Serious Behavioral Disorders in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

This issue of Pediatric Annals is devoted to the worrisome disorders of depression and other serious mental health conditions in children and adolescents. All practitioners are aware that these are common disorders in this age group, with estimates of 2% to 6% being affected at any point in time and an overall prevalence of 20% by the late adolescent period. Many or most families (including my own) have one or more members with depression or a related condition. Unfortunately, many pediatric practitioners must assume primary management of some of these patients because of the unavailability or inaccessibility of psychiatrists or psychologists in some geographic areas. In addition, a depressed child may present with symptoms to the primary care provider before they reach out to a mental health professional. Knowing the most current treatment options supported by literature can aid in providing proper patient referrals. The articles in this issue provide considerable practical management assistance and summarize the available data regarding treatment with psychotherapeutic drugs and other potential therapeutic modalities. Emslie and colleagues (see page 300) review three studies of antideCanada issued the orange, yellow, and green stamp in 2010 to raise money for mental health (Sante Mentale) activities. From the collection of ST Shulman with permission.