Child Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians

Send us Fan MailLet's talk about clinician wellbeing and burnout...In this episode, Dr. Elise Fallucco shares results from the recent AMA national survey about physician and APP burnout, and then shifts to talk about the portrayal of burnout and boundaries in a scene from HBO's "The Pitt".  She shared resources to address SYSTEMIC issues that contribute to burnout -The  AMA's “Saving Time Playbook” found at:  https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/sustainability/saving-time-playbookFinally, we talk about a  simple, grounding exercisePay attention to - 3 things you can see, 3 things you can hear, and 3 things you can feel... to reset during stressful moments. Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailThree Clinical Pearls for Evaluating and Treating ADHD Dr. Elise Fallucco chats with Dr. James Waxmonsky (Chair of Child Psychiatry at Penn State) about practical strategies to evaluate and treat children and teens with ADHD. Clinical Pearl #1 - Ask Patients about their biggest Challenge and define their Goals, Set Relevant Finish LinesDr. Waxmonsky emphasizes starting with family- and patient-defined functional goals rather than symptom scores, Keep in Mind: stimulant sensations like alertness or “academic confidence” can fade with physiologic tolerance and may not reflect real-world improvement. Clinical Pearl #2 - Ask about the hardest time of the dayAsk about the family WHEN is the hardest time-of-day and WHAT is the specific problem (e.g., meds may help careless errors and pacing more than organization).  Clinical Pearl #3 Ask about Drift TimeHe also recommends measuring “drift time” by asking how many minutes of a class period the student is on task00:00 73. 3 ADHD Tips with Dr. James Waxmonsky01:00 TIP #1 - Ask Patients about their biggest Challenge and define their Goals, Set Relevant Finish Lines03:07 Measuring Evidence of Real Focus and Motivation06:22 TIP#2 - Ask about the hardest time of the day08:37 Need Branded Concerta not generic10:01 TIP#3 Ask about Drift Time13:48 Recap of Clinical PearlsAbout our Guest:  Dr. James WaxmonskyProfessor, Vice Chair for Children's Services and University Chair in Child Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral HealthPenn State Neuroscience Institute Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailDoes our brain adapt to stimulant medication over time, develop tolerance, so that we require higher doses to achieve the same effect?When patients tell us their stimulant doesn't seem as helpful (after working well for a while), could this be tolerance? ... or could it be something else? To answer these questions, Dr. Elise Fallucco chats with Dr. James Waxmonsky, co-PI for NIMH-funded study: Examining Tolerance to CNS Stimulants in ADHD. 00:00 Introduction of Dr. James Waxmonsky01:26 What Is Tolerance?02:10 Clinical Evidence for Tolerance02:57 Longer-term Tolerance to stimulants03:40 "The Brain Moves Its Targets"04:16 Clinical Considerations in evaluating when "meds not as helpful": Changing Life Demands or true tolerance?06:30 Management of Stimulant Tolerance06:56 Clinical Pearl: Ask about increases in executive functioning and life demands07:40 Taking a break from stimulant medication08:14 Waxmonsky Longitudinal Study09:00 Weekend Holiday Design09:32 Recap - Do weekend holidays matter and reduce the need for higher doses?11:46 Quicker dose escalation in continuous vs. holiday groups14:00 Weekend Dosing Tradeoffs15:45 Growth vs Dose Myth and Mg/Kg Dosing17:35 Recap of how to Manage Tolerance17:57 Toolbox for Recapturing Effect18:37 Closing Thoughts19:04 Final RecapDr. James Waxmonsky is the Division Chief of Child Adolescent Psychiatry at the Hershey Medical Center, the University Chair in Child Psychiatry at Penn State and a Professor of Psychiatry at the Penn State College of Medicine. He serves as Co-PI for an NIMH-funded study, Examining Tolerance to ADHD Stimulants. Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailBench to Bedside: How ADHD Stimulants Really Work—Arousal and Reward, Not Attention NetworksDr. Elise Fallucco launches a new “Bench to Bedside” series and interviews Dr. Nico Dosenbach, senior author of a ground-breaking fMRI study published in CELL  that found that  stimulants do NOT significantly change the brain’s attention networks!?!?! Instead, effects are strongest in arousal (less drowsy, more wide awake) and reward/motivation systems (increasing predicted reward and tolerance of “drudgery”). We discuss:how these findings align with patient experiencewhy ADHD can be a misnomer how video games/TikTok exploit variable reward scheduleshow this changes what we tell patients and families about stimulantsOur conversation highlights implications for destigmatizing ADHD, reframing stimulants as helping wakefulness and motivation rather than “making you smarter,” and how strategies like habit pairing and gamification can make necessary tasks more rewarding.00:00 Welcome to Bench to Bedside Series01:34 What We Thought We Knew about Stimulants03:30 Examining brain networks in ADHD04:03 No Attention Network Effect04:50 Patient reaction to the paper's fundings05:30 Where in the brain are stimulants working?05:45 Arousal Signature06:29 Stimulants also affect the Dopaminergic REWARD and Motivational systems06:41 "More Tolerant of Drudgery"07:18 Stimulants affect Arousal08:08 Stimulants act on Motivation and Reward08:50 Why motivation matters in kids with ADHD09:21 Findings consistent with other human behavioral data and macaque data09:47 Raking Leaves and Hacking the Reward Systems11:24 Clinical Implications of Study11:41 Implications for ADHD Treatment12:58 Did Einstein need stimulants?13:16 Hyperfocus and Real Life Examples: Deer Hunting15:24 Reward Hacking : Video Games and TikTok16:42 Non Prescription Tricks to Hack the Reward System18:15 Procrastination in ADHD and dopamine19:01 Different ADHD distribution in medicine?19:34 Reframing ADHD20:26 Gamifying Life22:09 Closing Recap - Clinical ImplicationsAbout Our Guest, Dr. Nico Dosenbach:https://dosenbachlab.wustl.edu/For access to the full paper, Stimulant medication affect arousal and reward, not attention networks:https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(25)01373-X Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailSSRI Switching in Pediatrics: When to Try a Third SSRI, When to Use Luvox, and Key Metabolism PearlsDr. Elise Fallucco continues her discussion with child psychiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Strawn (University of Cincinnati; co-author of Stahl’s DePrescribing) on practical tips regarding how to stop/decrease an SSRI and switch to another SSRI (or SNRI) for pediatric anxiety. Highlights from the Episode:After trying 2 different SSRIs for pediatric anxiety, in most cases, it makes sense to try a third SSRI as opposed to an SNRIRationale: SSRIs tend to be more effective and have fewer side effects than SNRIs"We Don't Talk about LUVOX": Luvox can be a great option for youth with OCD OR anxiety (generalized, social, separation)Dosing strategy: start at 25mg with the plan to titrate up to a target dose of 150-200mgConsider grouping 3 of the SSRIs by their similar metabolic pathways (2C19): Sertraline, Citalopram, and EscitalopramIf your patient develops significant side effects on a low dose of one of these 3 meds, they MIGHT be a 2C19 poor metabolizer, which means that you may want to avoid trials of the other 2C19 meds in the groupFluoxetine has a LOOOOONg half-life: and it's related 2D6 inhibition will persist 4–5 weeks after stopping Fluoxetine - and affect the metabolism of other 2D6-metabolized meds during that timeThe 2D6 group includes meds like Fluoxetine, Paroxetine and 2 of the SNRIs: Duloxetine and Venlafaxine-- And Check Out  Dr. Jeffrey Strawn's new book which I highly recommend - Stahl's Deprescriber's Guide available on Amazon!00:00 Introduction of Dr. Jeffrey Strawn00:38 Preview of Episode: Switching SSRIs, when to use FluVOXamine or SNRIs, plus 2D6 and 2C19 metabolism of antidepressant medication01:59 Try 2 different SSRIs or Duloxetine?03:45 CYP 2D6 Inhibition with Fluoxetine04:28 Clinical Pearl: Fluoxetine 2D6 inhibition continues 4-5 weeks after stopping05:05 2D6 Metabolized Antidepressants: Venlafaxine, Duloxetine, Paroxetine05:31 Choosing a Third SSRI05:48 SSRIs generally more effective, fewer side effects than SRNIs in youth06:49 Only 1 SNRI for child anxiety07:27 People forget about Fluvoxamine08:30 Sertraline and Es/Citalopram 2C19 metabolism09:32 Fluoxetine to FluVOXamine cross-titration11:16 Gratitude for Dr. Strawn11:31 Check out Stahl's DEPrescribing Guide12:23 Recap of Advanced SSRI and SNRI case discussion Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan Mail3 Ways to Switch SSRIs in Kids: Direct Switch vs Taper vs Cross-Titration Dr. Elise Fallucco continues a conversation with child psychiatrist and anxiety GURU Dr. Jeffrey Strawn about evidence-informed ways to switch SSRIs in pediatric patients when an adequate trial hasn’t led to remission. They review 3 strategies:1.    direct stop/starta.    Stop SSRI#1 then start SSRI#2: best for patients with side effects on the 1st SSRI, but creates a gap in antidepressant coverage during the transition2.    taper-then-switcha.    Taper SSRI#1 off then start SSRI#2: best for patients who are highly sensitive to medication changes, but leaves a LONG time without effective antidepressant/SSRI coverage 3.    cross-titrationa.    Continue SSRI#1 while adding SSRI#2 with the plan to later taper down on SSRI#1: best for patients without side effects on 1st SSRI as it allows for optimal SSRI coverage in the transition between meds; watch out with SEROTONERGIC SIDE EFFECTS (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flushing) while 2 SSRIs on boardClinical Pearl: Dr. Strawn emphasizes that higher starting doses don’t speed time to steady state, so start the new medication at LOW dosesClinical Case: Teen on sertraline 150 mg switches to fluoxetine·      How to cross-titrate·      How to monitor for serotonergic side effects ·      How to taper sertralineBonus Psychopharm: They receptor pharmacology considerations and the need to distinguish withdrawal effects from new-medication side effects, illustrated by an atomoxetine (Strattera) -to- fluvoxamine (LUVOX) switch affecting ADHD symptoms. Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailWhat is the safest, most effective way to taper or stop psychotropic meds in children and teens? Dr. Elise Fallucco kicks off a new Deprescribing series with guest Dr. Jeffrey Strawn, coauthor of Stahl’s Deprescriber’s Guide.   They discuss how  clinicians and patients “deprescribe” in real life, and what can happen when tapering off or abruptly stopping medication including: how to distinguish discontinuation (withdrawal) from relapse Focus on timing, symptom pattern (including dysesthesias/“brain zaps” and dizziness), and symptom trajectoryhow to manage cases of discontinuationpause - then more slowly taper off of medicationhow to manage relapsepause - and potentially increase back to the original doseDr. Jeffrey Strawn is a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Cincinnati (UC) and the Director of Anxiety Disorders Research Program.Stahl's Deprescriber's Guide by Dr. Jeffrey Strawn and Dr. Stephen Stahl available at Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Stahls-Deprescribers-Guide-Jeffrey-Strawn/dp/1009642200 Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailOn Part 3 of our Series on Tech and Child Mental Health, Dr. Elise Fallucco continues her conversation with Ashley (Tech Insider, Senior Manager of Global Risk Assessment at Twitch)  about:"Screen addiction" How to talk with kids and teens about online privacy and potential dangers like groomers and sextortion in an age-appropriate way Go-to resources for families navigating the digital world like The Family IT Guy on Social Media and online App/game parental control webpagesCommon Sense MediaHow to take down inappropriate content online Report directly to the app/platform Where/how to report child sexual exploitationThe National Center for Missing and Exploited Children's CyberTip line When to involve the FBIAre kids with ADHD  more vulnerable to problematic screen use and cyberbullying?Can heavy screen use cause inattention, impatience, impulsivity and ADHD-like symptoms? Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailHow can parents set real boundaries around kids’ screen use when every app has different settings—and kids can get around them? In part two of this tech safety series, Dr. Elise Fallucco continues her conversation with tech trust-and-safety insider (and mom) Ashley, senior manager of global risk assessment at Twitch. They break down why parents need to set parental controls inside each individual app (not just on the device), what to watch for in hidden or unexpected features like messaging and photo uploads (even in seemingly harmless games), and how kids may disguise apps to bypass rules. Ashley also shares practical tips like avoiding identifying details in usernames and profile photos, plus creative alternatives to a smartphone. They also discuss safer ways for kids to listen to music, including risks on platforms like Spotify and a workaround Finally, Ashley answers the question, “WHEN IS THE RIGHT time to introduce social media?” She talks about how to weigh factors like child maturity, family values, platform differences, ads, and risks like influencer content and mental health impacts—00:00 Introduction01:20 Setting Parental Controls and App Monitoring02:29 Set Parental controls for EACH app!?03:20 Monitoring Parental Controls03:32 Apps in Disguise04:45 Color By Number Surprises06:13 Messaging and Grooming Risks06:49 Practical Tips for Securing Tech Use for Kids07:36 Username and Profile Picture Safety09:21 Smartphones: Balancing risks and benefits13:06 Music Players without graphic content15:35 Social Media: When is it safe for kids to use?17:59 Ashley's approach to thinking about Social MediaListen to Part ONE of this Tech Series65. Digital Dangers: Tips from a Tech Insiderhttps://www.buzzsprout.com/2182143/episodes/18649898About Ashley: She is Senior Manager of Global Risk Assessment for Twitch, the world’s leading live-streaming platform. Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailJust when you thought it was safe to let kids play online... a Tech Insider shares surprising information about online/digital safety.  Dr. Fallucco chats with a seasoned professional in the trust and safety field about...How to balance the benefits of technology while minimizing RISKS like exposure to violence, cyberbullying, and grooming. How to set up a Child Tech contract - that defines WHEN a child can use technology, WHERE they can use it, and HOW they can use it (i.e. which apps/games are safe and approved)The NUMBER one rule for Tech Safety - DO NOT USE SCREENS IN THE BEDROOM.... and why this is so importantSend us YOUR  questions about tech safety! Drop us a comment at our instagram site @psyched4peds, leave us a "chat" on our website, Psyched4peds.com, or reply to our mailing list with YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT TECH SAFETY! Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailLet's kick off the new year with a NEW Mystery Case! Dr. Elise Fallucco works through the case of a 12-year-old girl with ADHD and a family history of bipolar. After starting a new stimulant medication, the patient exhibits what seems like 'super ADHD.' Could this be a medication side effect, emerging bipolar, or something else? Dr. Fallucco guides you through a detailed differential diagnosis, exploring possible causes and solutions. Tune in to discover effective strategies for managing ADHD medications and ensuring better outcomes for your pediatric patients!00:00 Introduction and Case Overview00:15 Initial Diagnosis and Medication01:33 Evaluating Symptoms and Differential Diagnosis03:34 Detailed Symptom Analysis04:37 Ruling out Bipolar in Children and Teens08:49 Understanding Rebound Hyperactivity15:40 Managing Rebound and Treatment Adjustments16:02 Kids at risk for rebound21:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailDr. Elise Fallucco reviews the highlights from 2025 and the TOP THREE things she learned about Child Mental Health from 2025 podcast episodes. Celebrate surpassing 50 episodes, explore exciting new episode formats like 'mystery cases,' and gain insights from impactful discussions with parents about ADHD and anxiety in children.  Tune in for excerpts from some of the most memorable episodes, including from the MOST downloaded episode of the year!00:00 Introduction and Year in Review Overview00:50 Podcast Milestones and Global Reach02:05 New Episode Formats: Mystery Cases03:1603:49 Highlight: ADHD Masking in Children06:21 Highlight: Hormonal Impact on Mental Health08:49 Highlight: Gender Differences in ADHD11:21 Most Downloaded Episode of 202512:22 ADHD vs. Bipolar - in Relationships13:27 Conclusion and Thank YouLINKS:Watch this episode on YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/2fDrk1GIsJs49. Mystery Case - 9 yo w/ anxiety and sudden behavioral problemshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/child-mental-health-for-pediatric-clinicians/id1696529206?i=100069575777154. Masking: Can you hide ADHD with Ashley and Laurenhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/child-mental-health-for-pediatric-clinicians/id1696529206?i=100072357261659. PMDD How Hormones can affect teenage girls with Laurinahttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/child-mental-health-for-pediatric-clinicians/id1696529206?i=100073384631752. ADHD. in Girls - all the things you should knowhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/child-mental-health-for-pediatric-clinicians/id1696529206?i=1000718448053TOP EPISODE OF 2025 - 51. Is it ADHD or Bipolar? with Dr. John Walkuphttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/child-mental-health-for-pediatric-clinicians/id1696529206?i=1000700737488 Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailAs a recovering perfectionist, Dr. Elise Fallucco shares insights ad strategies, for combating perfectionism, especially during the holiday season.   Do YOU have some unrealistic expectations for yourself?  Do you want permission to take some pressure off so that you can enJOY the holiday season? If so, take a listen!0:00 Letting Go of Perfect01:02 Defining Perfectionism02:32 Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Perfectionism03:34 Self-Critical05:05 Consequences of Perfectionism06:29 Perfectionism during the Holidays!08:54 Examine your own Expectations10:14 Unrealistic Expectations Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailNavigating Treatment for ADHD and Anxiety in KidsEver wondered which to treat first in kids who have both ADHD and anxiety? Dr. Elise Fallucco, child psychiatrist, tackles this common dilemma in the latest episode of Child Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians. She shares fresh insights and data, stressing the importance of starting with stimulant medication for ADHD. Dr. Elise also discusses medication types, dosages, and the rationale behind her treatment choices, while addressing common parental concerns and considerations. Tune in to understand how to navigate this complex but crucial aspect of pediatric mental health care!00:00 Introduction to ADHD and Anxiety in