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The article reports on the lack of national data on psychiatric emergencies in children and adolescents in India and the need for guidelines to manage such emergencies. Topics include Children and adolescents visiting the emergency room for a variety of reasons, including self-injury and suicidal behavior, and aggressive behavior; and Acute confusional state is a vastly underrecognized and underdiagnosed entity in children and adolescents.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents in the age group of 15 to 19 years. As per the National Crime Record Bureau, India loses 1 student to suicide every hour. The COVID pandemic saw an alarming rise in the number of children/adolescents attempting suicide. The state of Kerala lost 173 children in the age group of 10 to 18 years, during the first wave of the pandemic (March-October 2020). This review article has been written with the aim of exploring causes of aggression, suicide, and self-harm in children and adolescents. It also strives to bring forth the various interventions which can be taken in order to reduce the rate of suicide and self-harm in children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eating disorders (EDs) are increasingly recognized in children and adolescents. Anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) are less common in children and adolescents than adults, but both disorders can occur in this age group. Binge-eating disorder (BED) is the most common ED in children and adolescents and is more prevalent in females than males. EDs may present differently in children and adolescents than in adults, and parents or caregivers may be the first to notice changes in eating patterns or body weight. Diagnostic criteria for EDs in children and adolescents include disturbances in eating behavior, weight or shape concerns, and significant distress or impairment in social, academic, or occupational functioning. Multidisciplinary approaches are recommended for treating EDs in children and adolescents, including medical management, nutritional counseling, and psychological interventions. Evidence-based treatments for AN and BN include family-based therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and interpersonal psychotherapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy are recommended for children and adolescents with BED. Hospitalization may be necessary in severe cases. Early identification and intervention are crucial for improving treatment outcomes and reducing the risk of long-term complications. Treatment approaches should be tailored to developmental and cultural needs and involve a multidisciplinary team. Continued research is needed to improve early detection, prevention strategies, and treatments for this vulnerable population. EDs in children and adolescents are a significant public health concern that can have serious physical and psychological consequences. It is important for healthcare providers and caregivers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of EDs in young people and to seek prompt and appropriate treatment [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Affective disorders in children and adolescents generally have a severe course of the illness, higher suicidal behavior, and adverse effect on overall development and life course. Presentation of pediatric depression and bipolar is usually different from adults, leading to longer delays in help-seeking and effective management. This narrative review highlights the magnitude, clinical presentation, comorbidity, differential diagnosis, and management approach of depression and bipolar in children and adolescents. Better awareness and expertise are essential for timely identification, comprehensive assessment, and holistic treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Somatic Symptoms or Medically Unexplained Symptoms are commonly found in children and adolescents. These symptoms generally reflect the underlying psychological distress and cause significant distress to the child. Presenting symptoms include abdominal pain, headaches, and musculoskeletal pain. The nature of illness prompts multiple visits to clinical setups, burdening the existing health resources. Risk factors include individual, family, and environmental factors. Most stressful factors are seen to arise from day-to-day problems in children like academic problems, bullying, familial disharmony, temperamental traits, abuse, financial constraints, and parenting issues. Psychiatric and physical comorbidities are prevalent. During the assessment, it is pertinent to rule in positive signs and keep in mind the common psychiatric/physical differentials. Management includes a multidisciplinary approach involving the child and family. An overall visualization of the biopsychosocial framework of the child is done to cater to specific needs. Psychoeducation remains a key strategy, while incorporating behavioral management. This includes promoting strengths and positive behavior in child, gradual reduction in secondary gains, promotion of general well-being, focus on a well-rounded schedule incorporating different activities, and relaxation training. Psychosocial factors are worked upon at length while enhancing coping skills. Familial factors are taken into consideration and home environment may be improved. Comorbidities if present can be managed with medications. The goal is functional recovery and rehabilitation, which can be time taking and requires patience from the treating team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on special focus on child custody, corporal punishment, and the relevance of the Mental Health-Care Act for children and adolescents.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and specific learning disorders (SLDs) are an important cause of scholastic backwardness among children and often go unrecognized. Few studies have examined knowledge and attitudes toward ADHD and SLD among school-aged children. To address this deficit, 120 school-aged children, attending a child guidance clinic in Mumbai, were interviewed using a questionnaire that examined children's knowledge and attitudes about ADHD and SLD. The results were compared both qualitatively and quantitatively with a frequently occurring medical illness, common cold. Approximately 80% to 100% of children were aware of their illness; however, a large variation was noted in the proportion of children (15%-80%) who could describe their symptoms, provide accurate attributions for their illness, and identify treatment modalities. Children with ADHD reported greater control over their illness. The study identified a significant lack of knowledge about ADHD and SLD among school-aged children in India and discusses implications of this finding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with wide repercussions. Since it is etiologically related to delayed maturation, neurological soft signs (NSS) could be a tool to assess this. Further the correlation of NSS with severity and type of ADHD and presence of Specific Learning Disability (SLD) would give further insight into it. Aims: To study neurological soft signs and risk factors (type, mode of delivery, and milestones) in children with ADHD and to correlate NSS with type and severity of ADHD and with co-morbid Specific Learning Disability. Settings and Design: The study was carried out in Child care services of a tertiary teaching urban hospital. It was a cross-sectional single interview study. Materials and Methods: 52 consecutive children diagnosed as having ADHD were assessed for the presence of neurological soft signs using Revised Physical and Neurological Examination soft Signs scale (PANESS). The ADHD was rated by parents using ADHD parent rating scale. Statistical Analysis: The data was analyzed using the chi-squared test and Pearson's co-relational analysis. Results and Conclusions: Neurological soft signs are present in 84% of children. They are equally present in both the inattentive-hyperactive and impulsive-hyperactive types of ADHD. The presence of neurological soft signs in ADHD are independent of the presence of co-morbid SLD. Dysrrhythmias and overflow with gait were typically seen for impulsive-hyperactive type and higher severity of ADHD is related to more errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]