Mental Health

The FDA has granted orphan drug designation to ganaxolone for the treatment of Fragile X syndrome, the most common genetic cause of autism, according to a press release from Marinus Pharmaceuticals.

Recent findings indicated that approximately 20% of child abuse cases among dependents of U.S. Army soldiers were linked to a Family Advocacy Program report, suggesting a need for further regulation of reporting requirements, particularly for children treated in civilian facilities.

Lower IQ was associated with past-year fear and distress disorders and was not associated with PTSD, anxiety or eating disorders, according to recent findings.

To improve mental health care for Latino children and bridge barriers, a recent literature review identified several mental health screening tools validated for Spanish and use in individuals with limited English proficiency.

Children exposed to anesthesia for surgery prior to age 4 years had a slightly greater risk for lower academic performance and intelligence quotient scores in adolescence than children who had not been exposed to anesthesia until age 16 years, according to recent findings from Sweden.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recently announced it is accepting applications for up to $60.2 million in grants to improve behavioral health outcomes in youth with serious emotional disturbances.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently published recommendations to improve mental health care access for low-income children and families in primary care settings.

Reduced exposure to TV food advertisements in preschool-aged children may decrease the priming and reinforcement of dietary behavior that lead to obesity and energy-dense food preferences, according to published study findings in the journal Pediatrics.

The AAP’s Council on Early Childhood released a policy statement encouraging pediatricians to advocate for increased access to care and additional evidence-based therapies, especially nonpharmacological therapies, for children with emotional or behavioral problems.

The release of the 2011 AAP practice guidelines for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was associated with an end to an increasing trend in diagnosis of preschoolers, according to data recently published in Pediatrics. Rates of prescribing stimulants remained steady.