Sometimes complex motor tics and OCD compulsions can be difficult to differentiate, since both are related to urges to perform some type of activity or movement.
The overwhelming prevalence of autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has led to almost countless interventions for children and adolescents with these diagnoses. But do we really have scientific proof that any of them work?
When presented with a self-injuring patient, the first thing I try to find out is what the function of the self injury is. Is it suicidal? Did the patient want to die or think he or she might die? Often the answer is “no.”
It has been eight years since child psychiatry first began to deal with controversy about SSRIs and their potential to prompt suicidal behavior in youth.
An individual’s vulnerability to suicide is strongly influenced by genetic susceptibility to mental health problems and, notably, to mood disorders, substance abuse, anxiety disorders and antisocial and offending behaviors.