Tools for identifying and prioritizing evidence-based obesity prevention strategies, Colorado.

Colorado's adult obesity rate has more than doubled since 1995, prompting its Department of Public Health and Environment to list obesity as its top prevention priority. To initiate comprehensive and effective action, the department used a well-known evidence-based public health framework developed by Brownson and others. This article describes the tools and process developed to conduct 2 of the 7 stages in this framework that challenge public health organizations: reviewing the literature and prioritizing effective strategies from that literature.

What is new in adolescent psychiatry? Literature review and clinical implications.

This article provides the adolescent medicine physician with a review of seminal psychiatric research published in 2011 and 2012 and its clinical relevance for day-to-day practice. The present review focuses on conditions commonly encountered by adolescent medicine physicians such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, bipolar disorder, tic disorders, and major depression. Additionally, there is a section that outlines specific clinical situations for which psychiatric consultation must be obtained, as well as helpful resources and suggestions to mitigate the unavailability of appointments in a mental health office.

Psychopharmacology of autism spectrum disorders.

At present, no evidence-based effective pharmacologic options are available for treating the core deficits of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), which are best addressed by behavioral and educational interventions. However, such evidence exists for several of the frequently associated/comorbid symptoms such as aggression and severe irritability, hyperactivity, and repetitive behaviors, which can become a major source of additional distress and interference in functioning. This article offers information on the psychopharmacology of ASD that is current, relevant, and organized in a user-friendly manner, to form a concise but informative reference guide for primary pediatric clinicians.

Pharmacotherapy for substance abuse disorders in adolescence.

The public health effects of adolescent substance abuse disorders (SUD) reaches further than the immediate intoxicating effects. Medications play a limited role in the treatment of youth beyond addressing short-term symptoms but may improve longer-term outcomes for some patients. Given the potential devastating consequences of SUD, clinicians should become familiar with all available treatment options.

Pharmacotherapy for child and adolescent attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Research in the past 2 decades showed that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a frequently occurring psychiatric disorder that causes considerable suffering to patients and their families. This article outlines current pharmacologic ADHD treatment options and focuses on their safety profile and efficacy. In addition, it addresses treatment selection, guidelines for monitoring treatment, and recent controversies in the field.