Shows
Child Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians73. ADHD Clinical Pearls: Measuring what matters with Dr. James WaxmonskySend us Fan MailThree Clinical Pearls for Evaluating and Treating ADHD Dr. Elise Fallucco chats with Dr. James Waxmonsky (Chair of Child Psychiatry at Penn State) about practical strategies to evaluate and treat children and teens with ADHD. Clinical Pearl #1 - Ask Patients about their biggest Challenge and define their Goals, Set Relevant Finish LinesDr. Waxmonsky emphasizes starting with family- and patient-defined functional goals rather than symptom scores, Keep in Mind: stimulant sensations like alertness or “academic confidence” can fade with physiologic tolerance and may not...
2026-04-2815 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians72. Bench to Bedside - Can we develop Tolerance to stimulants? with Dr. James WaxmonskySend us Fan MailDoes our brain adapt to stimulant medication over time, develop tolerance, so that we require higher doses to achieve the same effect?When patients tell us their stimulant doesn't seem as helpful (after working well for a while), could this be tolerance? ... or could it be something else? To answer these questions, Dr. Elise Fallucco chats with Dr. James Waxmonsky, co-PI for NIMH-funded study: Examining Tolerance to CNS Stimulants in ADHD. 00:00 Introduction of Dr. James Waxmonsky01:26 What Is Tolerance?02:10 Clinical Evidence for Tolerance...
2026-04-2122 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians71. Bench to Bedside: ADHD stimulants do NOT impact the brain's attention networks?!?! with Dr. Nico DosenbachSend us Fan MailBench to Bedside: How ADHD Stimulants Really Work—Arousal and Reward, Not Attention NetworksDr. Elise Fallucco launches a new “Bench to Bedside” series and interviews Dr. Nico Dosenbach, senior author of a ground-breaking fMRI study published in CELL that found that stimulants do NOT significantly change the brain’s attention networks!?!?! Instead, effects are strongest in arousal (less drowsy, more wide awake) and reward/motivation systems (increasing predicted reward and tolerance of “drudgery”). We discuss:how these findings align with patient experiencewhy ADHD can be a misnomer how v...
2026-04-0724 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians70. Anxiety that has failed 2 SSRIs: How to switch and which med to choose next with Dr. StrawnSend us Fan MailSSRI Switching in Pediatrics: When to Try a Third SSRI, When to Use Luvox, and Key Metabolism PearlsDr. Elise Fallucco continues her discussion with child psychiatrist Dr. Jeffrey Strawn (University of Cincinnati; co-author of Stahl’s DePrescribing) on practical tips regarding how to stop/decrease an SSRI and switch to another SSRI (or SNRI) for pediatric anxiety. Highlights from the Episode:After trying 2 different SSRIs for pediatric anxiety, in most cases, it makes sense to try a third SSRI as opposed to an SNRIRationale: SSRIs ten...
2026-03-3116 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians69. How to Switch SSRIs with Dr. Jeffrey StrawnSend us Fan Mail3 Ways to Switch SSRIs in Kids: Direct Switch vs Taper vs Cross-Titration Dr. Elise Fallucco continues a conversation with child psychiatrist and anxiety GURU Dr. Jeffrey Strawn about evidence-informed ways to switch SSRIs in pediatric patients when an adequate trial hasn’t led to remission. They review 3 strategies:1. direct stop/starta. Stop SSRI#1 then start SSRI#2: best for patients with side effects on the 1st SSRI, but creates a gap in antidepressant coverage during the transition2. taper-then-switcha. Taper SSRI#1 off then sta...
2026-03-2419 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians68. Deprescribing - The Science and Art of Stopping Medication with Dr. Jeffrey StrawnSend us Fan MailWhat is the safest, most effective way to taper or stop psychotropic meds in children and teens? Dr. Elise Fallucco kicks off a new Deprescribing series with guest Dr. Jeffrey Strawn, coauthor of Stahl’s Deprescriber’s Guide. They discuss how clinicians and patients “deprescribe” in real life, and what can happen when tapering off or abruptly stopping medication including: how to distinguish discontinuation (withdrawal) from relapse Focus on timing, symptom pattern (including dysesthesias/“brain zaps” and dizziness), and symptom trajectoryhow to manage cases of discontinuationpause - then more slowly taper off of medi...
