Behavioral Health Archives

The best of 2025 from Innovation District

December 24, 2025

In 2025, Innovation District readers gravitated toward stories that explored how research and clinical innovation are reshaping pediatric care in real time. This year’s most popular articles highlighted advances in complex surgical care, evidence-based treatments for chronic and neuropsychiatric conditions and emerging technologies — from wearable data to artificial intelligence — that are changing how clinicians diagnose, treat and support children and families. Read on for our list of the most popular articles we published on Innovation District in 2025.

1. Life-changing care: How Children’s National tackles pediatric cervical spine injuries

The Cervical Spine program at Children’s National Hospital is responsible for treating a range of conditions, including trauma, congenital abnormalities and tumors. These conditions can lead to instability or misalignment of the cervical spine. “There are unique challenges in pediatric cases due to anatomical differences. The cervical spines of children are more at risk for injury because of their developmental stage and structural characteristics,” says Matthew Oetgen, MD, MBA, chief of Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine at Children’s National.
(2 min. read)

2. Pioneering evidence-based treatments for substance addictions

Increasing evidence-based treatment is a key component of the Addictions Program at Children’s National Hospital, created in 2022 and led by Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, MD. “We really want to focus on intervening in an evidence-based manner in the primary care setting because that is where most of our patients are going to first access care outside of the emergency room,” explains Dr. Kaliamurthy.
(3 min. read)

3. Breaking barriers in growth disorder treatment for families

For many children with short stature and other rare genetic growth disorders, there have been no next steps after usual treatment options prove ineffective. Researchers at Children’s National Hospital are digging deeper to find the root genetic causes of short stature disorders and creating novel, nuanced treatment options that have the opportunity to change how the field approaches these cases.
(4 min. read)

4. The link between metabolic acidosis and cardiovascular disease in children with CKD

Denver D. Brown, MD, nephrologist at Children’s National, is looking at whether untreated metabolic acidosis could potentially contribute to cardiovascular outcomes in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, she explains her motivation, findings and future directions for this critical research.
(3 min. read)

5. Therapy approach shows promise for PANS/PANDAS

A multidisciplinary therapy model developed at Children’s National shows promise for children with PANS and PANDAS, significantly reducing symptoms through structured cognitive-behavioral therapy and family-centered care. The approach could offer a new standard for treating these rare, complex neuropsychiatric disorders.
(2 min. read)

6. Wearable tech data shows promise in ADHD detection

A study from Children’s National reveals that common wearable devices like Fitbits may hold the key to improving how we identify Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adolescents. By analyzing patterns in heart rate, activity levels and energy expenditure, researchers were able to predict ADHD diagnoses with striking accuracy, offering a glimpse into a future where objective, real-time data supports earlier and more personalized mental healthcare.
(2 min. read)

7. Novel pediatric pacemaker shows safety, effectiveness for fragile infants in multi-center study

A novel implantable pacemaker designed specifically for infants has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in stabilizing heart rhythms for at least two years. The multi-center study of 29 infants showed stable pacing, normal electrical parameters and expected battery life, offering a viable alternative to standard-size devices for the smallest children.
(2 min. read)

8. Socioeconomic disadvantage associated with higher long-term mortality for children after heart surgery

Children who had heart surgery and come from less advantaged neighborhoods in the Washington, D.C., region are much more likely to die in the long term than those from neighborhoods with more wealth and opportunity. The finding was part of a presentation titled, Socioeconomic Disadvantage Is Associated with Higher Long-Term Mortality After Cardiac Surgery, by Jennifer Klein, MD, MPH, cardiologist at Children’s National Hospital, during the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Annual Meeting in Los Angeles.
(2 min. read)

9. Children’s National brings AI into the RHD early diagnosis equation

Experts from Children’s National traveled to Uganda to continue work on a pilot program applying artificial intelligence (AI) to the diagnosis of rheumatic heart disease (RHD). The team created a tool that uses AI to predict RHD by identifying leaky heart valves on handheld ultrasound devices, then prompts a referral for a full echocardiogram.
(2 min. read)

10. Fighting food insecurity with fresh produce and education

Food insecurity is rising in Washington, D.C. and it’s hitting families with children the hardest. That’s why Children’s National Hospital created the Family Lifestyle Program (FLiP) – a multi-layered intervention, which offers Patient Navigation (FLiP-PN) and a Produce Prescription Intervention (FLiPRx). FLiP is a Food Is Medicine, clinical-community initiative that helps families get access to fresh food, build healthy habits and lower their risk of diet-related diseases like diabetes and obesity.
(3 min. read)

Children’s National in the News: 2025

December 23, 2025

In 2025, Children’s National Hospital was featured in major national news outlets for pioneering advances in pediatric care, groundbreaking clinical research and powerful human stories of healing and hope. From gene therapy for sickle cell disease and innovative pacemakers for newborns to breakthrough transplants, cancer trials and emerging mental health concerns like AI psychosis, these stories highlight the hospital’s leadership across the full spectrum of pediatric medicine. The following ten highlights showcase the patients, families and experts behind this impact, as reported by outlets including NBC News, The Washington Post, Good Morning America, USA Today, Healio, ABC News and ESPN.

1. Gene therapy treatment gives new hope to sickle cell patients

Children’s National patient Wedam, 19, begins the first steps for intensive gene therapy for sickle cell disease, discussing his skepticism while his mother expresses her joy and gratitude for the treatment. (NBC News)

2. Little pacemakers ‘reliable’ in stabilizing newborns needing pacing

Charles Berul, MD, pediatric electrophysiologist and emeritus chief of Cardiology, discusses his study highlighting the safety and efficacy of an innovative smaller pacemaker designed for newborns with critical congenital heart disease. (Healio)

3. Why this clinical trial is offering some young cancer patients hope

Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD, senior vice president and chief research officer, and the NexTGen team are poised to recruit patients for a new clinical trial that will take on an old, implacable foe: children’s solid tumors. (The Washington Post)

4. 11-year-old receives living donor heart valve to replace artificial one in breakthrough surgery

Yves d’Udekem, MD, PhD, chief of Cardiac Surgery, talked to Good Morning America about how an 11-year-old’s groundbreaking partial heart transplant will change his life and the lives of other children in need of valve replacements. (Good Morning America)

5. 9-year-old fights brain cancer with magic in her heart

The Lilabean Foundation along with Brian Rood, MD, medical director of the Brain Tumor Institute, talked about how patients like Kasey Zachman are the motivation behind finding a cure for brain cancer. (ABC News)

6. How Little League helps father-son duo recover from kidney transplant

USA Today Sports spoke with Gavin Brown and his parents, as well as Yi Shi, MD, a pediatric nephrologist at Children’s National Hospital, about their kidney transplant journey. (USA Today)

