Contemporary Pediatrics' March mental health issue

The March, 2024 mental health issue of Contemporary Pediatrics is now available in digital form! Below, find a message from our Editor-in-Chief, Tina Tan, MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS, who highlights articles featured in this month's issue.

Click here, or on the cover image (right) to read the March mental health issue of Contemporary Pediatrics.

Tina Tan, MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS:

Greetings!

As we progress into the year, I hope everyone is taking a moment to protect their mental health. Whether it’s a brisk walk during lunch or a quick 15-minute journaling session, it is imperative to take a moment—no matter how small it is—to check in with our mental well-being. These small moments are beneficial for not only our mental health but also our physical health.

The Mental Health Foundation states that poor mental health can have negative effects on our physical health, such as headaches, fatigue, and digestive problems.¹ I know it is easier said than done to find time to take a break as busy practitioners, but these quick check-ins will make all the difference for your health. Also, influenza A and COVID-19 are surging again in multiple areas of the United States. Please ensure that your patients are up to date on their influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to protect them.

Speaking of mental health, our editors and editorial advisory board have worked hard to put together a special issue dedicated to the mental health of our young patients. There are several excellent must-read articles in this month’s issue, including the following:

· The Pediatric Pharmacology section article is a great summary of the current attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder drug shortage, which the FDA acknowledged in August 2023. The authors provide a thorough list of the stimulants that are currently in short supply, including the dextroamphetamine extended-release patch and lisdexamfetamine, to name a few.

· The Respiratory Disorders section features an intriguing article on implementing psychological interventions for asthma and stress reduction in children and adolescents while also shedding light on promising avenues for asthma management.

· The Infectious Diseases section highlights the current rise in reported cases of measles in children. Cases of measles have been reported in Delaware, New Jersey, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington, according to an American Academy of Pediatrics update.

· In the Nutrition section, we have an interesting discussion on how to talk to your patients about weight issues. Some of the key points include how best to gauge when to discuss this topic, what the role of various indicators in this discussion is (eg, scale, body mass index, blood tests), and how best to discuss nutrition and exercise.

· The Dermatology section offers an insightful article on the psychosocial impact of cutaneous disease on children, as well as how pediatricians must address not only the physical symptoms but also the psychological fallout.

· Finally, our Mental Health section is chock-full of practical articles, including the importance of mental health screening at the beginning of wellness visits and addressing the mental health needs of sexual and gender-diverse youth.

As always, thank you for providing outstanding care to your patients during these rapidly changing times. As John Green said, “There is hope, even when your brain tells you there isn’t.” Please make time to take care of yourselves.

With warm regards,

Tina Q. Tan, MD, FAAP, FIDSA, FPIDS

Editor in Chief

Click here to read the March mental health issue of Contemporary Pediatrics.

Reference:

Physical health and mental health. Mental Health Foundation. Updated February 18, 2022. Accessed February 14, 2024. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/physical-health-and-mental-health