Search

While paediatric care providers are often the first point of contact for children or youth experiencing mental health challenges, they may lack the resources (e.g. access to a multidisciplinary team) or training to adequately identify or manage such problems. This joint statement describes the key roles and competencies required to assess and address child and youth mental health problems, and the factors that optimize outcomes in this age group. Evidence-informed guidance on screening for and discussing mental health concerns with young people and families is provided. Preventive and therapeutic interventions with demonstrated efficacy in community care settings are discussed. This foundational statement also focuses on the changes to medical education, health systems, and health policy that are needed to improve clinical practice and advocacy efforts in Canada, including appropriate remuneration models, stepped-care approaches, targeted government funding, and professional training and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder. Three position statements have been developed by the Canadian Paediatric Society, following systematic literature reviews. Statement objectives are to: 1) Summarize the current clinical evidence regarding ADHD, 2) Establish a standard for ADHD care, and 3) Assist Canadian clinicians in making well-informed, evidence-based decisions to enhance care of children and youth with this condition. Specific topics reviewed in Part 3, which focuses on associated autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability, and prematurity, include the challenges of diagnostic assessment, common presentations, the role of genetics, and treatment, including the benefits of physical activity. Recommendations are based on current guidelines, evidence from the literature, and expert consensus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehensive clinical management plans for treating depression or anxiety disorders in children and adolescents frequently include the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medications. This statement reviews empirical data regarding the effectiveness of specific SSRI medications, monitoring guidelines, and potential adverse effects of SSRI use including risk of suicidality. SSRI medications can be effective in treating child and adolescent depression and anxiety disorders. Untreated depressive illness may be more harmful than appropriate use of SSRI medication. Physicians should ensure careful elicitation and documentation of baseline depressive and anxious symptoms before initiating SSRI medication. Following medication initiation, patients should also be closely monitored for potential adverse effects, including suicidal ideation and behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]