ADHD, Anxiety & More: Child Mental Health for Pediatrics

Elise Fallucco, MD | Child Mental Health Expert
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ADHD, Anxiety & More - formerly Child Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians  / PsychEd4Peds - is the podcast for pediatric primary care clinicians who want practical, evidence-based guidance for diagnosing and treating children and adolescents with mental health conditions. Hosted by Elise Fallucco, MD, a nationally recognized child and adolescent psychiatrist and speaker whose educational programs have helped thousands of  pediatric clinicians improve their confidence in caring for children with mental health problems.  This podcast is for pediatricians, pediatric nurse practitioners, physician assistants, family physicians, and other pediatric clinicians who want to confidently care for kids with ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral concerns, trauma, and other common pediatric mental health conditions. Each episode translates the latest evidence into practical clinical pearls you can use in your office the very next day. Through conversations with leading experts in child psychiatry, psychology, pediatrics, and behavioral health, Dr. Fallucco shares real-world strategies, diagnostic tips, medication guidance, and communication tools designed specifically for busy primary care clinicians. Are you looking for answers to questions like:• Which ADHD medication should I start first?• When should I use a non-stimulant?• How do I treat ADHD and anxiety together?• Could this be ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, trauma, or a learning disorder?• Which screening tools should I use?• When should I start an SSRI?• How do I manage common medication side effects?• When should I refer to child psychiatry?• How can I support children, teens, and families with confidence? Whether you're evaluating ADHD, treating anxiety, managing behavioral challenges, prescribing stimulants or SSRIs, collaborating with schools, or navigating complex mental health presentations, ADHD, Anxiety & Beyond delivers practical, evidence-based clinical pearls to help you provide exceptional mental health care for children and adolescents.

  1. 6d ago ·  Video

    80. ADHD Meds: Viloxazine (Qelbree) or Atomoxetine (Strattera)?

    Send us Fan Mail  Dr. Elise Fallucco continues this series on non-stimulant medication for ADHD and shares practical tips about using Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (NRIs): viloxazine ER (Qelbree) and atomoxetine (Strattera) for pediatric clinicians. Who can benefit from NRIs? What are the potential benefits, drawbacks, and side effects?  Working through the case of a 12-year-old girl with inattentive ADHD and anxiety  who cannot tolerate methylphenidate or amphetamine , she explains why she generally prefers Viloxazine ER (Qelbree) FDA approval for ADHD in children ages 6+Quicker onset (often within 1–2 weeks vs 4–6 weeks for atomoxetine)Better tolerabilityMore straightforward dosing Unlike Atomoxetine (Strattera), you can dose this medication without worrying about significant genetic variability in drug metabolism00:00 NRIs for ADHD 00:38 When to Use 01:07 Case Introduction 02:51 Stimulant Trials Fail 04:09 Considering NRIs 04:30 Why Qelbree First 05:51 Atomoxetine Caveats 07:23 Treating Sophie 08:45 Clinical Pearls Recap 09:50 Wrap Up and CME Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources! Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds Check out our NEW CME Audio-based, on-demand CME Course online at: Pediatric Mental Health CME Toolkit - Cracking the ADHD Code: Essentials for Pediatric Clinicians.  https://ce.nemours.org/content/podcast-series-cracking-adhd-code-essential-skills-pediatric-clinicians#group-tabs-node-course-default1