2026-03-0317 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians67. From Screen Addiction to Sextortion: Your Guide to Digital Safety with Tech Insider AshleySend us Fan MailOn Part 3 of our Series on Tech and Child Mental Health, Dr. Elise Fallucco continues her conversation with Ashley (Tech Insider, Senior Manager of Global Risk Assessment at Twitch) about:"Screen addiction" How to talk with kids and teens about online privacy and potential dangers like groomers and sextortion in an age-appropriate way Go-to resources for families navigating the digital world like The Family IT Guy on Social Media and online App/game parental control webpagesCommon Sense MediaHow to take down inappropriate content online Report directly to the app/platform Where/how to repo...
2026-02-2418 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians66. Keeping Kids Safer Online with Tech-Insider Ashley: Parental Controls, Hidden App Risks, and Tech Alternatives to SmartphonesSend us Fan MailHow can parents set real boundaries around kids’ screen use when every app has different settings—and kids can get around them? In part two of this tech safety series, Dr. Elise Fallucco continues her conversation with tech trust-and-safety insider (and mom) Ashley, senior manager of global risk assessment at Twitch. They break down why parents need to set parental controls inside each individual app (not just on the device), what to watch for in hidden or unexpected features like messaging and photo uploads (even in seemingly harmless games), and how kids may disg...
2026-02-1720 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians65. Digital Dangers: Tips from a Tech InsiderSend us Fan MailJust when you thought it was safe to let kids play online... a Tech Insider shares surprising information about online/digital safety. Dr. Fallucco chats with a seasoned professional in the trust and safety field about...How to balance the benefits of technology while minimizing RISKS like exposure to violence, cyberbullying, and grooming. How to set up a Child Tech contract - that defines WHEN a child can use technology, WHERE they can use it, and HOW they can use it (i.e. which apps/games are safe and approved)The NUMBER on...
2026-02-1021 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians64. Mystery Case: 12yo ADHD "acts like she is on speed"Send us Fan MailLet's kick off the new year with a NEW Mystery Case! Dr. Elise Fallucco works through the case of a 12-year-old girl with ADHD and a family history of bipolar. After starting a new stimulant medication, the patient exhibits what seems like 'super ADHD.' Could this be a medication side effect, emerging bipolar, or something else? Dr. Fallucco guides you through a detailed differential diagnosis, exploring possible causes and solutions. Tune in to discover effective strategies for managing ADHD medications and ensuring better outcomes for your pediatric patients!00:00 Introduction and...
2026-02-0321 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians63. Top 3 Things I Learned in 2025Send us Fan MailDr. Elise Fallucco reviews the highlights from 2025 and the TOP THREE things she learned about Child Mental Health from 2025 podcast episodes. Celebrate surpassing 50 episodes, explore exciting new episode formats like 'mystery cases,' and gain insights from impactful discussions with parents about ADHD and anxiety in children. Tune in for excerpts from some of the most memorable episodes, including from the MOST downloaded episode of the year!00:00 Introduction and Year in Review Overview00:50 Podcast Milestones and Global Reach02:05 New Episode Formats: Mystery Cases03:16...
2025-12-2314 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians62. Letting Go of Perfect: Finding Joy this Holiday SeasonSend us Fan MailAs a recovering perfectionist, Dr. Elise Fallucco shares insights ad strategies, for combating perfectionism, especially during the holiday season. Do YOU have some unrealistic expectations for yourself? Do you want permission to take some pressure off so that you can enJOY the holiday season? If so, take a listen!0:00 Letting Go of Perfect01:02 Defining Perfectionism02:32 Adaptive vs. Maladaptive Perfectionism03:34 Self-Critical05:05 Consequences of Perfectionism06:29 Perfectionism during the Holidays!08:54 Examine your own Expectations10:14 Unrealistic Expectations ...
2025-12-1115 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians61. ADHD + Anxiety: Rapid Review of Medication treatmentSend us Fan MailNavigating Treatment for ADHD and Anxiety in KidsEver wondered which to treat first in kids who have both ADHD and anxiety? Dr. Elise Fallucco, child psychiatrist, tackles this common dilemma in the latest episode of Child Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians. She shares fresh insights and data, stressing the importance of starting with stimulant medication for ADHD. Dr. Elise also discusses medication types, dosages, and the rationale behind her treatment choices, while addressing common parental concerns and considerations. Tune in to understand how to navigate this complex but crucial aspect...