7. Jayden Daniels surprises Children’s National patient

After Jayden Daniels visited Commanders fan Sarah Addison at Children’s National Hospital while she was being treated for myeloid leukemia, they quickly became friends. (ESPN)

8. At D.C. children’s hospital, opera singers offer light, hope and healing

International opera stars performed for children, their families and employees at Children’s National Hospital. (The Washington Post)

9. ‘Gift of life:’ Tiny heart transplant saves life of Maryland baby

A baby boy in Maryland is back home after being given a second chance at life, just before his first birthday. The boy’s mother and his surgeon, Manan Desai, MD, share the remarkable story of a moment that changed all of their lives. (NBC4)

10. AI psychosis: Kids left delusional and paranoid over conversations with chatbots

Ashley Maxie-Moreman, PhD, clinical psychologist, spoke to ABC7 about what AI psychosis is and what parents need to know. (ABC7)

Podcast: Whole Picture: Integrating Mental Health into Pediatric Care

December 10, 2025

Strengthening advocacy in child and adolescent psychiatry

December 5, 2025

A psychiatrist watches as a child does play therapy

A study found the majority of child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship programs surveyed offer an advocacy experience or curricula, despite it not being a requirement in psychiatry graduate medical education.

A recent study published in Academic Psychiatry found the majority of child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship programs surveyed offer an advocacy experience or curricula, despite it not being a requirement in psychiatry graduate medical education. Through the survey, the authors identified several ways to incorporate advocacy education in child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship programs.

What it means

The study used a web-based survey with multiple-choice questions to assess advocacy education practices in child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship programs during the 2024–25 academic year. Of the 33 program directors who responded, 82% reported offering an advocacy educational experience, which included one or more of the following components:

Advocacy didactics
Grand rounds
State legislative participation
Protected time to attend a legislative conference
An advocacy elective experience
A longitudinal curriculum
An advocacy rotation

Why it matters

The authors state that “because pediatric mental healthcare and the healthcare system at large are directly impacted by policies, regulations and legislation, it is vital that child psychiatrists advocate for their patients, communities and the healthcare system at large.”

“These results highlight why advocacy training should be a standard part of every program’s curriculum,” said Laura Willing, MD, lead author and medical director for Mental Health Policy and Advocacy, Community Mental Health CORE at Children’s National Hospital. “Ensuring access to pediatric mental health care is critical because every young person should receive quality care when they need it.”

What’s next

The authors recommend making advocacy education a required experience for fellows in the field. With the right resources and funding, the survey identified several ways to support training programs:

Establish designated facilitators
Encourage professional organizations to provide training
Publish model experiences or curricula
Conduct research to identify the relative effectiveness of various teaching strategies

The child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship program at Children’s National includes a two-year, longitudinal advocacy curriculum.

Read the full study, Advocacy Education in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Results of a National Survey of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship Programs, in Academic Psychiatry.

DBT caregiver groups during inpatient stays benefit youth and families

December 1, 2025

Children’s National has adopted a DBT-informed model across its child and adolescent inpatient psychiatry units, ensuring that youth receive consistent exposure to evidence-based skills during their stay.

Families of children and adolescents admitted to inpatient psychiatric units often face significant emotional strain while navigating complex mental health needs. While Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a well-established evidence-based treatment for adolescents experiencing suicidality and emotion dysregulation, there has been limited research on how best to involve caregivers in DBT during an inpatient stay. A new study led by psychologist Deborah M. Zlotnik, PhD, from Children’s National Hospital’s Division of Psychology and Behavioral Health, helps fill that gap by evaluating the feasibility and acceptability of a structured DBT skills group designed specifically for caregivers.

The study assessed the implementation of a weekly four-part virtual DBT skills series for caregivers. Using the Quality Improvement Framework, the team reviewed participation patterns, satisfaction levels and qualitative feedback across multiple phases of recruitment and delivery.

Why it matters

Caregivers play a critical role in supporting children and adolescents after discharge, yet barriers such as scheduling, limited space and inconsistent engagement often prevent families from accessing evidence-based resources during hospitalization. Dr. Zlotnik’s study found that caregivers who attended the DBT skills group reported high satisfaction, strong perceived benefit and increased confidence in supporting their child. Participants noted that learning the same skills their child was practicing during their inpatient stay improved communication, allowed them to coach effectively at home and helped create a more validating environment.

One caregiver summarized the impact: “This was very helpful in giving concrete things that we can implement to support our daughter when she comes home to ensure that we are all a part of the treatment team.”

The study also revealed practical insights into feasibility. After incorporating caregiver feedback about timing and accessibility, average attendance increased from 1.83 and 2.84 participants per group in earlier phases to 4.65 participants in the final phase, demonstrating a sustainable path to improving engagement.

Children’s National leads the way

Children’s National has adopted a DBT-informed model across its child and adolescent inpatient psychiatry units, ensuring that youth receive consistent exposure to evidence-based skills during their stay. Dr. Zlotnik’s research builds on these efforts by exploring how to more effectively integrate families into the treatment process, an area that remains underexplored.

By offering a structured, accessible DBT skills group for caregivers, the team identified a promising strategy to strengthen family involvement, enhance continuity of care post-discharge and reduce the emotional burden many families experience during their child’s hospitalization. The findings highlight an opportunity for inpatient units nationwide to more intentionally support caregivers using evidence-based approaches.

Read the study, Implementation of a Dialectical Behavior Therapy Caregiver Skills Group on an Acute Inpatient Unit for Youth, in the journal Evidence-Based Practice in Child and Adolescent Mental Health.

Improving research design in pediatric psychology

October 31, 2025

The authors use examples from their own trials in pediatric Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and provide guidance on how to align study design with the research question and hypothesis, consider the stage of the research and field, and consider the importance of ensuring that the treatments developed serve all children.

A new study published in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology offers updated guidance to help pediatric psychology researchers design stronger and more equitable intervention studies, focusing on how to choose the right comparator conditions in clinical trials.

Why it matters

When behavioral researchers want to test a developed intervention, they often conduct a randomized controlled trial. In these studies, the new intervention is compared to something else — a comparator or control condition — with participants randomized to receive one of the two options. This approach helps determine if the intervention being tested helps or makes a difference in what was intended.

Comparator conditions can be designed in many different ways. Researchers aim to balance creating a strong study design — so they can be confident in their findings — with ensuring that treatments are developed and tested in ways that are appropriate and helpful for all children, especially those most affected by a particular illness. Choosing the right comparator is critical for conducting good science and developing effective interventions.