  2. Aug 18 ·  Video

    79. ADHD Meds: When stimulants don't work, what do you do? Alpha agonists as an option

    Send us Fan Mail While stimulant meds are first-line treatment for ADHD, they do NOT work for everyone... or sometimes they only PARTIALLY help.  So, what can you do in these situations? When is the right time to try a non-stimulant medication like Guanfacine and Clonidine (a.k.a - alpha-agonists?)? In which clinical situations can these alpha-agonists be helpful?  How do you know when to switch from one stimulant to another stimulantWhen should you try adding on or switching to an alpha-agonist?In this episode, Dr. Elise Fallucco talks about guanfacine XR (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay/Onyda XR)—and how to decide whether to switch stimulants or augment them. Using an 11-year-old with improved attention on a stimulant but persistent impulsivity/oppositionality and dose-limiting side effects, she explains that switching is best when there’s little benefit or unacceptable side effects, while augmentation makes sense with partial response. She reviews key scenarios for alpha agonists: residual impulsivity/hyperactivity/behavior dysregulation, ADHD with tics, possible adjunct use in ADHD with anxiety (not primary anxiety treatment), and late-day rebound near bedtime. She describes “peanut butter and jelly” synergy with stimulants, monitoring vitals, dosing/titration, sedation differences (more with clonidine), and the need to taper to avoid rebound hypertension. Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources! Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds Check out our NEW CME Audio-based, on-demand CME Course online at: Pediatric Mental Health CME Toolkit - Cracking the ADHD Code: Essentials for Pediatric Clinicians.  https://ce.nemours.org/content/podcast-series-cracking-adhd-code-essential-skills-pediatric-clinicians#group-tabs-node-course-default1

  3. Aug 11 ·  Video

    78. ADHD Meds Simplified: How to Choose the Right Stimulant

    Send us Fan Mail It’s back-to-school season—and that often means a surge of ADHD concerns as academic demands ramp up, especially around key school transitions like 3rd, 6th, and 9th grade.  In this episode of ADHD, Anxiety, and More, Dr. Elise Fallucco  shares a practical, confidence-building approach to picking stimulant treatment for children and teens, answering questions like: Which ADHD medication should I start first? When should you use methylphenidate medications like Ritalin or Concerta? When should you use amphetamine-salt medications like Adderall or Vyvanse? How does family history help direct treatment choices? When does it make sense to try a d-methylphenidate medication like Focalin?  00:00 Podcast Rebrand Update 00:30 Back to School ADHD Surge 01:09 ADHD Evaluation Basics 02:36 Case Introduction Third Grader 03:04 Rule of Three Transitions 04:09 Parents Nervous About Meds 04:45 Family History Medication Clues 06:06 Step One Start Methylphenidate 06:33 Short Acting First Rationale 08:05 When to Use Long Acting 08:30 Long Acting Coverage Limits 09:27 Step Two Try Amphetamines 10:59 Step Three Consider Focalin 11:52 Wrap Up Simple Stimulant Toolkit 12:43 Bonus Algorithm and Course 14:00 Closing and Next Week Preview Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources! Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds Check out our NEW CME Audio-based, on-demand CME Course online at: Pediatric Mental Health CME Toolkit - Cracking the ADHD Code: Essentials for Pediatric Clinicians.  https://ce.nemours.org/content/podcast-series-cracking-adhd-code-essential-skills-pediatric-clinicians#group-tabs-node-course-default1

  4. Jul 14

    Helping Kids Thrive Through Sports with Coach Peter Verhoef (Summer Replay)

    Send us Fan Mail What can we learn from an Elite Coach about how to help young athletes THRIVE through sports? Join us as we chat with Coach Peter Verhoef, head coach and aquatics director at the Bolles School Swimming Program and former Olympic Trials finalist (2x). We discuss:  Why do so many kids quit organized sports by age 13?How can we prevent burnout?When are teens MOST vulnerable to burnout? How much time off/rest is reasonable? Does it very by sport?03:36 Benefits of Youth sports 06:04 Preventing Burnout in Youth Sports 06:32 Engagement in Youth Sports and Burnout 06:44 Promoting Individual Achievement 08:35 Managing Physical and emotional exhaustion 09:13 Driver's License BURNOUT 12:00 Tips for Parents to help Preventing Burnout 16:21 TIME OFF 20:58 Multi-Sport Athelte vs. Specialization Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources! Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds Check out our NEW CME Audio-based, on-demand CME Course online at: Pediatric Mental Health CME Toolkit - Cracking the ADHD Code: Essentials for Pediatric Clinicians.  https://ce.nemours.org/content/podcast-series-cracking-adhd-code-essential-skills-pediatric-clinicians#group-tabs-node-course-default1

  5. Jun 30

    Are Youth Athletes Burning Out? 2 Questions To Ask at Every Sports Physical with Dr. Joel Brenner (Summer Replay)

