Adolescent substance use is a multifaceted public health issue that poses significant opportunities for intervention to clinicians, including physicians and counselors. The complexity of this issue is heightened by the developmental stage of adolescence, a period characterized by experimentation, identity formation, and at times, risk-taking behaviors. The Transtheoretical Model (TTM), also known as the Stages […]

Adolescent substance use is a pervasive issue, with significant implications for public health. Adolescence, a critical period of development, is marked by experimentation and risk-taking, often manifesting in the initiation of substance use. The importance of early intervention in this population cannot be overstated, given the potential for substance use disorders (SUDs) to disrupt healthy […]

Families often present to their primary care providers when their children are refusing to go to school. School refusal can happen for a variety of reasons. The phenomenon has increased significantly since the pandemic. Many children who are refusing to go to school have an underlying mental health concern. The most common mental health concerns […]

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 of about the risk of victimization as a result of peer bullying.  Awareness of the potential that a youth may be experiencing bullying should be part […]

The relationship between traumatic experiences and the development of substance use disorders (SUDs) has been a subject of extensive research in the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and public health. Traumatic experiences, defined as events that involve actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence, significantly impact mental health. Other traumatic experiences, such as adverse […]

This is the first in a series of newsletters on substance use in AI/AN youth. Substance use among teenagers remains a pervasive and multifaceted issue, eliciting concern from healthcare professionals, educators, and parents alike. Adolescence, a period marked by rapid physiological, psychological, and social changes, is often associated with experimentation and changes in behavior and […]

Most people look forward to summer break – vacations, warmer weather, not having to wake up early for school. However, for many kids and families, summer breaks can be challenging because of the change from the usual routine. This is especially true for children and youth with mental health and developmental concerns, for whom structure […]

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) represent a class of antidepressant medications widely prescribed for various mood and anxiety disorders. Here, we provide an overview of SSRIs, including their mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, therapeutic applications, adverse effects, and considerations for clinical practice. By synthesizing current research and clinical insights, we hope to enhance understanding of SSRIs […]

In our last newsletter, we discussed Sensory Processing Disorder’s symptoms, possible causes and where to refer our patients suspected of this. This week we will discuss possible treatment and activities that are beneficial. Treatment Most OTs will work in session to develop sensory activities that can help with sensory processing concerns. This is referred to […]