Parenting Children with ADHD.

INTRODUCTION: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common neurobehavioral disorders in children, affecting 4-12 percent of school-aged children, and can profoundly affect their academic achievement, well-being, and social interactions. While it is easy to think of a diagnosis of ADHD as a concern primarily for the children affected, it is important to recognize that chronic developmental and behavioral conditions affect all family members. METHODS: This study utilized the ADHD Common Sense Parenting (CSP) program developed by Boys Town for the specific population of parents of children diagnosed with or suspected to have ADHD from ages 6-12 in the Yankton, South Dakota, area. Ultimately, effectiveness was determined by improvement in parental knowledge and skills when interacting with their children as assessed by the degree of improvement in parental well-being determined by PHQ-9, GAD-7, and the Boys Town CSP pre/post-test evaluation scores. The study period consisted of a five-week recruiting period, followed by a two-hour, once-weekly, seven-week parenting skills course. RESULTS: Overall, the study did not have sufficient evidence to state whether the ADHD CSP course was effective at improving all outcomes measured. There were statistically significant changes in several subscales in the CSP evaluation scores (supportive behavior, conduct problems, and emotional symptoms). Positive trends were noted in both PHQ-9 and GAD-7 scores. CONCLUSIONS: The positive changes in all measures indicate that this course could help improve parenting skills, stress levels, and both school and home outcomes for children with ADHD.

Endometriosis and Infertility.

Endometriosis is a disease that affects a significant portion of reproductive age women. It can cause chronic pelvic pain and has been associated with subfertility. Treatment options differ depending on a patient's reproductive goals; women who do not desire pregnancy are treated with hormonal medications including combined oral contraceptives, progestin only pills or intrauterine devices, gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists and antagonists, and danocrine. The treatment options for women desiring pregnancy are more limited and most often include surgery to improve pain symptoms and increase the chances of conception. However, the chance of a successful pregnancy does not increase with each concurrent endometriosis surgery, and in fact may merely delay fertility treatment using assisted reproductive technology.

Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in Infants - A Review for Providers.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), historically known as congenital hip dysplasia, is a multifactorial disease that affects numerous infants and children every year. DDH encompasses a wide spectrum of joint pathology and therefore screening recommendations, including serial physical examination and appropriate imaging if needed, are utilized to diminish the risk of abnormal hip development which may later impact mobility. Risk factors are poor predictors of DDH, but may increase its likelihood, and include female gender, breech positioning in the third trimester, multiple gestation and family history. Surveillance options include ultrasound prior to 4-6 months of age and radiography beyond 6 months, to include anteroposterior views and frog pelvis views. Treatment options consist of the Pavlik splint, spica casting, and surgical intervention.