Primary care
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Adolescent relationship violence (ARV) is associated with a host of negative health outcomes that can impact individuals across the lifespan. This second article in a two-part series provides clinical context for ARV to assist clinicians who are caring for adolescents and offers practical advice based on current recommendations. ⋯ Professional organizations recommend screening women of childbearing age. However, because ARV occurs frequently across all genders and few teens identify or self-report ARV, providing universal education to all teens can overcome barriers associated with delayed disclosure and intervention.
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With increasing prevalence of behavioral and mental health concerns, the need for equitable and accessible care is paramount. School providers and primary care physicians (PCPs) can collaborate to provide a full continuum of services, enhancing the overall likelihood of success for school-aged youth with mental health and developmental disorders. To facilitate meaningful collaboration, PCPs should have a general understanding of special education and disability law surrounding determination procedures of a student with a disability. In addition to pharmacologic treatment, PCPs should support evidence-based psychosocial interventions that can be implemented in an educational context.
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Adolescent anxiety, depressive, and eating disorders are a worsening population health issue that primary care clinicians play a critical role in addressing. Implementing universal screening into clinical practices for depression at age 12 years and anxiety at age 8 years is the first step to diagnosis. Referencing 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders diagnostic criteria is essential to making the correct diagnosis after ruling out underlying medical conditions. The evidence-based mainstays of treatment are unique to each specific disorder.
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This article provides a comprehensive overview of calcium physiology, clinical presentation with physical examination findings, laboratory assessment, differential diagnosis, and management of hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia for the primary care provider.
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In this article, we will review common pituitary disorders. There are 6 hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland: thyroid-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, growth hormone, and prolactin. The posterior pituitary gland stores and releases the hormones made in the hypothalamus, oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone, based on the body's needs. This article will discuss the role of these hormones, conditions and symptoms that occur with elevated or reduced hormone levels, as well as the evaluation and treatment of these pituitary disorders.