Doctors increasingly use psychiatric medications to treat children and adolescents who have psychosocial difficulties. Briefly describes the most commonly prescribed medications for the following categories: (1) inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity; (2) depression, obsessions, and anxiety; and (3) severe aggression and out-of-control…

Looks at the growing trend of mental-health specialists in schools to address the psychological needs of students. Discusses the traditional approach, in which the mental-health specialist functions as an outside consultant advising teachers, and the nontraditional approach, in which the specialist provides direct services to students. (WFA)

Describes common characteristics of two innovative models of student mental-health consultation programs: One, organized by two Harvard Medical School psychiatrists, operates in two Boston-area inner-city charter schools; the other, Responsive Advocacy for Life and Learning (RALLY), launched by a Harvard Medical School developmental psychologist,…

Discusses the impact of television violence on adolescent behavior. Opposes outright censorship. Suggests a selective approach to television viewing. (PKP)

Describes four common anxiety disorders in children: Generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social phobia, and panic disorder and the teacher's role in recognizing and seeking treatment for these disorders inside and outside of the classroom. (PKP)

Asserts the obsessive-compulsive disorder is often misdiagnosed in children and adolescents; describes characteristics of obsessive-compulsive disorder; differentiates between normal and abnormal obsessions; suggests ways teachers can help students diagnosed with the disorder. (PKP)

Describes prevalence, problems, causes, and treatments of substance abuse among adolescents. Suggests what schools can do to help alleviate the problem. (PKP)

Describes the effects and risks of the use of the illegal drug Ecstasy among adolescents to enhance feelings of intimacy. Suggests how teachers can help prevent their students from using the drug. (PKP)

Discusses possible causes of violent behaviors in adolescents, especially psychiatric disorders, and two promising approaches to addressing this behavior: Multisystemic Treatment, involving multiple and active interventions, and a psychological paradigm for analyzing school environments. (PKP)

Discuss how teachers should respond to children and adolescents with unexpected chronic illnesses or mental disorders. (PKP)

Describes symptoms and treatment of juvenile bipolar disorder (manic depression). Suggests teacher role in identifying and managing students with bipolar disorder. (PKP)

Suicide among U.S. youth has quadrupled during the past 50 years; each year 2 percent of girls and 1 percent of boys attempt suicide. The most common precipitant is an interpersonal conflict or loss. Suicidal comments and other perceived risks should be treated as an emergency. (MLH)

Depression is a psychiatric disorder characterized by a persistently sad or sometimes irritable mood. Recognizing and helping potentially depressed students are essential for meeting their academic and social needs and for maintaining the overall learning environment. Alerting the guidance counselor or school psychologist is a good idea. (MLH)

ADHD is a neuropsychiatric disorder in youngsters characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. To avoid chaotic classrooms, incomplete assignments, and universal misery, teachers should view ADHD children as whole persons, be proactive, and recognize their own biases. Assisting such students requires caution, creativity, and…