The landscape of opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment is evolving, with recent Drug Enforcement Administration regulation changes enabling physicians to treat patients without obtaining the X-waiver. This shift underscores the pivotal role primary care providers can play in addressing treatment gaps and offering care for patients with OUD. Understanding opioid use disorder: Definitions and diagnosis…
Several evidence-based communication strategies can foster a supportive environment when addressing substance use in adolescent patients. “Prioritizing confidentiality, harm reduction and mental health fosters a patient-centered approach that can empower patients to make healthier choices,” said Brittany K. Badal, M.D., adolescent medicine physician with Norton Children’s Medical Group. Establish trust and confidentiality Building trust is…
Safer controlled substance prescribing begins with a thorough patient workup, an appropriate diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan, according to Kelly C. Cooper, M.D., an addiction medicine specialist with Norton Behavioral Medicine. “We just tend to go for the pills first. And it’s not just as providers, it’s patients as well,” Dr. Cooper said during…
Bipolar disorder commonly is seen first in primary care settings, although it is a relatively rare condition — only about 1% of people will struggle with it in their lifetime. The treatment of bipolar disorder often is supervised by patients’ primary care physicians and not a psychiatric specialist. “Bipolar disorder is a severe but manageable…
Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of the brain combined with machine learning could provide a fast and objective alternative to traditional methods of diagnosing autism spectrum disorder (ASD), according to a recently published study. Currently, the gold standard for an autism diagnosis is a set of diagnostic evaluations, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation…
Diagnosing eating disorders can be challenging because telltale behaviors typically are hidden, even from those closest to the patient, according to Andrea L. Krause, M.D., who heads the team involved with the medical stabilization of eating disorder patients at Norton Children’s Hospital. Eating disorders listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5)…
Over the past 20 years, the number of psychotropic medications children receive has increased dramatically, with large increases in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications and antipsychotics. Psychotropic medications can level the biologic playing field for children by treating established mental health disorders and controlling disabling symptoms such as hyperarousal and impulsivity. But they do not change…
Eating disorders are increasing among males, making up about a quarter of anorexia nervosa patients and running a greater risk of death, said Brittany K. Badal, M.D., an adolescent medicine physician with Norton Children’s Medical Group – Novak Center. Later diagnosis in males typically contributes to morbidity, Dr. Badal said during a recent pediatric grand…
Researchers with Cleveland Clinic, the University of Louisville School of Medicine and Norton Children’s recently conducted a survey of pediatric attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) care in Kentucky and found areas of deviation from established practice patterns for diagnosing and managing ADHD and for pharmacotherapy strategies. “The results indicate that some key recommended practice guidelines were not…
Kimberly B. Schauder, Ph.D., who recently completed a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical psychology at the Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders at Children’s National in Rockville, Maryland, has joined Norton Children’s Autism Center and Norton Children’s Development Center. Both are affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. Dr. Schauder received her doctor of philosophy in clinical…
Before beginning medical treatment for depression or anxiety in a child or adolescent, it is helpful to rule out medical conditions such as anemia (checking iron, B12, and folate), diabetes, vitamin D deficiency and abnormal thyroid levels, according to Felissa P. Goldstein, M.D., child and adolescent psychiatrist with Norton Children’s Behavioral & Mental Health, affiliated…
Child psychiatrist Virginia F. Barbosa, M.D., has joined Norton Children’s Autism Center, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine, and Norton Children’s Behavioral & Mental Health, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. Dr. Barbosa is board certified in adult psychiatry and child and adolescent psychiatry. For several years, Dr. Barbosa was medical director of…