The prolongation of the QT interval on electrocardiogram is a rare but known risk of some psychotropic (and other) medications. A prolonged QT interval can increase the risk of Torsades de Pointes, a ventricular arrhythmia that can be fatal. Although not a concern in the pharmacologic treatment of most patients, caution is recommended when prescribing […]

A variety of studies have shown that the risk for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is higher in individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) compared to those without ADHD and the risk for ADHD is higher in individuals with PTSD than those without PTSD. The association has been noted to be bidirectional but the strongest […]

Parents and adolescents often ask primary care and mental health providers about Cannabidiol (CBD) for anxiety, sleep or other symptoms or behaviors. Here, we discuss the latest in community standards, the state of the evidence, and encourage primary care providers to be prepared to educate families on the limited role CBD should play for children […]

In the face of the ongoing stay in place directives and with so many clinical services being limited, SmartCare will be initiating two new on line resources. WEEKLY PROVIDER FORUM Wednesdays Noon-1pm This forum will offer an opportunity for open dialogue about issues and concerns related to the behavioral health needs of families. SmartCare psychiatrist, […]

Who in their right mind would have thought that an extra month off from school could ever be a burden? But now, after nearly a month away from friends and classmates, and with a loss of routine and social interaction, many youth are totally done with being free from the rigors of school and being […]

Managing one’s personal and professional life during a pandemic of the proportion that is evolving on the planet is and will be a challenge for all healthcare providers. Last week, we reviewed resources available to help us help our patients care better for themselves, physically and emotionally. Today, we look at supporting and taking care […]

SAN DIEGO RESOURCES: COVID-19 Behavioral Health Support for Children                                                             EXPLAINING THE CORONAVIRUS: BrainPOP – Free cartoon video (about 4 min long) for upper elementary and middle schoolers – https://www.brainpop.com/health/diseasesinjuriesandconditions/coronavirus/ Explaining the Coronavirus to Children with Anxiety or OCD – by a child therapist – https://youtu.be/C3BZnldL66E Article, Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus – https://childmind.org/article/talking-to-kids-about-the-coronavirus/ Mental […]

These are difficult times for everyone and this special edition of SmartCare E-Weekly is being sent out early to provide guidance on recommended practice with regard to renewing and as needed adjusting psychotropic medications for patients in the face of the constraints of the health emergency. SmartCare’s on demand provider line (858) 880-6405 is and […]

Managing Psychotropic Medications During the Coronavirus Emergency These are difficult times for everyone and this special edition of SmartCare E-Weekly is being sent out early to provide guidance on recommended practice with regard to renewing and as needed adjusting psychotropic medications for patients in the face of the constraints of the health emergency. SmartCare’s on […]

Although not a bread and butter primary care concern, Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis is a recently recognized autoimmune process that can cause significant psychiatric, neurological and medical sequelae and it is an organic systemic disorder that may first present in the primary care setting. (NMDA = N-Methyl-D-Aspartate.) In the last decade, it has been more widely […]