“We are hopeful that our paper will help researchers consider how to design studies to be both rigorous and equitable so that we design and use treatments that are well thought out, well tested and make a difference to the children and families we treat,” said Eleanor Mackey, PhD, psychologist at Children’s National Hospital and senior author of the study.

What’s unique

“We wanted to highlight not just how to choose a comparator condition, but why that choice matters in behavioral research,” said Dr. Mackey.

The authors use examples from their own trials in pediatric Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and provide guidance on how to align study design with the research question and hypothesis, consider the stage of the research and field, and consider the importance of ensuring that the treatments developed serve all children. They also encourage researchers to seek input from patients, families and other stakeholders early in the design process to ensure studies are both scientifically sound and equitable.

Moving the field forward

“The families we serve have to be able to trust the research we conduct and know that we are providing the best possible options for care,” added Dr. Mackey. “Taking the time to consider how these studies are conducted is an important step in that effort.”

Additional Children’s National author – Randi Streisand, PhD, CDCES.

Read the full study, Rigor and equity in intervention study design in pediatric psychology: a focus on comparator conditions from diabetes research, in the Journal of Pediatric Psychology.

Children’s National psychiatry experts to present at 2025 AACAP Annual Meeting

October 17, 2025

Several experts from the Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children’s National Hospital will showcase their expertise at this year’s American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) Annual Meeting, taking place October 20–25 in Chicago, Illinois. As the world’s largest gathering of child and adolescent psychiatrists, AACAP provides a forum for sharing research, exchanging knowledge and advancing care for patients worldwide.

Children’s National experts will be featured throughout the program, presenting on a wide range of topics in adolescent psychiatry.

Presentations and sessions

Date	Time (CST)	Presenter(s)	Title
10/20/25	3–5 PM	Justine Larson, MD	Institute 1: Reclaiming Hope: Strengthening Families Through Systems-of-Care Approaches
10/20/25	3:30–5:30 PM	Jennifer Dorr, DO, MPH, Laura M. Willing, MD	Clinical Case Conference 3: How Advocacy Work IS Clinical Work: A Clinical Presentation
10/21/25	8:30–11 AM	Colby Tyson, MD	Member Services Forum 2: The Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Parent: Navigating Family Planning, Parental Leave, and Early Parenthood
10/21/25	1–3 PM	Justine Larson, MD	Clinical Case Conference 6: Navigating the Storm: A Multidisciplinary Approach to Mood and Behavior Dysregulation in Adolescents
10/22/25	12–2 PM	Adelaide S. Robb, MD	Institute 4.6: Grading the Evidence – Bipolar Disorder and Schizophrenia
10/23/25	7–8:30 AM	Justine Larson, MD	Clinical Consultation Breakfast 4: Anxiety in Adolescents With ASD
10/23/25	7–8:30 AM	Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, MD	Clinical Consultation Breakfast 8: Engaging Adolescents With Co-Occurring Substance Use and Psychiatric Disorders
10/23/25	9 AM–12 PM	Adelaide S. Robb, MD	Workshop 21: Understanding Video Games: A Child Psychiatrist’s Call of Duty
10/23/25	10 AM–12 PM	Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, MD	Clinical Case Conference 9: Synthetic vs Nonsynthetic Cannabinoid-Induced Psychosis in Adolescents
10/23/25	12–2 PM	Adelaide S. Robb, MD	Clinical Perspectives 57: Mastering Psychotropic Medication Management in Youth
10/23/25	1:30–4:30 PM	Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, MD	Workshop 24: Buprenorphine 2.0
10/23/25	7–10 PM	Priya M. Punnoose, MD	Media Theatre 11: Faith, Family, and Teen Religious Identity: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret
10/24/25	9–11 AM	Sivabalaji Kaliamurthy, MD	Clinical Perspectives 72.4: Hallucinogen Use Disorder in Adolescents and Transitional-Age Youth
10/24/25	9 AM–12 PM	Jennifer Dorr, DO, MPH	Hot Air, Hot Water, Hot Topics: Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists Leading the Way Through Chaos
10/24/25	12–2 PM	Adelaide S. Robb, MD	Debate: Should High Schools Ban Smartphones?
10/24/25	2–4 PM	Mahdieh Bodaghi, MD	Clinical Case Conference 14: Untangling Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction With Psychiatric Comorbidities
10/24/25	3–5 PM	Justine Larson, MD	Institute 8.6: Creating Trauma-Informed Systems of Care
10/25/25	11 AM–12:30 PM	Hanife Nur Akal, MD	Special Interest Study Group 10: “Healing After Disaster”: Trauma-Informed, Community-Based Interventions

Abstracts

New Research Poster 5.19: Pilot Study of an Integrated Psychiatry Clinic Within a Pediatric Practice
Melissa Kelley, MD
Friday, October 24 – 10:30 AM-12:30 PM

New Research Poster 6.6: Improving Pediatric Trainees’ Management of Common Pediatric Mental and Behavioral Conditions
Geoffrey Broadbent, MD, Katelyn Gerth, MD, Jeannie Chang Pitter, MD
Saturday, October 25 – 10 AM-12 PM

For more information and to view the full schedule, please visit the AACAP conference website.

Exploring how maternal depression shapes pediatric asthma care

October 16, 2025

A new Children’s National study shows that maternal depression can make managing childhood asthma more difficult.

Asthma affects more than 4 million children in the United States and remains the most common chronic childhood condition. A new study from Children’s National Hospital highlights an overlooked factor in childhood asthma care: a mother’s mental health. Researchers in the Center for Health Outcomes Research & Delivery Science found that maternal depression can make daily asthma management – like tracking medications or spotting flare-ups – more difficult. Through interviews with 12 mothers whose children receive care at IMPACT DC, Children’s National’s community-based asthma program, the study captures how depression shapes caregiving in their own words.

Why it matters

Asthma management depends on consistent, attentive care. When depression drains a caregiver’s energy or focus, even small lapses can lead to more emergency visits, missed school days and worse health outcomes. In this study, mothers also noticed how their mood affected their children emotionally. When a mother was stressed or withdrawn, her child often felt anxious, sometimes enough to trigger an asthma attack. The connection between mental health and asthma was clear on both sides.

More than half of the mothers had clinically significant depressive symptoms and nearly all had experienced those symptoms for over a year. Four mothers also had asthma themselves and almost every child in the study had uncontrolled asthma, underscoring the complexity of care in these families. Together, these numbers paint a picture of how common and intertwined maternal and child health challenges can be.

The big picture

Many mothers described slipping into what they called “super mom mode”, pushing through depression to care for their kids while ignoring their own needs. Several mothers said the pressure to “stay strong” left them feeling guilty or ashamed when they could not do everything perfectly. Even when mothers received treatment, most found it inconsistent or incomplete. Some were taking antidepressant medication, others attended therapy but many still had moderate or severe symptoms. Limited access, long waits and therapist turnover were common barriers.

