A new expert consensus statement from the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology offered clinical guidance on when and whether to discontinue psychiatric medications. The statement, developed by a 45-member international task force, reached consensus on 44 of 50 recommendations addressing when deprescribing is warranted. Among the key points: clinicians should periodically reassess all medications, always verify adherence before concluding a drug isn’t working, and engage patients in...

Key points Pediatricians have experienced a dramatic increase in patient visits for psychiatric conditions. This increase has occurred in both children (age 4 to 12) and adolescents (age 13 to 17). Much of this increase is attributed to an increase in anxiety disorders. It is critical that pediatric residents receive adequate exposure to child and adolescent psychiatry. Much has been written recently about an increase in the number of American youths experiencing mental health conditions. In...

After experiencing severe trauma and neglect, the path from victim to survivor or conversely, staying in a cycle of suffering is driven by a complex interplay of internal coping mechanisms and external support systems. Factors for Becoming a Survivor: Transitioning to a survivor requires establishing physical safety, receiving social support, and reclaiming one's life story, allowing the individual to integrate the trauma rather than being ruled by it. Survivors often develop a strong...