Children01:02 Which Condition to Treat First: ADHD or Anxiety?02:05 Why Treat ADHD with Medication?03:47 Choosing the Right Medication for ADHD and Anxiety04:5808:54 Pharmacogenetic Testing for ADHD09:22 Non-Stimulant Medication Options10:15 Alpha Agonists for ADHD and Anxiety11:50 Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors: A Third-Line Treatment14:49 Important Clinical Considerations and Recap Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of CANNABIS and its impact on the developing teen brain and MENTAL HEALTH. Dr. Fallucco discusses the latest research on THC and CBD, revealing how modern cannabis has become significantly more potent. Learn about the risks associated with adolescent cannabis use, such as impaired prefrontal cortex development, increased anxiety risk, and associations with psychosis. Dr. Fallucco also offers practical tips for clinicians on how to counsel teens and their families about cannabis use and harm reduction strategies. Don’t miss out on these valuable insights to better support your pediatric patients.00:00 Introduction to Child Mental Health Podcast00:39 Understanding Cannabis: THC and CBD02:28 Cannabis Use Among Adolescents03:36 Impact of Cannabis on the Teen Brain05:29 Mental Health Risks: Anxiety and Psychosis07:39 Practical Advice for Clinicians08:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailDr. Elise Fallucco welcomes Laurina, a pediatric nurse practitioner and mom of four. Laurina shares her experience parenting her teenage daughter, Beth, who has ADHD and anxiety. The discussion covers Beth's initial symptoms, her treatment journey and the discovery of Beth's premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Laurina offers insights on tracking symptoms and treatment options, providing valuable advice for clinicians and parents alike. Tune in to learn about managing ADHD, anxiety, and hormonal changes in teenage girls.00:00 Introduction WHAT TO EXPECT and Guest Welcome01:13 Lorena's Clinical Background02:10 Recognizing ADHD and Anxiety in Beth04:55 Medication for ADHD and ANXIETY07:36 ADHD and Anxiety PLUS HORMONAL CHANGES14:20 DEPRESSION or PMDD?19:00 Beth's Transformation and Creative Talents Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailOn this MYSTERY CASE episode of Child Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians, Dr. Elise Fallucco dives into the case of a 12-year-old girl with ADHD whose symptoms are "on again, off again".  Join us to work through a differential diagnosis, discover the history, and most importantly learn about HOW TO HELP!   Let's unlock the mystery together!00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:26 Presenting the Mystery Case01:13 Exploring Possible Causes01:56 Investigating the On-Off Pattern03:51 Discovering the Pattern05:32 How Hormones Help and Hijack the Brain09:27 Estrogen and ADHD Symptoms11:22 Clinical Implications and Recommendations13:41 Conclusion and Future Research Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailDid you know that teen suicide attempts PEAK in October?  In this episode, we share why October is so stressful for US teens, what YOU can do in your office to identify and help teens with suicidal thoughts.  FInally, we share THREE THINGS we wish everyone knew to reduce suicide risk in teens! 00:00 Introduction and World Mental Health Day01:07 The October Suicide Peak02:20 Factors Contributing to October's Suicide Risk04:39 Identifying At-Risk Groups05:44 Strategies for Clinicians to Help09:46 The Importance of Sleep11:02 Building Positive Coping Skills13:51 Nutritional Considerations14:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we talk about challenging child behaviors! We'll explore why these behaviors can be developmentally typical and introduce the selective attention strategy for handling them. Learn key techniques such as specific praise, time ins, and the stoplight approach to help parents manage green, yellow, and red behaviors. Additionally, discover important clinical questions to determine when children might need further evaluation and treatment. Join us for practical insights to support both parents and children through difficult behaviors.00:00 Introduction to Challenging Child Behaviors00:42 Understanding Challenging Behaviors01:44 Reframing Behavioral Issues03:26 Practical Strategies for Parents04:00 Selective Attention Technique05:15 Categorizing Behaviors: The Stoplight Approach06:43 Reinforcing Positive Behaviors - GREEN12:26 Managing Annoying but Safe Behaviors - YELLOW15:35 Handling Unsafe Behaviors -RED18:01 When to Seek Further Evaluation19:03 Summary and Conclusion Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailWhat do parents wish *all* clinicians knew about raising kids with ADHD? How can we ask more effective questions to learn about how ADHD symptoms are affecting a child's life at home and at school? We answer these questions and more in Part 3 of Child Mental Health talks w/ Parents about ADHD with Ashley and Lauren!00:00 Advice for Parents and Clinicians01:12 Advice for Clinicians from Ashley05:17 The Importance of Community and Support05:17 Navigating ADHD as a Parent08:58 Advice for Parents and Clinicians10:10 Encouragement for Parents to Seek Diagnosis and Treatment10:10 The Role of Medication in ADHD Treatment13:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailDr. Elise Fallucco talks with parents and neurodiversity advocates Ashley and Lauren about the concept of 'masking' symptoms in ADHD. They discuss how children, especially girls, consciously or unconsciously camouflage their ADHD symptoms to fit into social norms, and the emotional toll it takes. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Ashley and Lauren reveal how they identified masking in their children and the impact it has on their emotional well-being and self-esteem. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing strengths and the therapeutic value of a diagnosis.00:00 Talk with Parents about Masking of symptoms in ADHD01:25 Masking Symptoms of ADHD02:58 Noticing Behavioral Differences at Home and School04:39 Masking Symptoms at School06:51 Challenges in Diagnosing ADHD09:43 Personal Experiences with ADHD10:51 Struggles with ADHD and Masking12:01 Understanding Executive Functioning Challenges12:49 The Importance of Diagnosis and Labels13:44 ADHD Superpowers in Children Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailUnderstanding ADHD from a Parent's PerspectiveIn This episode of Child Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians, we begin a new series, 'Child Mental Health Talks with Parents,' featuring advocates Ashley and Lauren, who share their experiences raising children with ADHD. They discuss the creation of a Mental Health and Neurodiversity PTA committee, early signs of ADHD in their children, and practical insights for clinicians. Listen in to understand how morning routines and psychoeducational testing can aid in assessing ADHD, and stay tuned for more on masking and self-esteem in the next episode.00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:33 Starting the Mental Health and Neurodiversity PTA Committee03:40 Recognizing ADHD in Children05:25 Executive Function Challenges09:28 Gender Differences in ADHD Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Fallucco dives into the nuances of ADHD in girls, explaining  why it is so important to recognize girls with ADHD, how girls with ADHD present with different symptoms than boys, and why girls often go undiagnosed. She highlights the importance of early recognition and treatment to reduce risks like suicide, drug abuse, accidents, and social struggles. Dr. Fallucco also discusses the subtle inattentive symptoms in girls, genetic risk factors, and ADHD 'superpowers' such as hyperfocus and creativity. Tune in to learn why it's crucial for clinicians to identify and treat ADHD early, especially in girls, to help them thrive academically, socially, and in life.00:00 Introduction to ADHD in Girls00:49 Why ADHD in Girls Matters02:35 Challenges in Diagnosing Girls03:19 Importance of Treatment04:31 Recognizing ADHD in Girls04:39 ADHD Subtypes and Gender Differences04:54 Subtle Symptoms in Girls06:25 Hyperactivity and Impulsivity in Girls vs. Boys08:38 Which KIDS you should worry about who may have unrecognized ADHD13:27 ADHD Superpowers15:58 Final Thoughts and Pearls17:17 Conclusion and Contact Information Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailDo you have patients with severe ADHD who are just not getting better?  Did you know that they *might* have undiagnosed bipolar?  In this episode, Dr. Fallucco and Dr. John Walkup talk about how to distinguish bipolar disorder in children and teens from ADHD. They provide clinical pearls for clinicians and share examples from kids and teens with bipolar.  Some Key differences between ADHD and BIPOLAR highlighted include :- the nature of relationships in ADHD vs. BIPOLARKids w/ ADHD tend to be fun, likable while kids with BIPOLAR have more serious problems in relationships, including with their own parents-  extreme impulsivityKids and teens with Bipolar have more extreme, intense impulsive aggression and emotional reactions** Early identification and consultation with psychiatry is key to helping support these kids and families best.** Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailHave you ever wondered if one of your patients has bipolar? On this episode, we talk about the red flags for bipolar - and questions you can ask to determine whether they may have bipolar. We discuss key signs such as the inability to regulate upside mood, decreased need for sleep, hypersexuality, and grandiosity, providing concrete examples and questions to help guide your clinical assessment. Join Dr. Elise Fallucco and Dr. John Walkup as they offer valuable insights into distinguishing bipolar disorder from other conditions like ADHD and anxiety.00:00 50 - RED FLAGS for Bipolar w/ Dr. John Walkup01:30 ***Not all MOOD SWINGS are bipolar***02:10 RED FLAGS for BIPOLAR - Inability to regulate UPSIDE mood02:28 Appetites for FUN and Mood04:22 Energy Drive - Wake up ready to go04:52 What Questions to Ask about SLEEP to see if they could have bipolar06:03 Hypersexuality in KIDS presents as interest in romance07:06 Grandiosity Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailWelcome to our new segment called Mystery Case Files where we walk through a clinical case that presents a bit of mystery. Using the latest research and evidence, we discuss practical approaches to help YOU care for your patients effectively.This episode features the case of a nine-year-old boy with anxiety who develops new onset of behavior problems. 00:00 Introduction to Mystery Case Files00:27 Today's Mystery case00:27 Presenting the Case: A 9-Year-Old with Anxiety00:54 Initial Thoughts and Differential Diagnosis01:32 Reviewing the Patient's History02:04 Choosing the Right Medication for Anxiety02:10 What is the best medication for anxiety?03:34 Four Weeks Later: Follow-Up Visit03:58 Analyzing New Symptoms and Possible Causes05:01 Is the anxiety medication making him worse?05:26 Exploring ADHD and Medication Side Effects07:09 Understanding Activation Syndrome08:45 Pharmacokinetics and Genetic Factors10:25 Solving the Mystery and Next Steps11:02 Conclusion and Call to ActionVisit us on our website or message us with YOUR MYSTERY CASE that we can discuss! Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Psyched for Peds, Dr. Elise Fallucco and her teenage son, Chase Fallucco, discuss the seasonal surge of mental health symptoms, termed the 'emotional flu,' impacting teenagers during October and November.  They discuss:** What are the symptoms and signs of the emotional flu?** Why are October and November high-risk periods for the Emotional Flu?** What can we do to "vaccinate" teens against the Emotional Flu? Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailIt's time to talk about the mental health impact of *parenting*... and what we can do about it. Join me and our special guest, Ashley, a working mom, as we explore practical tools and exercises to recognize and address signs of BURNOUT.  This episode is for parents AND for all of us who need to take care of ourselves so that we can care for others.  We talk about practical tools like:** The stress continuum: Are you green, yellow, orange, or red?** 'What's on your plate' or 'What's on your mind?': Exercises to assess and reprioritize responsibilities. *** Self-care that WORKS to recharge mentally and physically:  including social connections, creative expression, and exercise  Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailIf you think you may be experiencing burnout, what can you do? To answer this question, Dr. Fallucco discusses strategies to combat healthcare burnout with Dr. Jessi Gold, Chief Wellness Officer at the University of Tennessee Health System.  WE discuss:*  That systemic changes in Healthcare are urgently needed to reduce burnout.