Children’s National researchers say these findings reinforce that pediatric health cannot be separated from caregiver wellbeing. Integrating behavioral health into pediatric asthma care could change that. Social workers and behavioral health specialists can help mothers manage depressive symptoms, strengthen coping skills and connect to resources, all within the same clinic visit that treats the child’s asthma.

What’s next

Building on this study, Children’s National is testing a brief, evidence-based depression treatment delivered in the IMPACT DC Asthma Clinic. The new clinical trial uses implementation science to determine how integrated care can improve outcomes for both mothers and children.

“By treating maternal depression alongside asthma, we can address the whole family’s needs,” said Rachel Margolis, PhD, LCSW, social work researcher at Children’s National and senior author of the study. “When mothers receive mental health support, children breathe easier. Integrating behavioral health into community-based asthma programs offers a path toward better control, fewer emergencies and greater equity in care.”

Read the full study, “Exploring Black Mothers’ Lived Experiences of Depression and the Relationship to Their Child’s Asthma: A Qualitative Study” in the Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work.

Children’s National Hospital once again ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report

October 7, 2025

Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., was ranked as a top hospital in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report 2025-26 Best Children’s Hospitals annual rankings. This marks the ninth straight year Children’s National has made the Honor Roll list. The Honor Roll is a distinction awarded to only 10 children’s hospitals nationwide.

For the fifteenth straight year, Children’s National ranked in 10 specialty services and is the highest U.S. News ranked children’s hospital in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia. Last year, U.S. News introduced pediatric & adolescent behavioral health as a service line in its rankings. While there are no ordinal rankings for behavioral health, the Children’s National program was named one of the top 50 programs in the country for the second year in a row.

“To be named among the nation’s top children’s hospitals for nine years in a row is a reflection of the extraordinary expertise, innovation and heart that our teams bring to every child and family we serve,” said Michelle Riley-Brown, MHA, FACHE, president and chief executive officer of Children’s National. “Our leadership in specialties like neurology, cancer, and diabetes and endocrinology underscores the national impact of our work, and we remain focused on setting new standards in pediatric care.”

The annual rankings are the most comprehensive source of quality-related information on U.S. pediatric hospitals and recognizes the nation’s top 50 pediatric hospitals based on a scoring system developed by U.S. News.

“Being a top-ranked pediatric hospital means more than just excelling in a single specialty — it means being a pillar of outstanding care for your entire region,” said Ben Harder, chief of health analysis and managing editor at U.S. News. “Our rankings acknowledge these hospitals for their comprehensive excellence, helping families find the very best care conveniently located within their state and community.”

The bulk of the score for each specialty service is based on quality and outcomes data. The process includes a survey of relevant specialists across the country, who are asked to list hospitals they believe provide the best care for patients with the most complex conditions.

The Children’s National specialty services that U.S. News ranked in the top 10 nationally are:

Neurology and Neurosurgery (No. 4), led by Division Chiefs William D. Gaillard, MD, and Robert F. Keating, MD
Diabetes and Endocrinology (No. 6), led by Division Chief Andrew Dauber, MD, MMSc
Cancer (No. 8), led by Division Chief Eugene Hwang, MD
Nephrology (No. 10), led by Division Chief Marva Moxey-Mims, MD
Orthopedics (No. 10), led by Division Chief Matthew Oetgen, MD, MBA

The other six specialties ranked among the top 50 are Behavioral Health, Cardiology and Heart Surgery, Gastroenterology and GI Surgery, Neonatology, Pulmonology and Lung Surgery, and Urology.

Results from first-of-its-kind mental health intervention for adults with CHD

August 26, 2025

Mindfulness-based interventions have been widely recognized for their effectiveness in managing stress, anxiety and depression, so the team set out to specifically design the virtual EMBRACE program for adults with CHD. It’s the first of its kind for this population.

A first-of-its-kind virtual, real-time group psychosocial intervention successfully demonstrated the promise of mindfulness interventions to address mental health challenges in adults with congenital heart disease (CHD).

The findings from a small pilot study of the Exploring Mind-Body Resilience and Coping/Cognitive Exercises (EMBRACE) program were published in the journal Pediatric Cardiology.

What this means

The study included 31 participants ranging in age from 22 to 74 years old. Collectively the group had a variety of heart conditions involving 47 heart surgeries, seven pacemakers and one implantable cardioverter defibrillator.

Participants showed meaningful improvements after the EMBRACE intervention in anxiety, depression, resilience and mindfulness scores. Also, satisfaction surveys showed that 97% found the program effective. These improvements lasted through a three-month follow-up period.

“What I gained the most from this study was learning that my emotions/feelings did not have to control my life,” says study participant Tabatha Doherty. “The program taught techniques that focused on keeping your mind in the present and not getting caught up in those feelings.”

Additionally, people who participated reported several positive qualitative outcomes, including better community connections and improved focus on self-care and self-management.

“It was impactful to be in a cohort with other patients where we could talk, share stories, offer support, and work towards a common, yet individual, goal of being able to manage daily and CHD-related stressors,” Doherty continued. “It is very rare that CHD patients have the opportunity to interact with each other, but even more rare to have an opportunity to cooperate towards a common goal.”

Why it matters

The authors write that the lifetime prevalence of anxiety and depression in adults with congenital heart disease are significantly higher than the general population – occurring in up to 30 to 50% of adults with CHD versus only 7 to 10% in the general population.

Mindfulness-based interventions have been widely recognized for their effectiveness in managing stress, anxiety and depression, so the team set out to specifically design the virtual EMBRACE program for adults with CHD. It’s the first of its kind for this population.

The study sought to improve mental health, resilience and coping skills for people with CHD while demonstrating feasibility for a large number of people.

“The most comforting aspect was the acknowledgement and validation of the mental health struggles I’ve had my entire life,” Doherty says. “The statistics they shared were not surprising, but more proof/recognition of the CHD patient’s silent struggles.”

What’s next

The program will be adjusted based on feedback from the pilot cohort and further studies will be undertaken to gauge sustainability and long-term benefits.

The work was made possible through a grant from the Adult Congenital Heart Association (ACHA) with generous support from the Meil Family Foundation.

“ACHA is proud to support groundbreaking research initiatives though our Research Program that began in 2019,” says Mark Roeder, president and CEO of ACHA. “Vicki Freedenberg, PhD, RN was awarded the Meil Family Foundation Research Award for Neurocognitive Studies in 2022. This first-of-its-kind mindfulness-based program for adults with CHD demonstrated meaningful improvements in anxiety, depression, resilience, and self-care – highlighting the critical role of mental health interventions in the CHD population.”

