The challenges of mental health in children are complex, to say the least. One of this podcast’s favorite guests, Dr. Mark Sloane is a long-time pediatrician with decades of experience in this field, returns to talk about the challenges of persuading primary care physicians to pursue additional education, the effects of trauma on children, and the demand for more training in medical school and residency. There’s also a discussion on the impact of screening on mental health and the use of SSRIs in children.
[00:33 -15:31] Opening Segment /Importance of Mental Health Treatment
- We’re introduced to Dr. Mark Sloane, and we hear about how his journey into pediatrics.
- Primary care doctors need more mental health training.
- Pediatrics have evolved over the last 20-30 years and needs to be accepted.
- The Authority Health Project is providing training to residents to integrate trauma-informed care into their practice.
[15:32- 29:12] Traumatic Stress and Mental Health
- Serotonin genetics significantly increases the risk of PTSD with traumatic exposure.
- Prenatal stress, especially from domestic violence, can increase the risk of anxiety disorders.
- Epigenetic factors can be used to assess a newborn’s risk for anxiety and other mental health issues.
- Mental health medications are often seen as a last resort for treating traumatized children.
- Trauma therapy is essential for treating underlying mental health issues in traumatized children.
[29:13 -49:31] Building Relationships and Connection: The Magic of the Room
- The Power of Relationships- The importance of building relationships as the cornerstone to emotional wellbeing.
- Going Beyond Compliance- Facilitating environments where kids feel safe and supported rather than simply compliant.
- Adopting a Team Approach- Understanding the need for team effort and how it can help foster parents and staff to create successful outcomes.
- The CTAC Model Evolves- Examining how the CTAC model has evolved over time to include physicals, fetal alcohol syndrome screens, and more.
[49:32 -58:45] Advice for the New Medical Professional
- Focus on connection with patients
- Meet the needs of the community
- Listen to veteran doctors / Get a mentor
- Build incentives for trauma screen completion
[58:46 – 1:05:22] Closing segment Takeaway
Don’t forget to sign up for Dr. Gaggino’s February 24th Beta Training
for Professionals who want to re-think the mental health services they offer
Up Your Game – Improving Kid’s Mental Health Care
Links to resources mentioned on the show.
Bruce Perry
Book: What Happened to You?
Andrew Garner – Thinking Developmentally https://publications.aap.org/aapbooks/book/509/Thinking-Developmentally-Nurturing-Wellness-in?autologincheck=redirected
Trust-Based-Intervention – Karen Purvis
Steve Southwick – https://danielafranz.com/southwick-on-resilience/
Courses:
REACH Institute: https://thereachinstitute.org
Massachusetts General Pediatric Psychopharmacology: https://mghcme.org/courses/child-adolescent-psychopharmacology-2023/
Heather Forkey – Trauma and Resilience
Andrew Garner –
Other episodes you may like:
Episode #29
Goldilocks, Tigger & Eeyore: Regulation & Childhood Behaviors
Episode #03
Pediatric Hero: Building Safe Spaces for Kid’s Emotions with Dr. mark Sloane
Key quotes for Twitter:
“Doctors have told me, hey, the first time I wrote for an antidepressant, the kid got manic. And I thought, never again am I gonna do this. This is not what I should be doing.” – Dr. Mark Sloane
“How can we get them more training without overwhelming them? That’s my tendency is when I get an interested person, I kind of wanna just drown them with everything I have” – Dr. Mark Sloane
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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