2025-12-0216 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians60. Cannabis and Teen Mental Health: 3 Things You Should KnowSend us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of CANNABIS and its impact on the developing teen brain and MENTAL HEALTH. Dr. Fallucco discusses the latest research on THC and CBD, revealing how modern cannabis has become significantly more potent. Learn about the risks associated with adolescent cannabis use, such as impaired prefrontal cortex development, increased anxiety risk, and associations with psychosis. Dr. Fallucco also offers practical tips for clinicians on how to counsel teens and their families about cannabis use and harm reduction strategies. Don’t miss out on thes...
2025-11-1209 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians59. PMDD: How Hormones Can Affect Teenage Girls with LaurinaSend us Fan MailDr. Elise Fallucco welcomes Laurina, a pediatric nurse practitioner and mom of four. Laurina shares her experience parenting her teenage daughter, Beth, who has ADHD and anxiety. The discussion covers Beth's initial symptoms, her treatment journey and the discovery of Beth's premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Laurina offers insights on tracking symptoms and treatment options, providing valuable advice for clinicians and parents alike. Tune in to learn about managing ADHD, anxiety, and hormonal changes in teenage girls.00:00 Introduction WHAT TO EXPECT and Guest Welcome01:13 Lorena's Clinical Background02:10 Recognizing...
2025-10-2821 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians58. Mystery Case: "My ADHD medicine stops working sometimes"Send us Fan MailOn this MYSTERY CASE episode of Child Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians, Dr. Elise Fallucco dives into the case of a 12-year-old girl with ADHD whose symptoms are "on again, off again". Join us to work through a differential diagnosis, discover the history, and most importantly learn about HOW TO HELP! Let's unlock the mystery together!00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:26 Presenting the Mystery Case01:13 Exploring Possible Causes01:56 Investigating the On-Off Pattern03:51 Discovering the Pattern05:32 How Hormones Help and Hijack the Brain...
2025-10-1415 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians57. Teen SUICIDE peaks in October - What You can do to reduce riskSend us Fan MailDid you know that teen suicide attempts PEAK in October? In this episode, we share why October is so stressful for US teens, what YOU can do in your office to identify and help teens with suicidal thoughts. FInally, we share THREE THINGS we wish everyone knew to reduce suicide risk in teens! 00:00 Introduction and World Mental Health Day01:07 The October Suicide Peak02:20 Factors Contributing to October's Suicide Risk04:39 Identifying At-Risk Groups05:44 Strategies for Clinicians to Help09:46 The Importance of Sleep
2025-10-0715 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians56. Challenging Child Behaviors: Help Families Use Selective AttentionSend us Fan MailJoin us as we talk about challenging child behaviors! We'll explore why these behaviors can be developmentally typical and introduce the selective attention strategy for handling them. Learn key techniques such as specific praise, time ins, and the stoplight approach to help parents manage green, yellow, and red behaviors. Additionally, discover important clinical questions to determine when children might need further evaluation and treatment. Join us for practical insights to support both parents and children through difficult behaviors.00:00 Introduction to Challenging Child Behaviors00:42 Understanding Challenging Behaviors01:44 Reframing...
2025-09-1620 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians55. What Parents wish you knew about ADHD with Ashley and LaurenSend us Fan MailWhat do parents wish *all* clinicians knew about raising kids with ADHD? How can we ask more effective questions to learn about how ADHD symptoms are affecting a child's life at home and at school? We answer these questions and more in Part 3 of Child Mental Health talks w/ Parents about ADHD with Ashley and Lauren!00:00 Advice for Parents and Clinicians01:12 Advice for Clinicians from Ashley05:17 The Importance of Community and Support05:17 Navigating ADHD as a Parent08:58 Advice for Parents and Clinicians
2025-09-0316 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians54. Masking: Can you hide ADHD? with Ashley and LaurenSend us Fan MailDr. Elise Fallucco talks with parents and neurodiversity advocates Ashley and Lauren about the concept of 'masking' symptoms in ADHD. They discuss how children, especially girls, consciously or unconsciously camouflage their ADHD symptoms to fit into social norms, and the emotional toll it takes. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, Ashley and Lauren reveal how they identified masking in their children and the impact it has on their emotional well-being and self-esteem. The episode emphasizes the importance of recognizing strengths and the therapeutic value of a diagnosis.00:00 Talk with Parents about Masking...