Roeder continued, “The EMBRACE study not only addresses the physical realities of living with CHD but also elevates the importance of mental and emotional well-being, something that ACHA will also continue to promote through our educational programming.”

Before publication in Pediatric Cardiology, the data from EMBRACE was presented as a poster at the American College of Cardiology ACC.24 meeting. Additionally, program and study co-author Rachel Steury, NP, was awarded Best Allied Health Research for this work at the International Society of ACHD in June 2024.

Read EMBRACE Study: Outcomes of a Randomized, Mindfulness-Based Intervention for Adults with Congenital Heart Disease in Pediatric Cardiology.

Therapy approach shows promise for PANS/PANDAS

July 11, 2025

PANS and PANDAS are disorders characterized by an abrupt onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms in children that can be challenging to diagnose and treat.

Children diagnosed with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection (PANDAS) experienced substantial symptom reduction following a cognitive-behavioral approach integrating the family system with the support of a multidisciplinary care team, according to a recent case study published in Clinical Case Studies.

The hold up in the field

PANS and PANDAS are disorders characterized by an abrupt onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms in children that can be challenging to diagnose and treat.

“More research is needed to explore PANS/PANDAS as many studies have included small samples or lacked a randomized controlled design,” says Lilia Mucka Andrew, PhD, clinical director, Psychology and Behavioral Health at Children’s National Hospital and corresponding author of the study. “Though therapeutic interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure response prevention (CBT/ERP) have good evidence for pediatric patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), evidence is mixed on effectiveness in PANS/PANDAS patients.”

Moving the field forward

The researchers highlighted specific intervention techniques that worked well to improve behaviors and factors that warrant further exploration. This includes the benefit of early multidisciplinary evaluation for diagnosis and treatment of PANS/PANDAS and the integration of booster sessions to allow for ongoing maintenance and relapse prevention while providing openings for additional patients to be seen. This is critical given the shortage of evidence based behavioral health providers for youth.

The patient benefit

This study highlights effective strategies that support both patients and their families, offering a potential model of care to reduce suffering and improve long-term quality of life.

“We were excited to see that the application of key evidence-based therapy techniques including CBT/ERP and behavioral parent training (BPT) resulted in positive outcomes for patients and that the opportunity to transition to booster sessions was well received,” says Dr. Andrew.

Additional authors from Children’s National include: Julia Dorfman, MD, PhD, psychiatrist, and Elizabeth Wells, MD, senior vice president, Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine Center.

You can read the full study, Assessment and Treatment of PANS/PANDAS: A Multidisciplinary Approach and Therapeutic Considerations, in Clinical Case Studies.

Mental health care gaps in pediatric emergency rooms

July 9, 2025

Over the past 20 years and beyond, evidence shows inequities in pediatric mental health care in emergency departments.

Mental health disorders affect nearly 20% of adolescents across the United States. There has been accumulating research over the past 20 years and beyond which has documented inequities in pediatric mental health care in emergency departments (EDs). In a recent study published in Pediatrics, researchers at Children’s National Hospital summarized the full breadth of this research to understand the extent of inequities and facilitate further work that addresses these differences in mental health care.

The big picture

Eden Efrem, clinical research coordinator at Center for Translational Research, Monika Goyal, MD, MSCE, pediatric emergency medicine specialist and co-director of the Center for Translational Research, and other researchers examined and summarized research published from 2002 to 2024 to better understand inequities in pediatric mental health care provided in the ED. The team reviewed over 2,100 articles and of those, 50 articles met inclusion criteria for this review.

“Mental health care gaps were reported in ED mental health-related visits, ED disposition – including admission, discharge, transfer, and readmission – outpatient and follow-up care, diagnosis of mental health conditions, ED referral and pre-hospitalization, length of stay and boarding, anxiety care, suicidal ideation/self-harm care and restraint use in EDs,” Efrem said.

Why this matters

These findings aim to guide future research, development and implementation of evidence-based interventions and policies that address the underlying contributing mechanisms of these inequities. This includes looking at clinician implicit bias and barriers to mental health care access.

“By identifying gaps in mental health care access, treatment and outcomes, these findings can guide the development of interventions and policies aimed at reducing these,” Goyal added. “These improvements can help improve the provision of fair mental health care thereby enhancing patient trust, improving communication and ensuring access to quality mental health care. Ultimately, this can lead to improved mental health outcomes for children and youth.”

Moving the field forward

The researchers found that differences exist in many facets of mental health care, from ED utilization to mental health care provision, such as physical restraint use.

“Addressing gaps in care is important because every individual deserves equal access to high-quality, evidence-based healthcare,” Efrem said. “Addressing these can not only enhance patients’ mental health outcomes, but also positively impact other areas of their lives, such as educational performance, social well-being and overall quality of life.

The ADAPT Lab, led by Dr. Goyal at Children’s National, is at the forefront of identifying and addressing gaps in pediatric health care, specifically in EDs. The lab is working to improve quality of health care provision and outcomes in mental health care, asthma care, sexual health and pain management by developing and implementing evidence-based interventions in the ED.

The study was funded by the Jesse Ball DuPont Fund.

Wearable tech data shows promise in ADHD detection

June 5, 2025

Using Fitbit data from the the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the United States, researchers employed machine learning to test whether physiological markers could accurately predict ADHD diagnoses.

A new study published in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry reveals that common wearable devices like Fitbits may hold the key to improving how we identify Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in adolescents. By analyzing patterns in heart rate, activity levels and energy expenditure, researchers were able to predict ADHD diagnoses with striking accuracy, offering a glimpse into a future where objective, real-time data supports earlier and more personalized mental healthcare.

A fresh approach to a common challenge

ADHD affects approximately 1 in 10 children and adolescents in the United States. It is typically diagnosed based on parent and teacher reports, clinical interviews and behavioral observations. While effective, these methods rely heavily on subjective interpretation and can sometimes miss important nuances in how symptoms appear over time. This study, led by Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman, PhD, and colleagues at Children’s National, sought to determine whether wearable health data could help fill that gap.

Turning Fitbit metrics into meaningful insights

The study used data from 450 adolescents who were part of the larger Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, the largest long-term study of brain development and child health in the United States. Each participant wore a Fitbit, which captured three key activity and physiological measures:

Resting Heart Rate (RHR) – the number of heart beats per minute while the body is at rest
Sedentary Time – time spent with little or no physical activity
Energy Expenditure – estimated calories burned through physical activity

When the researchers compared these measures between teens with and without ADHD, they found statistically significant differences. Teens with ADHD had consistently higher resting heart rates and showed distinctive patterns in both their movement and stillness.