*  Individual strategies to address burnout in the current healthcare system including:----- practicing self-reflection -  and asking, "How Do *I* feel?" and "How is my job affecting my health?"  -----practicing self-compassion and gratitude, which can help counterbalance the natural tendency for our brain to focus on negative things and threats, ---  We discuss the “Three Good Things” exercise which  can help reduce burnout and increase well-being. Three Good Things and other free tools are available at the Duke Center for Healthcare Safety and Quality online at: https://hsq.dukehealth.org/tools/ Dr. Jessi Gold is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at UT Health Science Center. Dr. Gold is not only a psychiatrist, but she is a mental health advocate and fantastic writer whose work has appeared in the New York Times, The Atlantic, InStyle, Slate, and Self. https://www.drjessigold.com/@drjessigoldDr. Gold's new memoir is called How Do You Feel? One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine available on Amazon athttps://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1982199776?tag=simonsayscomCheck out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailHALF of all healthcare workers are Burned Out.  But most of us typically power through without recognizing the classic signs.  How can you tell when you're going through burnout? And more importantly, what is it about the culture of medicine and healthcare that increases our risk of experiencing burnout? To help us sort through these issues and RECOGNIZE signs of burnout, we talk with Dr. Jessi Gold, Psychiatrist and Chief Wellness Officer of the University of Tennessee Health System.  She is the author of a memoir called How Do You Feel? One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine.  This book highlights her experience taking care of healthcare workers during the pandemic, and  emphasizes the *emotional toll that it is involved when we're taking care of others*. ** What are the signs of burnout?** Why is it so hard to recognize burnout?** How can we start to notice when we are going down the path of burnout?Dr. Jessi Gold is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at UT Health Science Center. Dr. Gold is not only a psychiatrist, but she is a mental health advocate and fantastic writer whose work has appeared in the New York Times, The Atlantic, InStyle, Slate, and Self. https://www.drjessigold.com/Her new memoir is called How Do You Feel? One Doctor's Search for Humanity in Medicine available on Amazon athttps://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1982199776?tag=simonsayscomCheck out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailJoin us as we wrap up our first year of PsychEd4Peds and prepare for a summer break!Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailDo you ever wish you had a child psychiatrist on speed dial? Well, now you can!  This week, we talk about how to get connected to a Pediatric Mental Health Care Access Program (PMHCAP) near you that offers:* phone consultation with child psychiatrists to help you care for kids in your office* care navigation services to help you find resourcesI will walk you through what to expect when you call your local PMHCAP and how they can be helpful for you and for your patients.For a list of statewide PMHCAPs near you, check out:https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/programs/pmhca-awardee-teleconsultation-phone-linesLink also available on our website, PsychEd4Peds.comCheck out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, meet Dr. Lia Gaggino, pediatrician and host of the child mental health and clinician well-being podcast, Pediatric Meltdown.  She shares resources and tips to help practicing pediatricians including her now podcast, Pediatric Mental Health: Building Better Workflows.  This new podcast is about how to implement change in pediatric practices from how to get buy-in for change, set goals, and engage your team in implementing  change, plus tips on billing and coding and more.Dr. Lia Gaggino's Podcast: Pediatric MeltdownWebsite: Pediatricmeltdown.comCheck out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailIn honor of the release of Taylor Swift’s 11th album, The Tortured Poet's Department, this is a special episode where I am joined by my tween daughter Julia, to share highlights from Swift's albums as well as from PsychEd4Peds episodes.  I bet you never thought about how the album, Red, is related to ADHD meds. #childmentalhealth #swiftie #tsttpd #adhd #anxiety #parentmentalhealthCheck out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailBetween 80-90% of US teens report that they use social media, but we are only beginning to understand how social media use affects mental health.  I had the opportunity to talk about this with WAVYTV10 News Anchor, Sarah Goode. In this episode, I share clips from our conversation about how to help kids navigate social media, share tips for talking with teens about their social media use, and share resources to help families develop a plan for healthy use of social media.For more information and to listen to an extended version of this interview, check out the NBC Affiliate, WAVYTV10 at the link below:https://www.wavy.com/10-on-your-side/kids-on-social-media-what-to-know-about-their-mental-health/Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailDid you know that PARENTS of preschoolers are at HIGH risk for depression? *In the first 4 years of a child's life, 1 in 10 dads and 1 in 4 moms experience depression.*And depression in parents increased the risk of behavioral and emotional problems in children.  In this episode, we talk about why and how to support parents of preschoolers... so that we can help preschoolers with their own social and emotional development.Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailAround one and 10 preschool age, children, struggle with significant emotional and behavior problems, but it can be incredibly difficult to tell. How can you tell When a preschool age child might need further evaluation?In this episode, we talk about how to use a brief tool to determine whether a preschools behavior is normal, or may benefit from further evaluation. This tool is called the brief early childhood screening assessment, or the brief ECSA  for short.Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailWhat is the most important thing the parents can do to help older teen athletes? How can we harness sports another activities to help kids develop true confidence? For answers to these questions join us as we continue our convo with grit.org’s  Brian and Jen Harbin.Guests: Brian and Jen Harbin are the leaders of grit.org whose mission is to improve, physical, mental, and emotional resilience in kids.Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailDo you want to learn strategies to help kids develop grit and character through sports and LIFE? We talk with Brian and Jen Harbin of Grit.org about how they use sports to help kids become more physically, emotionally, and mentally resilient. They share strategies about :** Using mantras to help kids push through challenges** How to shift your focus from WINNING to personal growth**  Training kids to focus on the POSITIVEOur Guests: Brian Harbin is the founder of Grit.org whose mission is to help kids and adults become mentally, physically, and emotionally resilient.  Jen Harbin is a former 5-year collegiate rower and helps to lead Grit Camp as well as Grit.org's non-profit foundation called Faith, hope, and Lunges. They are the proud parents of 3 boys .Website: Grit.orgCheck out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailIf you play sports or know a child who plays sports, you MUST listen to this podcast!  Our guest is Coach Peter Verhoef, who has decades of experience preparing kids and teens for national and world competitions.  We discuss ways that parents can keep kids involved in sports and prevent burnout.  Key Points include:** Sports can be Transformational  ** Tips for How WE can Keep kids ENGAGED in Sports·      Help children to experience achievement (apart from wins/losses)·      Recognize and manage emotional/physical exhaustion ** Crying in Waffles: The Hardest time for a Student Athlete** Benefits and Risks of taking time off from sports** When/If to Specialize in One sports vs. playing multiple sportsCoach  Peter Verhoef is the head coach and aquatics director at the Bolles School Swimming Program. He coaches athletes to regional, national,  and world competitions, including the Olympics over his career, which has spanned decades.Coach Peter himself is a former youth athlete, having been a finalist at the Olympic swimming trials in 2004 and 2008. He has competed at the world level and was USA team captain representing the United States at the world championships of swimming.Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailDid you know almost 70% of kids drop out of sports by age 13?  We talk with Dr. Joel Brenner,  pediatric sports medicine physician and national expert in youth sports, about how to keep kids involved in sports.  Dr. Brenner is the co-author of the  American Academy of Pediatrics' recent Clinical Report on on overuse injuries over-training and burnout in young athletes. He shares practical strategies to  reduce burnout and over use injuries in our young athletes. Most importantly, we're going to find out how early is too early for kids to specialize in one sport. Our Guest:  Dr. Brenner is a pediatric sports medicine physician and Director of the Sports medicine, Sports concussion, and Dance medicine programs at Children's Hospital of the King's daughters in Norfolk, Virginia. Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailIt's time for some Advanced Q+A with Dr. Jeffrey Strawn about medication treatment for ADHD +/- Anxiety!?Q:? When do you use alpha agonists (like Clonidine, Guanfacine)??A:  as adjunctive treatment for kids who are having trouble tolerating stimulants,  and/or who have residual impulsivity when they're being treated with stimulants.  Q: How can you prescribe alpha-agonists to kids who cannot swallow pills?A: We've talked about the possibility of using compounding pharmacies to help create liquid formulations of certain short acting alpha agonists for kids who have trouble swallowing pills. Q: When/ would you *start* treatment for ADHD with an alpha-agonist?A: Almost Never.  Start with stimulant medication when you're considering medication treatment for ADHD, regardless of how old the child is.   So for preschool aged children with ADHD for whom you're considering medication treatment, start with stimulant medication as opposed to non-stimulant medication.  Side note: Atomoxetine or Straterra is not as effective as first-line treatments for ADHD, nor is it as effective as our first-line treatments for anxiety. And finally we covered the amazing resource of Case Studies: Stahl's Essential Psychopharmacology: Volume 4: Children and Adolescents by Jeffrey R. Strawn and Stephen M. Stahl | Nov 9, 2023 available on Amazon and through Cambridge University PressCheck out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailIs there a go-to medication to treat a child with both ADHD and anxiety?  Join us as we continue the conversation with Dr. Jeffrey Strawn from Cincinnati Children's Medical Center to discuss how to approach medication treatment for a child with ADHD and anxiety.  We talk about which stimulants are better tolerated, when to use alpha 2 agonists (like clonidine and guanfacine), and finally what to know about the norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, Viloxazine (Qelbree) and atomoxetine (Strattera). Key Points:1 – treat ADHD first, then address residual anxiety (unless anxiety is Severe)2 – When treating ADHD, start with stimulants;  Methylphenidate (MPH) stimulants are less likely to cause mood/anxiety sxs than mixed-amphetamine salts; MPH stimulants also have  ½ incidence of appetite suppression relative to the mixed-amphetamine salts3 – When to use alpha 2-agonistso   Clonidine is “a little messier” – hits multiple receptors (alpha 2a, 2b, 2c; hits imidazoline receptor), more likely to affect BP, sedation; best for problems initiating sleep o   Guanfacine – “much more selective for alpha 2 A receptor”,o   Guanfacine XR can be dosed once daily (vs. clonidine xr which is still BID) o   Dosing and titration of Guanfacine XR stay below 6mg, 0.1 mg/kg/dayo   Guanfacine XR considered as adjunctive med in addition to SSRI for anxietyo   Good to help w/ impulsivity4 – Viloxazine/Qelbree (NRI) “what’s hype vs. what’s clinically relevant pharmacology?”o   Works more rapidly than atomoxetine: Even within first couple of weeks, noticing improvement in symptomso   Little 2D6 metabolism, but not affected by 2D6 metabolizer status like atomoxetine (did you know fda recommends different dosing/titration based on metabolizer status in atomoxetine)o   Potent CYP 1A2 inhibitor (which metabolizes caffeine/energy drinks)  increase caffeine exposure (blood level over time) six fold ** ADR2A genetic polymorphism means 2/3 people do NOT experience anxiety when they consume caffeineDr. Jeff Strawn is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.  