Impact of Military Deployment on the Development and Behavior of Children.

Many US military families have faced separations of at least 1 family member for extended periods of time. This article shows how changes in military culture have increased the repercussions for military families, and especially for military-connected children. This article provides an introduction to aspects of military culture that are most applicable to children, an overview of important aspects of childhood development, a discussion of the impact of deployment on the emotional development and behavior of children left at home and their caregivers, and a review of some interventions and resources available to help these families navigate these challenges.

US Military Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Training Programs and Careers of Military Child Psychiatrists.

Military child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) fellowship programs offer educational experiences universal to all civilian training programs in the USA. They also offer unique training opportunities not found in civilian CAP fellowships in order to prepare graduates to serve the needs of military families. Military-specific curricula and exposures prepare trainees to address various issues faced by military families, in contending with frequent military moves, parental deployments, and disrupted social ties. Curricula are also designed to provide the psychiatrist with a greater understanding of the rigors of military service. CAP training and subsequent assignments prepare military psychiatrists for diverse career paths in the military environment. CAP military careers often include duties in addition to treating patients. Administrative roles, academic teaching positions, as well as school consultation positions are all career options available to military CAP.

Managing obsessive compulsive disorder: in children and adolescents.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents is much the same as in adults with regard to symptoms and basic treatment modalities. There are some distinct considerations to note in the approach to treatment methods. Empirically supported treatments include both medications and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It is important that psychotherapeutic treatment be tailored to the developmental level of the child. In this article, we will present, through case example, samples of varying the psychotherapeutic approach used for both child and adolescent cases of OCD. We will focus on exposure and response prevention techniques.