To go further, the team applied a machine learning model to test whether these physiological markers could accurately predict ADHD diagnoses. The model performed extremely well with 89% accuracy, 88% precision, 90% recall and a 0.95 area under the curve (AUC). These results suggest that the combination of passive, continuous data and predictive modeling could serve as a valuable screening tool, particularly in settings where full clinical evaluations are difficult to access.

A path toward more accessible mental healthcare

The implications are big. If validated in larger and more diverse populations, wearable-derived data could offer a low-cost, low-burden way to flag teens who might benefit from further ADHD evaluation. This could lead to earlier support, fewer misdiagnoses and more tailored treatment strategies.

Importantly, this approach isn’t about replacing clinicians, it’s about giving them better tools. Real-world, real-time data from wearables could act as an additional layer of insight that supports more precise, individualized care. As wearable technology becomes more embedded in daily life, its role in healthcare, especially adolescent mental health, is poised to grow.

You can read the full study, Unlocking the potential of wearable technology: Fitbit-derived measures for predicting ADHD in adolescents, in Frontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

REI Week 2025 empowers the future in pediatric research and innovation

April 22, 2025

Children’s National Hospital hosted its fifteenth annual Research, Education and Innovation Week from March 31–April 4, 2025, bringing together clinicians, scientists, educators and innovators from across the institution to celebrate discovery and collaboration. This year’s theme, “Empowering the Future in Pediatric Research and Innovation with Equity, Technology and a Global Reach,” served as a call to action for advancing science that improves child health both locally and around the world.

Each day of the week-long event featured thought-provoking lectures — now available to watch — dynamic panel discussions, interactive workshops and vibrant poster sessions, all highlighting the diverse and interdisciplinary work taking place across Children’s National.

Centering the patient and the planet

REI Week began on Monday with a powerful keynote lecture from Lynn R. Goldman, MD, MS, MPH, Michael and Lori Milken dean of the Milken Institute School of Public Health at the George Washington University. In her talk, “Children: Uniquely vulnerable to climate-related threats,” Dr. Goldman underscored the urgent need to protect children from the environmental hazards of a changing climate and to integrate climate science into pediatric care and advocacy.

At mid-morning, Mary-Anne “Annie” Hartley, MD, PhD, MPH, director of the LiGHT Laboratory at École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, introduced the “MOOVE” platform — Massive Open Online Validation and Evaluation of clinical LLMs. Her talk demonstrated how artificial intelligence, when rigorously validated, has the potential to transform clinical decision-making and global health equity.

Monday’s final keynote, “Zinc and childhood diarrhea,” was presented by Christopher Duggan, MD, MPH, director of the Division of Nutrition at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Duggan highlighted the global health impact of zinc supplementation in reducing childhood mortality — a reminder that simple, evidence-based interventions can save millions of lives.

In that first day, the first poster session of the week showcased projects in adolescent medicine, global health, infectious diseases, oncology and more. The session reflected the full breadth of research taking place across Children’s National.

Ambroise Wonkam, MD, PhD, professor of genetic medicine at Johns Hopkins University, then delivered Tuesday’s Global Health Keynote Lecture, “Harnessing our common African genomes to improve health and equity globally.” His work affirmed that inclusive genomics is key to building a healthier world.

Later, the Global Health Initiative event and GCAF Faculty Seminar encouraged attendees to pursue collaborative opportunities at home and abroad, reflecting the growing global footprint of Children’s National research programs.

Transforming education and care delivery

On Wednesday, Larrie Greenberg, MD, professor emeritus of pediatrics, kicked off the day with a Grand Rounds keynote on educational transformation: “Shouldn’t teachers be more collaborative with their learners?” He followed with a CAPE workshop exploring the effectiveness of case-based learning.

The Nursing Sponsored Keynote Lecture by Vincent Guilamo-Ramos, PhD, MPH, LCSW, ANP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FAAN, explored “Redesigning the U.S. broken health system.” He offered an urgent and inspiring call to reimagine pediatric care by addressing social determinants of health.

In the Jill Joseph Grand Rounds Lecture, Deena J. Chisolm, PhD, director of the Center for Child Health Equity at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, challenged attendees to move beyond dialogue into action in her talk, “Health equity: A scream to a whisper?,” reminding researchers and clinicians that advocacy and equity must be foundational to care.

The day continued with a poster session spotlighting medical education, neonatology, urology and neuroscience, among other fields.

Posters and pathways to progress

Throughout the week, poster sessions highlighted cutting-edge work across dozens of pediatric disciplines. These sessions gave attendees the opportunity to engage directly with investigators and reflect on the shared mission of discovery across multiple disciplines, including:

Neuroscience and Neuroprotection – Novel approaches to brain injury treatment and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Genetics and Precision Medicine – Advances in understanding genetic predisposition and innovative therapies.
Health Disparities and Global Health – Strategies to bridge gaps in pediatric healthcare access worldwide.
Innovative Technology in Pediatrics – Breakthroughs in AI, bioinformatics and medical device development.

Honoring excellence across Children’s National

The REI Week 2025 Awards Ceremony celebrated outstanding contributions in research, mentorship, education and innovation. The winners in each category were:

POSTER SESSION AWARDS

Basic & Translational Research

Faculty: Benjamin Liu, PhD

“Genetic Conservation and Diversity of SARS-CoV-2 Envelope Gene Across Variants of Concern”

Faculty: Steve Hui, PhD
“Brain Metabolites in Neonates of Mothers with COVID-19 Infection During Pregnancy”

Faculty: Raj Shekhar, PhD
“StrepApp: Deep Learning-Based Identification of Group A Streptococcal (GAS) Pharyngitis”

Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Dae-young Kim, PhD
“mhGPT: A Lightweight Domain-Specific Language Model for Mental Health Analysis”

Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Leandros Boukas, MD, PhD
“De Novo Variant Identification From Duo Long-Read Sequencing: Improving Equitable Variant Interpretation for Diverse Family Structures”

Staff: Naseem Maghzian
“Adoptive T Lymphocyte Administration for Chronic Norovirus Treatment in Immunocompromised Hosts (ATLANTIC)”

Graduate Students: Abigail Haffey
“Synergistic Integration of TCR and CAR T Cell Platforms for Enhanced Adoptive Immunotherapy in Brain Tumors”

High School/Undergraduate Students: Medha Pappula
“An ADHD Diagnostic Interface Based on EEG Spectrograms and Deep Learning Techniques”

Clinical Research

Faculty: Folasade Ogunlesi, MD
“Poor Air Quality in Sub-Saharan Africa is Associated with Increase Health Care Utilization for Pain in Sickle Cell Disease Patients”

Faculty: Ayman Saleh, MD
“Growth Parameters and Treatment Approaches in Pediatric ADHD: Examining Differences Across Race”

Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Nicholas Dimenstein, MD, MPH
“Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) Eligibility in the Pediatric Emergency Department”

Staff: Tayla Smith, MPH
“The Public Health Impact of State-Level Abortion and Firearm Laws on Health Outcomes”

Graduate Students: Natalie Ewing
“Patterns of Bacteriuria and Antimicrobial Resistance in Patients Presenting for Primary Cloacal Repair: Is Assisted Bladder Emptying Associated with Bacteriuria?”

