We all understand that bipolar disorder is a mood disorder, characterized by periods of depression and mania, that many of us have seen in adults.

That manic component can include euphoric mood, pressured speech, hypersexual behavior, grandiosity, excessive spending, delusions, and diminished need for sleep. The degree of mania can sometimes reach a... »

Adolescence is both a time of tremendous gains and some inherent losses. You can help your teenage patients through this turbulent time by asking a few specific questions, checking their psychosocial functioning, and distinguishing the somewhat common depressive symptoms from a true depressive disorder. Approximately 10% of patients will need further... »

With all we have to do as pediatricians, who would have thought that threats to our patients from cyberspace would be on the list?

This relatively new channel of communication is now not only a nearly universal source of fun and education for children, but also, unfortunately, a health hazard. Rather than plead ignorance about cyberspace, we really need to... »

Parents may ask you if their child’s recent lie predicts a lifelong pattern of dishonesty or a serious character flaw. Many parents will firmly demand and tell their children: "Don’t ever lie to me!" Although well meaning, such pronouncements may not achieve the desired result and could potentially do more harm than good.

Sometimes lies, no... »

Have you ever had a child end up in your office who had been ejected from day care? Or been in a quandary over how worried to be about bruises on a child that were said to be caused by a rough sibling?

You are not alone in facing such disturbing clinical situations. These all-too-common problems are on the rise and require a thorough look and broad... »

An interview for a serious mental health disorder may be necessary because a teenager says something that concerns you, a parent calls, or a screening instrument alerts you.

But before you begin to ask some important questions, you need to set the stage. Use body language and alter the physical environment in your office that typically serves for medical... »

At the recent American Academy of Pediatrics meeting, I got out of bed to attend a 7 a.m. session on posttraumatic stress disorder, hoping to learn new breakthrough treatments. Instead, I heard about a simple truth that we should all respect and teach the families under our care: Routines are healing.

Routines are inherently soothing and make kids feel... »