Young Adults

DMDD Versus Bipolar Disorder

We’ve written about bipolar disorder before.

We’ve also written about the controversy surrounding the diagnosis.  Until about 25 years ago, most clinicians felt that bipolar disorder in children and adolescents was extremely rare.

Q+A: Once You Have Discovered Your Teen is Using Pot, What’s the Next Step?

Question: Once you have discovered your teen is using pot and confronted the teenager about it, what’s your recommended next step?

Answer: It’s not unusual to find out one way or another that your teenager is using a substance. The most common ones are alcohol or marijuana.

Potential Harms of Hazing Initiations

Hazing isn’t something on the minds of most parents as they send their kids off to college, hoping they’ll find satisfying social experiences.

Gaming Disorder: Is It a Real Illness?

“He is playing games all the time. Every chance he gets! From the time he gets home until bedtime, he’s in his room on that computer. And spends almost no time with the family. Is he addicted? I’m really worried.”

I can’t tell you how many times I have heard this or some variation of this complaint from parents.

Sexual Assault: How to Talk With Your Kids

As a father of four children and grandfather of four, I was personally shaken by the testimony of Dr. Christine Blasey Ford yesterday. I thought about my kids growing up, and what they might have experienced or observed and never told me, my wife, or anyone.

Last night I had a hard time sleeping.

What If My Child Has an Anxiety Disorder?

Seth just started driving, and he’s actually doing pretty well.  The written test was a breeze, and on the streets around his house he’s relatively comfortable.  He even volunteered to drive his little sister to the mall.  His parents, while suffering a bit of the normal worries that any parent of a new driver would have, are delighted.

Advice for Parents on Talking About Tattoos

When it comes to tattoos, it’s always fun, if possible, to inquire.

Last week I saw a snarling demon with drooling teeth moving around on a teenager’s arm. The teenager wasn’t my patient, so rest assured that I am not writing about someone under my care.

Dyslexia 104: Transitioning from High School to College

This blog is the fourth in a series on dyslexia. Topics previously addressed include Dyslexia 101, understanding treatment, and school accommodation options available.

Sarah was an outgoing and bright teenager in her senior year at a public high school.

Dyslexia 103: Accommodation Options Available

This blog is the third in a series on dyslexia. Topics previously addressed include Dyslexia 101, and understanding treatment. Topics to be addressed further in include accommodation options available, and the transition of a child to life, school, etc. following diagnosis.

Shrinking It Down: Beyond High School (Season 1, Episode 15)

You can also listen to this podcast on SoundCloud, Stitcher, and iTunes.