Elevation of C-reactive protein in adolescent bipolar disorder vs. anxiety disorders.

Bipolar disorder (BD) largely begins in adolescence, but diagnosis lags for years, causing significant morbidity and mortality, and demonstrating the need for better diagnostic tools. Suggesting an association between BD and immune activity, elevated levels of peripheral inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein (CRP), have been found in adults with BD. As similar data are extremely limited in adolescents, this study examined CRP levels in adolescents with BD (n = 37) compared to those with anxiety disorders (ADs, n = 157) and healthy controls with no psychiatric diagnoses (HCs, n = 2760).

Primary care pediatrician perceptions towards mental health within the primary care setting.

Background: Mental health (MH) conditions are highly prevalent, yet only marginal portions of children receive adequate services. Access to specialized mental healthcare is limited and, consequently, pediatricians remain the source of management and care of children with MH disorders. Despite this, research suggests that pediatricians report lack of access to training and support regarding MH care of youth, leading to discomfort with managing the population they are asked to treat.

Understanding Chronic Aggression and Its Treatment in Children and Adolescents.

Purpose Of Review: Youth aggression is common and has a significant burden on individuals, families, and society. However, its treatment is often a challenge for clinicians. Thus, this review will examine the current understanding of youth aggression, conceptualize aggression as a symptom rather than its own disorder, and provide an overview of treatment strategies.