Curriculum

Core Curriculum: Mental Health Care in the Pediatric Clinic

Welcome to the curriculum! This series of audio/visual modules is designed to provide an overview of key topics in the practice of mental health care in the pediatric clinic. The modules run 15-25 minutes each. You can also download a pdf of the same content. 

Conceptual Framework

Watch & Listen |  Download & Read

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Understand the cognitive-behavioral model of mental health
  • Describe contextual factors in mental health problems
  • Use cognitive, behavioral, and contextual factors as leverage to treat (and prevent) mental health problems

The Anxiety Disorders

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By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Define the symptoms of the common anxiety disorders
  • Assess severity of anxiety disorders using screening tools and functional assessment
  • Recognize less common anxiety disorders and anxiety-related disorders

Treating Anxiety

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By the end of this chapter you will be able to:

  • Explain the role of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) in treating anxiety
  • Describe how to start, titrate, and switch SSRIs

The Depressive Disorders

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By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Recognize the various depressive disorders
  • Outline strategies for assessing depression symptoms and severity

Treating Depression

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By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Understand the role of medication and therapy in treatment of depression
  • Understand how to start, continue and stop SSRIs for depression

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Part 1

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By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Identify core features of ADHD
  • Describe the diagnosis and treatment options for ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Part 2

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By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Describe the various stimulant medications, their benefits and side effects, and how to use them in treatment of ADHD

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Part 3

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By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • List the commonly-used non-stimulant medications for ADHD
  • Describe treatment strategies for ADHD
  • Recognize conditions comorbid with ADHD

More Psychopharmacology, including Antipsychotics

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By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Identify less-commonly used medications for depression and anxiety
  • List indications for and risks associated with antipsychotic medications

Mental Health Screening in Primary Care  

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By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Describe the relationship between mental health screening and anticipatory guidance
  • Select and interpret evidence-based screening instruments for anxiety, depression and ADHD
  • Outline the benefits of sequential mental health screening in primary care

Suicide Screening and Safety Assessment 

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By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Administer, interpret, and follow up on suicide screening instruments
  • Apply risk stratification strategies to guide care in child or adolescent with a positive suicide screen
  • Outline elements of safety planning in patients with suicidal ideation and their families

Parent Management Training

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By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  • Describe the ways in which coercive interaction cycles and ineffective supervision contribute to children’s behavioral problems
  • List some straightforward parent management training techniques that you can offer parents who are struggling with their children’s behaviors

FAQs & Special Topics

If there is topic you would like us to address, and a format you would like us to use, please contact us.  

ADHD

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Psychopharmacology in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
in Primary Care  Watch & Listen | Download & Read

Prescribing SSRIs

How to talk with patients and families about SSRIs  (Mini-lesson)

Does my patient still need this medication?  Discontinuing SSRIs  (Mini-lesson)

Aggression

Understanding and Assessing Aggression in Children