    Send us Fan Mail Summer sports physical season is here! Before you sign that next pre-participation physical, are you asking the questions that could help prevent burnout, overuse injuries, and early sports dropout?  In this timely replay, pediatric sports medicine expert Dr. Joel Brenner shares practical, evidence-based strategies to help young athletes stay healthy—and stay in the game. Learn why early sports specialization may do more harm than good, how much rest young athletes really need, and the two simple questions every pediatric clinician should ask during every sports physical.  Whether you're counseling a recreational athlete or the next aspiring Olympian, this episode will give you practical pearls you can use in clinic today. He shares practical strategies to  reduce burnout and over use injuries in our young athletes. Most importantly, we're going to find out how early is too early for kids to specialize in one sport.  Our Guest:  Dr. Joel Brenner is the co-author of the American Academy of Pediatrics' 2024 Clinical Report on overuse injuries over-training and burnout in young athletes. Dr. Brenner is a pediatric sports medicine physician and Director of the Sports Medicine, Sports Concussion, and Dance Medicine programs at Children's Hospital of the King's daughters in Norfolk, Virginia.  Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources! Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds Check out our NEW CME Audio-based, on-demand CME Course online at: Pediatric Mental Health CME Toolkit - Cracking the ADHD Code: Essentials for Pediatric Clinicians.  https://ce.nemours.org/content/podcast-series-cracking-adhd-code-essential-skills-pediatric-clinicians#group-tabs-node-course-default1

  6. Jun 16

    77. ADHD Unlocked: Earn CME Credit

    Send us Fan Mail Would you be surprised to learn that there has been a MAJOR INCREASE in child mental health visits in primary care?  A recent study published in JAMA Network Open found clinically significant increases in child mental health visits over a 10-year period.  While ADHD remained the most common MH concern, ANXIETY visits rose by 300% from 2014-2023.  We know that it can be challenging and sometimes nearly impossible to connect these children and families with specialty child mental health care.  AND we know that families often PREFER to receive care from their trusted pediatric clinician in the comfort of their medical home.   To support YOU and other pediatric clinicians, we are excited to announce the launch of our new Pediatric Mental Health CME Toolkit - Cracking the ADHD Code: Essentials for Pediatric Clinicians.  Available online at: https://ce.nemours.org/content/podcast-series-cracking-adhd-code-essential-skills-pediatric-clinicians#group-tabs-node-course-default1 This on-demand, AUDIO-BASED course features 5 mini-modules on: ADHD Evaluation EssentialsADHD Differential Diagnosis: Recognizing Comorbidities and Look-Alikes (Anxiety, Traumatic Stress, mood disorders like BIPOLAR)ADHD TREATMENT: Stepwise approach to treatment with stimulants, managing side effects, addressing common parental concernsADHD with ANXIETY TREATMENT: Which to treat first? Algorithmic approach to choosing medications, including stimulants and non-stimulant medications (alpha-agonists, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)Advanced ADHD Treatment: What to do when meds stop workingIn addition, we have downloadable clinical tools, patient handouts, clinical pearls that you can use the next day in your office! We hope you check out the course and share it with a friend! Pediatric Mental Health CME Toolkit - Cracking the ADHD Code: Essentials for Pediatric Clinicians.  https://ce.nemours.org/content/podcast-series-cracking-adhd-code-essential-skills-pediatric-clinicians#group-tabs-node-course-default1 Study: Pediatric Primary Care Visits with Mental Health Needs by Dr. Gallagher KM et al available online at: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2849123 Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources! Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds Check out our NEW CME Audio-based, on-demand CME Course online at: Pediatric Mental Health CME Toolkit - Cracking the ADHD Code: Essentials for Pediatric Clinicians.  https://ce.nemours.org/content/podcast-series-cracking-adhd-code-essential-skills-pediatric-clinicians#group-tabs-node-course-default1

