Ask an Expert
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My twelve-year-old daughter with ADHD stays up late reading and then doesn't want to wake up in the morning. What should I do?
Setting limits with older kids can be tough. Starting with a conversation to better understand her motivations can help you find a compromise.
- Steven G. Dickstein, MD -
Our daughter doesn't accept her diagnoses of anxiety and depression, and we aren't thrilled with the psychologist. Any suggestions?
People think that you don't need to like a therapist, but that just isn't true. And with teens who are particularly treatment-resitant, finding the right person is key.
- Alan Ravitz, MD, MS -
My daughter doesn't talk at school or karate. Any advice on getting her to speak?
Children who don't talk in school may have selective mutism, an anxiety disorder in which kids are unable to speak in some settings and to some people.
- Rachel Busman, PsyD -
What is the best high school school environment for a student with generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety?
The key to success is not so much size as the school's willingness to put together a supportive team of adults to work with the child.
- Rachel Busman, PsyD -
My 15-year-old daughter has been treated for OCD but still has a lot of symptoms. Would in-home sessions help her?
Sometimes kids can't transfer skills they learn in the office to the home setting because symptoms are stronger there, or only occur there.
- Jerry Bubrick, PhD -
My daughter was abused 6 years ago and now she's having negative sexual thoughts. How can I help her?
Try to find a doctor who knows trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, the gold standard treatment for sexual abuse.
- Jamie Howard, PhD -
My 8-year-old son with ADHD is anxious. Should we add to or change his medication?
Work with a child psychiatrist to find out if the anxiety is a side effect of his medication or the sign of a co-occurring anxiety disorder.
- Steven G. Dickstein, MD -
What type of OT is beneficial for an approaching teenager diagnosed with nonverbal learning disorder?
Older kids should work with an OT who helps them target some specific skills they need to develop.
- Matthew Cruger, PhD -
Could long-term use of Adderall be contributing to depression in a college student?
There are many things that can trigger depression in a college student, away from home and her familiar routines. She should have a careful evaluation before any new medication is considered.
- Ron J. Steingard, MD -
Teacher and parents say a first-grader isn't retaining information from day to day. What assessment would you suggest?
Academic problems can have a number of causes, so a neuropsychological exam is key. Just because a child seems to not be retaining information doesn't make it so.
- Michael Rosenthal, PhD
