Young Adults

Why are Teens So Lonely, and What Can They Do To Combat Loneliness?

It seems the opposite of what most folks would think, but more and more surveys are finding that teenagers and young adults today may be lonelier than any other age group – even older adults. If young people are in high school or college, around friends, playing sports, or at home with family, it just doesn’t seem to make sense.

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.

Could Screen-Free Week Backfire? Finding The Middle Ground

We are now in what I believe is the 19th annual “Screen-Free Week” in the United States and abroad. This is a much publicized and highly laudable movement that asks us to take a week—an entire week—to get our children to unplug whatever they happen to own with a screen.

What is Bulimia?

For more information about eating disorders and ways you can help make a difference for a young person in your life, or for yourself, please visit NEDA the National Eating Disorder Association website.

What is Anorexia?

For more information about eating disorders and ways you can help make a difference for a young person in your life, or for yourself, please visit NEDA the National Eating Disorder Association website. #NEDAwareness

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Marsha was never satisfied with her body during middle school.

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?

Once you have discovered your teen is using pot and confronted the teenager about it, what’s your recommended next step? – Lori W., Facebook

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.

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.