Dr. Strawn directs the Anxiety Disorders Research Program and conducts clinical trials and neuroimaging studies in patients with anxiety and related disorders.  He is an internationally recognized expert int he field of child and adolescent anxiety disorders.Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailADHD and Anxiety and highly intertwined, so how can you tease them apart?Join us as Dr. Jeffrey Strawn shares clinical pearls about how to detect whether a child has ADHD, anxiety, or both! We discuss:* the consequences of untreated ADHD (especially social and educational impacts)* how ADHD and anxiety are related  and that 30% of kids w/ ADHD have anxiety, too!Some take home messages are:1 – When screening kids for ADHD, also consider using the SCARED-5 to screen them for anxiety!2 – Good clinical question to ask kids about anxietyo   “How good are you at worrying?”o   “What would happen IF (the thing they fear occurred)?”3 – To distinguish between clinical anxiety disorder and an anxiety trait..            Ask, is [ the thing they are worried about] reasonable/expected?            Is the anxiety proportional to the stressor?Dr. Jeffrey Strawn is a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.  Dr. Strawn directs the Anxiety Disorders Research Program and conducts clinical trials and neuroimaging studies in patients with anxiety and related disorders.  He is an internationally recognized expert int he field of child and adolescent anxiety disorders.Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailWhat do you do when your patient doesn’t tolerate or doesn’t respond to an SSRI for depression? Join us as we discuss this issue and talk about non-SSRI medication‘s for depression.Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailHow can you tell if a teenager is depression or if it is just normal moodiness, stress, grief, or even demoralization?  Dr. John Walkup joins us to talk about the cardinal features of depression... and how it LOOKS different than other forms of low mood.We talk about:1 - the distinct change in mood seen in teens with depression and how it is different from sadness2 - how you can use a simple question, "Can you tell me about something fun you have done recently?",  to help you figure out whether a teen has clinical depression3 - why kids with depression can *think* they have ADHDGuest: Dr. John Walkup is an internationally-recognized child and adolescent psychiatry and the President Elect of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.  He is Chair of the Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. He is also the Margaret C. Osterman Board Designated Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailAs pediatric practices incorporate  more telehealth, what tips and tricks can help us navigate the challenges of virtual healthcare? Pediatrician Dr. Rachel Schare joins us to share the Good, the Bad, and the Funny in the world of Pediatric Telehealth.We discuss:Practical strategies for how to incorporate telehealth into busy pediatric practice:Focus mainly on follow-up visits for established patientsADHD follow-ups are great, sometimes also depression/anxiety Offer same-day telehealth during last minute schedule openings to accomodate patients who call with urgent issues Tips to address common telehealth challenges:To manage connection issues, allow extra time for visitsMake sure you have working phone numbers before the visitSend multiple reminders (text, email) with the connection linkEngage kids with virtual stickers, reaction buttons, backgrounds, etc.How to limit distractions and ensure pt/family safety:Clearly communicate your rules for telehealth before the visitSet boundaries, remind families of rules during the visit (i.e. no driving during the visit)Dr. Rachel Schare is a board-certified pediatrician with extensive experience incorporating behavioral health in primary care pediatrics. For the past 4-5 years, she has been practicing telehealth in both urgent care and primary care settings.Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Season 2 of PsychEd4Peds!  To start this season, the Academy of PsychEd4Peds shares the winners of the 5 major PsychEd4Peds podcast awards from 2023.Featured Awards include:Best Ensemble - * the most popular episode featuring a group of hosts *Best Short Episode  - * most helpful content in  an episode ~10 minutes *Super Science Episode - * best episode about highly complex scientific topics made simple and practical*Host's Choice - * episode that taught the host the most *People's Choice - * most popular episode with most downloads *Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailAny conversations that involve *weight* can be really challenging and require a really thoughtful approach. This week, we chat with Dr. Peggy Greco, pediatric psychologist who specializes in eating disorders,  about how to talk with parents when you're concerned about their child's health and weight OR the parent is *overly* concerned about their child's weight. We discuss how to- use the "Yes AND" approach to :- address parental fears and feelings about their child's weight- AND shift the conversation from weight to healthWe also talk about the importance of- reflecting on your own experiences with weight, food, eating, etc.- connecting with a larger team to care for kids with eating disorders, obesityCheck out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds

Send us Fan MailDr. Peggy Greco shares practical tips for navigating challenging conversation with teens who have eating disorders and/or obesity including:*  How to shift the conversation from WEIGHT to focus instead on HEALTH * How to focus on non-weight metrics of health such as:·       mood·       energy levels·       activity levels·       healthy eating habits·       clarity of thinking* How to understand why teens with eating disorders may be resistant to treatmentDr. Peggy Greco, PhD is a pediatric psychologist with over 30 years of clinical experience. She serves as the Assistant Vice President, and Chief Patient Experience Officer for a large children’s healthcare system. One of her clinical areas of interest is in working with kids and families with eating disorders.Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds