Genes for Responsiveness to Parenting Practices?

In classic models of psychiatric risk, particular child characteristics are seen as generally negative things that under the wrong conditions can get amplified  into full-fledged psychiatric disorders.  A newer model, however, holds that some of these characteristics are better understood as related to environmental sensitivity, which means that in positive environments these same traits may convey an actual developmental advantage. A […]

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Finger Length Ratios Related to Child Aggression and Attention Problems

A proxy for the level of exposure to prenatal androgens is the length of the second finger digit relative to the length of the forth finger (although not all studies support this link). Lower ratios are generally associated with more male typical behaviors. A new study published in the journal Development and Psychopathology examines a […]

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Misbehavior at School? Don’t Pull Recess and Sports

by Robert Althoff, MD PhD For many child and adolescent psychiatric diagnoses, problem behaviors occur in more than one setting – often home and also at school. Problem behavior, particularly externalizing or disruptive behavior, is a common reason for children to be sent to the principal’s office or the “opportunity room”.  Sometimes these “opportunities” are […]

Defiant Behavior: Discussing the Full Array of Treatment Options with Families

by Allison Hall, MD Behavioral and emotional problems, like some other health conditions such as diabetes, are often best treated with a package of interventions.  Because families may sometimes expect a quick fix, it is helpful to have a strategy to discuss the importance of several treatment features.   Russell Barkley, a psychologist who is one […]