Graduate Students: Manuela Iglesias, MS
“Exploring the Relationship Between Child Opportunity Index and Bayley-III Scores in Young Children”

High School/Undergraduate Students: Nicholas Lohman
“Preliminary Findings: The Efficacy, Feasibility and Acceptability of Group Videoconference Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Exposure and Response Prevention for Treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Among Children and Young People”

Community-Based Research

Faculty: Sharon Shih, PhD
“Assessing Pediatric Behavioral Health Access in DC using Secret Shopper Methodology”

Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Georgios Sanidas, MD
“Arrested Neuronal Maturation and Development in the Cerebellum of Preterm Infants”

Staff: Sanam Parwani

“Intersectionality of Gender and Sexuality Diversity in Autistic and Non-Autistic Individuals”

Graduate Student: Margaret Dearey
“Assessing the Burden of Period Poverty for Youth and Adolescents in Washington, DC: A Pilot Study”

Quality and Performance Improvement

Faculty: Nichole L. McCollum, MD
“A Quality Improvement Study to Increase Nurse Initiated Care from Triage and Improve Timeliness to Care”

Post docs/Fellows/Residents: Hannah Rodriguez, MD
“Reducing Unnecessary Antibiotic Use in a Level IV NICU”

Staff: Amber K. Shojaie, OTD, OTR/L
“Implementing Dynamic Axilla Splints in a Large Burn Patient”

MENTORSHIP AWARDS

Basic Science Research

Conrad Russell Y. Cruz, MD, PhD

Clinical Research

Rana Hamdy, MD, MPH, MSCE

Bench to Bedside Research

Ioannis Koutroulis, MD, PhD, MBA

ELDA ARCE TEACHING SCHOLAR AWARD

Priti D. Bhansali, MD, MEd

Heather Ann Walsh, PhD, RN

SUZANNE FEETHAM NURSING RESEARCH SUPPORT AWARD

Eileen P. Engh, PhD RN
“Rare Disease Organization Lifecycle” Role in Helping Parents with Everyday Life Information Seeking and Connection (RDO-HELIX)

EXPLORATIONS IN GLOBAL HEALTH PILOT AWARDS

Launchpad Awards

Mi Ran Shin, MD, MPH
“Establishing Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation for Birth and Burn Injuries in Ethiopia”

Susan Harvey, MSN, CPNP-AC
“Implementation of Sickle Cell Pilot Program in Ndhiwa Sub County, Kenya”

Meleah Boyle, PhD, MPH
“Understanding and Addressing Environmental Sustainability to Protect the Health of the Children’s National and Global Communities”

Eiman Abdulrahman, MD
“Research Capacity Building to Improve Pediatric Emergency and Critical Care in Ethiopia”

Pilot Awards

Alexander Andrews, MD
“EEG as a Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker in Severe Pediatric Malaria, Blantyre Malawi”

Daniel Donoho, MD & Timothy Singer, MD
“Feasibility Study of a Novel Artificial Intelligence-Based Educational Platform to Improve Neurosurgical Operative Skills in Tanzania”

Hasan Syed, MD
“Bridging the Gap an Educational Needs Assessment for Pediatric Neurosurgery Training in Pakistan”

Sofia Perazzo, MD & Lamia Soghier, MD, MEd, MBA
“QI Mentorship to Improve Pediatric Screening and Follow-up in Rural Argentina”

Benjamin Liu, PhD
“AI-Empowered Real-Time Sequencing Assay for Rapid Detection of Schistosomiasis in Senegal”

Rae Mittal, MD
“Assessment and Enhancement of Proficiency in Emergency Child Neurology Topics for Post-Graduate Emergency Medicine Trainees in India”

Innovation Day ignites bold thinking

Thursday, REI Week shifted to the Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus for Innovation Day, a celebration of how bold ideas and collaborative culture can accelerate progress in pediatric medicine.

Brandy Salmon, PhD, associate vice president of Innovation and Partnerships at Virginia Tech, opened the day with “The Alchemy of Innovation,” focusing on how institutions can build a culture that fuels transformative partnerships.

A multidisciplinary panel discussion moderated by Nathan Kuppermann, MD, MPH, and Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD, featured Nehal Mehta, MD, Julia Finkel, MD, Kevin Cleary, PhD, Ioannis Koutroulis, MD, PhD, MBA, Francesca Joseph, MD and Patrick Hanley, PhD, who shared how innovation can be advanced and promoted, especially as a core institutional priority.

A shared vision for the future

REI Week 2025 reaffirmed the values that define Children’s National: a commitment to excellence, collaboration and equity in pediatric research and care. As discoveries continue to emerge from our hospital and our research campuses, the connections built and ideas sparked during this week will help shape the future of pediatric health — locally and globally.

By elevating voices from the bedside to the bench, with the support of the executive sponsors Nathan Kuppermann, MD, MBChB, Catherine Bollard, MBChB, MD, Kerstin Hildebrandt, MSHS, Linda Talley, MS, RN, NE-BC and David Wessel, MD, REI Week demonstrated that we must embrace the community in all aspects of our work. Because we know that there are answers we can only get from the patients that we serve—and we need to be their voice.

Research, Education & Innovation Week will be back next year on April 13-17, 2026.

Posters at the REI Week 2025 Monday, March 31 poster session.
Panelists discuss innovation during REI Week 2025.
Global Health Initiative community engagement event during REI Week 2025.
Chris Rees presents his REI Week 2025 lecture.
Nathan Kuppermann listens to a presenter during the REI Week 2025 Tuesday, April 1, poster session.
Michelle Riley-Brown, Nathan Kuppermann, Catherine Bollard and Naomi Luban on stage during the REI Week 2025 awards ceremony.
Brandy Salmon presents on innovation programs at Virginia Tech during the REI Week 2025 Innovation Day.
Catherine Bollard listens to a presenter during the REI Week 2025 Monday, March 21 poster session.
Ambroise Wonkman poses for a picture with Children’s National staff.
Tanzeem Choudhury presenting during REI Week 2025.

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Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychoparmacology cover

Deprescribing antidepressants in children and adolescents: A systematic review

April 10, 2025

A recent systematic review, co-authored by Adelaide Robb, MD, division chief of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children’s National Hospital, examines the challenges of discontinuing antidepressants in children and adolescents. The review, published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, focuses on withdrawal symptoms, tapering strategies and cross-titration between medications. While antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are widely prescribed for mood and anxiety disorders in youth, there is limited guidance on how to safely discontinue these medications.