2025-08-2617 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians53. Early signs of ADHD with Lauren and AshleySend us Fan MailUnderstanding ADHD from a Parent's PerspectiveIn This episode of Child Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians, we begin a new series, 'Child Mental Health Talks with Parents,' featuring advocates Ashley and Lauren, who share their experiences raising children with ADHD. They discuss the creation of a Mental Health and Neurodiversity PTA committee, early signs of ADHD in their children, and practical insights for clinicians. Listen in to understand how morning routines and psychoeducational testing can aid in assessing ADHD, and stay tuned for more on masking and self-esteem in the...
2025-08-1915 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians52. ADHD in Girls - All of the things you should knowSend us Fan MailIn this episode, Dr. Fallucco dives into the nuances of ADHD in girls, explaining why it is so important to recognize girls with ADHD, how girls with ADHD present with different symptoms than boys, and why girls often go undiagnosed. She highlights the importance of early recognition and treatment to reduce risks like suicide, drug abuse, accidents, and social struggles. Dr. Fallucco also discusses the subtle inattentive symptoms in girls, genetic risk factors, and ADHD 'superpowers' such as hyperfocus and creativity. Tune in to learn why it's crucial for cli...
2025-07-2218 min
Pediatric Meltdown243. The Child Mental Health Podcast: Expert Insights from Child PsychiatryAre pediatricians prepared for the mental health crisis that’s impacting so many of our children today?In this episode of Pediatric Meltdown, host Dr. Lia Gaggino sits down with nationally recognized child psychiatrist and podcast host Dr. Elise Fallucco to uncover the urgent realities facing pediatric practice. From understanding why a simple podcast name change can transform the reach of critical mental health education, to exploring the real-world, stepwise journey pediatricians navigate when facing complex child anxiety and medication management, this episode is a masterclass in practical empowerment. Listeners will discover actionable strategies for burnout, the ev...
2025-04-2346 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians51. ADHD or Bipolar? Red flags you cannot ignore with Dr. John WalkupSend us Fan MailDo you have patients with severe ADHD who are just not getting better? Did you know that they *might* have undiagnosed bipolar? In this episode, Dr. Fallucco and Dr. John Walkup talk about how to distinguish bipolar disorder in children and teens from ADHD. They provide clinical pearls for clinicians and share examples from kids and teens with bipolar. Some Key differences between ADHD and BIPOLAR highlighted include :- the nature of relationships in ADHD vs. BIPOLARKids w/ ADHD tend to be fun, likable while kid...
2025-03-2514 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians50. Am I Bipolar? with Dr. John WalkupSend us Fan MailHave you ever wondered if one of your patients has bipolar? On this episode, we talk about the red flags for bipolar - and questions you can ask to determine whether they may have bipolar. We discuss key signs such as the inability to regulate upside mood, decreased need for sleep, hypersexuality, and grandiosity, providing concrete examples and questions to help guide your clinical assessment. Join Dr. Elise Fallucco and Dr. John Walkup as they offer valuable insights into distinguishing bipolar disorder from other conditions like ADHD and anxiety.00:00 50 - RED...
2025-03-0413 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians49. Mystery Case - 9 yo with anxiety and sudden behavioral problemsSend us Fan MailWelcome to our new segment called Mystery Case Files where we walk through a clinical case that presents a bit of mystery. Using the latest research and evidence, we discuss practical approaches to help YOU care for your patients effectively.This episode features the case of a nine-year-old boy with anxiety who develops new onset of behavior problems. 00:00 Introduction to Mystery Case Files00:27 Today's Mystery case00:27 Presenting the Case: A 9-Year-Old with Anxiety00:54 Initial Thoughts and Differential Diagnosis01:32 Reviewing t...
2025-02-2512 minChild Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians48. The Emotional Flu: A Teen Epidemic with Chase FalluccoSend us Fan MailIn this episode of Psyched for Peds, Dr. Elise Fallucco and her teenage son, Chase Fallucco, discuss the seasonal surge of mental health symptoms, termed the 'emotional flu,' impacting teenagers during October and November. They discuss:** What are the symptoms and signs of the emotional flu?** Why are October and November high-risk periods for the Emotional Flu?** What can we do to "vaccinate" teens against the Emotional Flu? Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources!Follow us on Instagram @psyched4p...
2024-11-2617 min