricians, the recently implemented CARE Act Program is an important new resource for the community that pediatricians may find valuable for some patients who are in their transition age years as young […]
Author Archive: Shirley Fett
GENDER AFFIRMING CARE 11/1/23
Few topics in pediatrics stir the pots of privacy, personhood, possibility, and politics as does the topic of gender affirming care for minors—though immunizations and various other topics run a close second at times. Today’s newsletter provides some preliminary background on this very complex topic as a prelude to the upcoming AAP-CA3 CME program “Gender Journeys: A […]
Depression in Adolescents 10/26/23
In recent years, in consequence of the challenges and constraints of the pandemic, there has been an obvious increase in mood and other behavioral health conditions in teenagers and other population cohorts but depressive illnesses have always been a potential challenge for youth. Even prior to Covid, the prevalence of Major Depression Disorder (MDD) in […]
Depression in Adolescents 10/26/23
In recent years, in consequence of the challenges and constraints of the pandemic, there has been an obvious increase in mood and other behavioral health conditions in teenagers and other population cohorts but depressive illnesses have always been a potential challenge for youth. Even prior to Covid, the prevalence of Major Depression Disorder (MDD) in […]
HOW TO TALK TO CHILDREN ABOUT CONFLICT AND WAR: TIPS TO SUPPORT AND COMFORT CHILDREN 10/13/23
International wars and conflict enhance our sense of danger and may cause worry about what will happen in the days and weeks ahead. A range of emotions (e.g., outrage, fear, anxiety and sorrow) are common and can change as the situation evolves. They can create safety concerns for the region that reach into our own […]
Hearing Voices 9.28.23
When a child or adolescent reports “I hear voices”, it naturally causes concern for parents and healthcare clinicians alike. The immediate question is “what is the cause”? This, followed by “what to do about it?” An optimal approach to assessing “voices” in youth includes a culturally sensitive, trauma-informed, and family-centered philosophy. The metaphysical experience of […]
Medi-Cal Enhanced Care Management Program 9/8/23
Addressing MEDI-CAL ENHANCED CARE MANAGEMENT (ECM) Today’s newsletter describes California’s new Medi-Cal Enhanced Care Management program, a resource for obtaining Community Supports that can assist individuals in overcoming a variety of life challenges that contribute to worsening of healthcare problems. THE ISSUE: Medi-Cal members with unmet social needs are at higher risk of poor […]
Bullying 8/22/23
For many children, the anxiety of a new school year is not just one of nervous excitement about a new year beginning. For many it may be a youth’s severe concern about the risk of victimization as a result of peer bullying. Awareness of the potential that a youth may be experiencing bullying should be […]
Co-Morbidity Between Intellectual Disability and Psychiatric Symptoms 7/25/23
The presence of Intellectual Disability (ID) increases the risk for co-occurring psychiatric disorders in child, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. Behavioral and emotional problems are three times more likely to occur in these groups and they are frequently not recognized or appropriately treated. This said, problematic behaviors and emotions in this population may also be […]
Disruptive Behavior: Is It Anxiety or Something Else? 7/11/23
It is common for children and families to present to their primary care providers with concerns about behavioral problems and/or wanting to rule out ADHD. The typical presenting problem is severe temper tantrums or disruptive behavior in school. In some of these cases, the appropriate diagnosis is ADHD or another disruptive behavior disorder and treatment […]