Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric conditions in children and adolescents, affecting nearly 1 in 12 children and 1 in 4 adolescents. Anxiety disorders include specific phobias, social anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, agoraphobia, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. Risk factors include parental history of anxiety, socioeconomic stressors, exposure to violence, and trauma. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for anxiety in children eight years and older. Symptoms include excessive anxiety,…
Journaling, often seen as a helpful tool for adults, is proving to be just as valuable for children. As kids go through the complexities of growing up—school pressures, social dynamics, and emotional development—they can greatly benefit from having a space to express themselves. Journaling offers a creative and safe outlet for emotional and mental exploration. When utilized regularly, journaling has been shown to improve behavioral health, support mental well-being, and help children manage stress, anxiety,…
Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) are conditions that are characterized by a sudden and severe onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or restrictive eating disorder in children before puberty. PANS and PANDAS are also often associated with noticeable changes in mood, behavior, and sensory and motor function in children. PANS may be triggered by various infections, immune system issues, or environmental factors. PANDAS is a subtype…
Many children with ADHD have a sense that they’re somehow different from their peers, even if they don’t have a diagnosis. These children are right; they are different — and that can be both a great thing and a source of challenges. Some children have a harder time bouncing back from failures, criticism, and rejections than others. Children with rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) may start to fear that others are harboring resentment for them or…
Not feeling particularly cheery this time of year? You’re not alone. Many find that the holidays bring as much stress as they do joy. To help make the most of your festivities, Neda Gould, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and director of the Johns Hopkins Mindfulness Program at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, shares some mindful tips for dealing with holiday stress. “Mindfulness is bringing your attention to the present moment with an element of…
Students with ADHD can have a hard time focusing in class. They might also have trouble remembering directions or act impulsively even if they know the rules. But there are teaching strategies you can use to help students with ADHD — and all students — thrive in the classroom. Here are some strategies that can help students with ADHD focus and do better in the classroom. 1. Break directions into chunks. Students with ADHD can…
RESPECTfully is a social norms campaign designed to speak to teens directly with key messages that articulate everyone deserves mutual respect in relationships, and today’s tips were sourced from them. Youth-serving individuals and organizations can encourage parents and caregivers to be aware of the signs of unhealthy behaviors, educate teens on what respect looks like, and have clear conversations about consent. Parents, teachers, coaches, and caregivers can help increase the capacity for teens to experience…
Autism spectrum disorder (or ASD) is diagnosed four times more often in males than in females. Some research suggests that it could be because of the way ASD is diagnosed. Specifically, the symptoms that are included in the assessment for obtaining an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis might be more applicable to the ways males behave as opposed to females. On the other hand, it could be true that males do indeed experience autism more often…
Lego makes a great variety of toys and buildable sets, but did you know about their realistic MRI scanner sets? Lego’s MRI scanner sets, which feature a scanner, patient bed, waiting room, staff figures, and medical instruments, were designed specifically to help children learn about the procedure through hands-on play. The miniature MRI machine table even moves back and forth, mimicking a real procedure. The toy company recently announced that more than 1 million children…
It seems like more and more kids these days are being diagnosed with ADHD, but there is a difference in the rate of boys versus girls. Girls with ADHD can often go undiagnosed until adulthood, while boys with ADHD are often prescribed stimulant medications earlier than girls, researchers have found. The gender gap in diagnosis and treatment frequently leaves girls and women floundering. As a result, girls often struggle with their ADHD symptoms longer than…
