Behavioral and Mental Health, Neuroscience, Pediatric Services

Diagnosing autism with diffusion tensor MR imaging

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…

Read Full Story
Behavioral and Mental Health, Pediatric Services

Red flags and diagnostic criteria for eating disorders

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)…

Read Full Story
Behavioral and Mental Health, Pediatric Services

Spotting polypharmacy children and deprescribing psychotropics

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…

Read Full Story
Behavioral and Mental Health, Pediatric Services

More males with eating disorders; risk factors and diagnosis guidelines for all patients

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…

Read Full Story
Behavioral and Mental Health, Pediatric Services

Kentucky pediatric providers report ADHD practice not consistent with clinical practice guidelines

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…

Read Full Story
Behavioral and Mental Health, Pediatric Services

Kimberly B. Schauder, Ph.D., joins Norton Children’s Development Center and Norton Children’s Autism Center

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…

Read Full Story
Behavioral and Mental Health, Pediatric Services

Medical treatment for depression and anxiety in pediatric patients

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…

Read Full Story
Behavioral and Mental Health, Pediatric Services

Pediatric psychiatrist Virginia F. Barbosa, M.D., joins Norton Children’s Autism Center

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…

Read Full Story
Behavioral and Mental Health, Pediatric Services

Referring kids for mental health care as pandemic persists

The COVID-19 pandemic created not only a physical health crisis, but a mental health crisis that will likely outlast the virus, according to Kristie V. Schultz, Ph.D., a pediatric psychologist with Norton Children’s Behavioral & Mental Health, affiliated with the UofL School of Medicine. “While life-threatening physical health effects may impact some personally, the mental…

Read Full Story