  7. Jun 9

    76. 5 Things That Will CHANGE Your Practice

    Send us Fan Mail Dr. Elise Fallucco reviews five practice-changing lessons from the previous season of Child Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians:  1 - Ask better questions For example, use Dr. Waxmonsky’s ADHD assessment prompt, “When is the hardest time of day, and what is going on there?” to guide ADHD medication choice2 - Look for the problem behind the problem Ask teens about energy drinks/caffeine and sleep timing, recognizing energy drink use may signal sleep deprivation; 3 - Update how we talk to families about stimulants Emphasize that stimulants support wakefulness, alertness, and motivation rather than directly improving attention (based on Dr. Nico Dosenbach’s Cell study)4 - Remember the brain prefers gradual changeReview Dr. Jeff Strawn’s SSRI cross-titration approach while monitoring serotonergic side effects; 5 -  Prioritize clinician wellbeing!00:00 Season Lessons Overview 00:19 Ask Better ADHD Questions 01:07 Energy Drinks and Sleep Clues 02:37 What Stimulants Really Do 03:54 Brain Prefers Gradual Med Changes 04:29 Cross Titration SSRI Switching 06:41 Clinician Wellbeing Matters 07:26 Thanks and Stay Connected Links to Episodes Referenced: 69. How to Switch SSRIS with Dr. Jeffrey Strawn 71. ADHD stimulants do NOT impact the brain’s attention networks with Dr. Nico Dosenbach 74. Burnout in Healthcare: “The Pitt”, Stats, and Solutions! 75. Beyond the Buzz: Energy Drinks, Teen Health, and Safer Ways to Stay Energized with Roshni Patel Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources! Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds Check out our NEW CME Audio-based, on-demand CME Course online at: Pediatric Mental Health CME Toolkit - Cracking the ADHD Code: Essentials for Pediatric Clinicians.  https://ce.nemours.org/content/podcast-series-cracking-adhd-code-essential-skills-pediatric-clinicians#group-tabs-node-course-default1

  8. Jun 2

    75. Beyond the Buzz: Energy Drinks, Teen Health, and Safer Ways to Stay Energized with Roshni Patel

    Send us Fan Mail Highly caffeinated energy drinks are taking the teenage world by storm! While the AAP (Peds) says that these beverages are NOT safe, a growing number of kids and teens use them.  To help us learn the latest about the health risks, join this conversation with Registered Dietitian, Roshni Patel! We talk about: What is really INSIDE these eye-catching, bright, metallic cans?Hint: potentially toxic amounts of caffeine plus sugar  What are risks for teens?What are HEALTHY but practical alternatives for our sleep-deprived, overstretched teens?  Roshni Patel, MS, RD works at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida in the Division of Obesity Medicine. Check out our website PsychEd4Peds.com for more resources! Follow us on Instagram @psyched4peds Check out our NEW CME Audio-based, on-demand CME Course online at: Pediatric Mental Health CME Toolkit - Cracking the ADHD Code: Essentials for Pediatric Clinicians.  https://ce.nemours.org/content/podcast-series-cracking-adhd-code-essential-skills-pediatric-clinicians#group-tabs-node-course-default1

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ADHD, Anxiety & More - formerly Child Mental Health for Pediatric Clinicians  / PsychEd4Peds - is the podcast for pediatric primary care clinicians who want practical, evidence-based guidance for diagnosing and treating children and adolescents with mental health conditions. Hosted by Elise Fallucco, MD, a nationally recognized child and adolescent psychiatrist and speaker whose educational programs have helped thousands of  pediatric clinicians improve their confidence in caring for children with mental health problems.  This podcast is for pediatricians, pediatric nurse practitioners, physician assistants, family physicians, and other pediatric clinicians who want to confidently care for kids with ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism spectrum disorder, behavioral concerns, trauma, and other common pediatric mental health conditions. Each episode translates the latest evidence into practical clinical pearls you can use in your office the very next day. Through conversations with leading experts in child psychiatry, psychology, pediatrics, and behavioral health, Dr. Fallucco shares real-world strategies, diagnostic tips, medication guidance, and communication tools designed specifically for busy primary care clinicians. Are you looking for answers to questions like:• Which ADHD medication should I start first?• When should I use a non-stimulant?• How do I treat ADHD and anxiety together?• Could this be ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, trauma, or a learning disorder?• Which screening tools should I use?• When should I start an SSRI?• How do I manage common medication side effects?• When should I refer to child psychiatry?• How can I support children, teens, and families with confidence? Whether you're evaluating ADHD, treating anxiety, managing behavioral challenges, prescribing stimulants or SSRIs, collaborating with schools, or navigating complex mental health presentations, ADHD, Anxiety & Beyond delivers practical, evidence-based clinical pearls to help you provide exceptional mental health care for children and adolescents.

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