MEL 8629: Pediatric Neuropsychiatry

Dr. Tanya Murphy

This elective is designed to introduce senior medical students to the identification, evaluation, and treatment of children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders. Under the supervision of Dr. Murphy and her faculty, students will be able to observe and participate in a comprehensive neuropsychiatric assessment, evidence based medication management, and cognitive behavioral therapy. A multidisciplinary approach to assessment and treatment will be emphasized. This clinic is specialized as it serves children and adolescents with Obsessive-Compulsive disorder, Tourette syndrome, Trichotillomania, Separation anxiety, Phobias, Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS), and Autism spectrum disorders. Students will have the opportunity to particiapte in Occupational and Physical therapy assessments for youth with develomental disorder. Students will also have the opportunity to particiapte in therpay sessions focusing on habit reversal for tics or exposure and response prevention for OCD treatment. In addition, this clinic has a number of clinical studies examining both psychopharmacology and therapeutic treatments for various diagnoses.

Objectives

1. Develop skills in the evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and management of children and adolescents with psychiatric disorders through observing comprehensive assessments 
2. Recognize co-occurring conditions and how to screen for them
3. Become familiar with common rating scales for this patient population 
4. Recognize the complexities in treating this patient population as it requires collaboration between medical providers, counselors, rehabilitative therapies, school systems, and the family 
5. Describe a comprehensive treatment plan that reflects the biopsychosocial model
6. Learn basic principles of medication management in this patient population
7. Be exposed to cognitive behavioral therapy and habit reversal therapy 
8. Learn about educational, therapeutic, and counseling modalities for the specific disorders
9. Develop oral case presentation skills and participate in writing comprehensive evaluations
10. Participate in journal article discussions
11. Observe speech, audiology, and occupational therapy screenings

Evaluation

Faculty observation and evaluation of student/patient interactions, case presentations, journal article discussions, and written assessments.

**Students who select a 2 week rotation may only have 1 day of absence excused.

Interested students must contact Dr. Murphy at least one month prior to the start of the elective.