Note: Portions of this article were contributed by Kelsey Daugherty, DPN, Family Psychological Services nurse practitioner. “He just can’t sit still” “He has a lot of energy” “It’s like she doesn’t hear a thing I say.” Do these sound familiar? Have you had conversations with your child’s teachers about academic and learning behaviors? Discerning typical…
Fox4 Therapy Thursday: Are Teens Really More Anxious Now?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health 25% of teenagers will at one point or another be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and 6% will be considered severe. Eighty years of research suggests either an increase in anxiety among teens or a better recognition of a condition that’s existed all along. Either way, I’ve never…
What Breed is Grace The Therapy Cat?
Dear Dr. Wes: What kind of breed is Grace? I have an identical cat named Princess that is 24 years old, and very healthy. Just don’t know their breed, but they are highly intelligent as I’m sure you are aware of. Mark Dear Mark: My daughter studied this extensively (because that’s what my daughter does)…
Fox4 Therapy Thursday: When Teens are Reluctant to Learn to Drive
Most adults remember, at age fourteen, waiting with bated breath at the doorway of the driver’s license office, imagining what it will feel like to walk back out to the parking lot with a learner’s permit, restricted license, or the holy grail of a full driver’s license. My first time I showed up without my…
How to Find a Good Therapist, Especially for ADHD
Dear Dr. Wes: What tips do you have for finding a good therapist, particularly for a child with ADHD? Thanks, Simon This is an issue of great interest to many readers, Simon. So, I’m going to answer it more generally and then add in a few specifics about ADHD kids and families. First, consider consulting your…
How Do I Tell My Son He Has ADHD?
Dear Dr. Wes: I’m looking for advice on how to tell my son he has ADHD. Thank you kindly! E.Tot @ea_morrison You didn’t say how old your son is, but I’m going to presume for this response that he’s younger. If he’s middle school or above, I’d treat him as a young adult and just…
Get Out of the Divorce and Custody Trenches
Parenting can be much like the old Peace Corps slogan, “The toughest job you’ll ever love.” It can also be natural, easy and seamless, except for when it is not. Consistency serves as one of the most crucial and useful parenting tools and can be one of most elusive as well. Consistency can be difficult…
Eating Disorders: More than Skin Deep
At this point, most people are able to agree that social media, photoshop, fad diets, and the traditional gaunt runway model’s body type contribute to unrealistic expectations of how our bodies “should” look and what it means to be beautiful. And as more and more celebrities, adults, parents, and teenagers discuss their struggles with eating…
KCUR Up to Date: Teens & Anxiety
According to the National Institute of Mental Health 25% of teenagers will at one point or another be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and 6% will be considered severe. Research over the last 80 years suggests either an increase in anxiety among teens or better recognition of a condition that’s existed all along. Either way, over…
When Summer Social Life Collapses for Teens
Our kids are excited to hit the doors on the last day of school, but if there’s not structured social life waiting, some teens may fall out of contact with peers. On the other hand, some parents worry too much about a teen or older child who seems isolate. That child may just be an…