The review emphasizes that deprescribing strategies should account for factors such as the patient’s clinical status and the pharmacokinetics of the medications. It also highlights the need for data-driven discussions on when and how to discontinue antidepressants, stressing the importance of collaboration between clinicians, patients and families to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Read more about this review in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology.

Podcast: Hidden struggles: The reality of pediatric addiction

April 4, 2025

Expanding access to pediatric mental health care: Q&A with Justine Larson, MD

April 3, 2025

In this interview, Dr. Larson shares her journey into pediatric psychiatry, her passion for increasing access to mental health care and her goals for advancing services at Children’s National.

Justine Larson, MD, recently joined Children’s National Hospital as the new associate chief of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. A board-certified psychiatrist specializing in child and adolescent mental health, Dr. Larson has extensive experience in clinical practice, research and policy development. Her work focuses on improving systems of care, integrating behavioral health and expanding mental health services for vulnerable populations.

In this interview, Dr. Larson shares her journey into pediatric psychiatry, her passion for increasing access to mental health care and her goals for advancing services at Children’s National.

Q: Why did you choose Children’s National?

A: I chose Children’s National because I see an incredible opportunity to provide high-quality behavioral healthcare to children, especially in the DMV. A big part of my career and passion revolves around increasing access to care for underserved children. Children’s National offers a platform where I can make a significant impact, especially given its potential to create a broad footprint in this crucial area — that was the primary reason behind my decision.

Q: How did you decide to pursue a career in pediatric psychiatry?

A: I initially thought I would pursue OB/GYN because I was drawn to the field’s focus on women’s advocacy, but I realized I wanted to develop deep, long-term relationships with my patients. Psychiatry allowed me to do that, as it offers a unique combination of sociocultural, philosophical, psychological and biological variables, variables that interact in ways I find fascinating.

Additionally, my connection to children’s health was solidified years ago when my son, now 16, was hospitalized at Children’s National for 10 days as an infant. He had RSV and was in the ICU, and I’ve always felt that Children National saved his life. That positive association with the hospital played a role in my decision as well.

Q: What are some of your goals while serving as associate chief of psychiatry at Children’s?

A: One of my primary goals is to explore and implement alternative models of care that can help more children access mental health services. With the nationwide shortage of mental health providers, particularly pediatric psychiatrists and therapists, it’s crucial to think outside the box. I’m particularly interested in developing care models that provide services in pediatric settings or schools. Increasing access to care is at the core of my focus and interest as I work toward making these services more available to those in need.

Q: How do you spend your free time when you aren’t at the hospital or with patients?

A: Outside of work, I spend a lot of time with my family. I have three children — an 18-year-old, a 16-year-old and a 7-year-old — and a Great Pyrenees dog. My son, the one who was hospitalized as a baby, is really passionate about music. He plays guitar and piano, and I love supporting him by attending his shows and encouraging his musical journey. My oldest son is passionate about the outdoors and dreams of becoming a park ranger, so he often drags the family on hiking and camping trips, which I thoroughly enjoy. My littlest one loves nature and reading. My husband is a health economist, but we try not to talk shop too much!

In the news: Advancing Pediatric Bipolar Disorder Treatment: The Critical Role of Lithium

March 5, 2025

Adelaide Robb, MD, is the chief of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children’s National Hospital and a leading expert in the treatment and research of pediatric bipolar disorder. As a psychopharmacologist, Dr. Robb frequently prescribes lithium to treat bipolar mania in children and adolescents. While she acknowledges that lithium requires a more nuanced approach compared to faster-acting anti-psychotics, its proven effectiveness — particularly in reducing suicide risk — makes it one of the most reliable treatments, as supported by federally funded trials.

“My philosophy is that everyone with bipolar disorder deserves a lithium trial,” says Dr. Robb. When discussing the use of lithium, it is vital that patients and families understand the nature of bipolar disorder and the importance of early intervention. Dr. Robb highlights that the onset of bipolar symptoms typically occurs 3-5 years before the development of comorbid substance use disorders, creating a critical window of opportunity. By managing bipolar symptoms early, we can potentially prevent self-medication through substance use.

“We know that lithium is effective for children 7 and up, and we know it reduces the risk of death by suicide,” she explains. “When death by suicide is our worst outcome, any opportunity we have to reduce that risk — or prevent it altogether — is an important choice to make.”

Dr. Robb recently appeared on the Neuroscience Education Institute (NEI) Podcast, where she joined Jeffery R. Strawn, MD, to discuss the key aspects of lithium treatment. The topics covered included the importance of carefully calibrated dosing, proactive side effect management, and the essential role of parental involvement in treatment decisions. Learn more about her thoughts on the NEI Podcast.

Children’s National Hospital to host 35th Annual Pediatric Neurology Update

February 24, 2025

The Divisions of Neurology and Neurosurgery at Children’s National Hospital are proud to host the 35^th Annual Pediatric Neurology Update course.

Chair Elizabeth Wells, MD; Co-Chairs, Marc DiSabella, DO, John Schreiber, MD, William D. Gaillard, MD, Robert Keating, MD

The course attracts a national audience and brings together neuroscience clinicians and pediatricians in the Washington, D.C. and Mid-Atlantic region.

Guest speakers include Annapurna Poduri, MD, MPH, Deputy Director for NINDS, Emily Freilich, MD, from the FDA and Conor Mallucci, MBBS, Chief of Neurosurgery at Alder Hays, England.

This year’s course highlights 3 major areas:

Updates in Epilepsy
Innovations in Vascular Neurosurgery and Neurointerventional Radiology
Addressing Mental and Behavioral Health in Neurological Conditions

We invite you to join us for presentations from experts in the field during this full-day, CME accredited event on April 10, 2025. This is a hybrid event that will be held virtually or in-person at the Children’s National Research & Innovation Campus.

For more information and to register, visit ChildrensNational.org/NeurologyUpdate.

The cover of the 2024 Parent’s Medication Guide to Bipolar Disorder

Navigating Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: Insights from the 2024 Parent’s Medication Guide

February 10, 2025

The 2024 Parent’s Medication Guide to Bipolar Disorder, published by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, was designed to help families navigate the complex condition of pediatric bipolar disorder. The guide, co-authored by Adelaide Robb, MD, division chief of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Children’s National Hospital, is a collaborative effort with contributions from top experts in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry.

This guide is a valuable tool for families newly introduced to pediatric bipolar disorder. It covers medication options in terms of their effectiveness, common side effects and necessary monitoring. Beyond treatment details, the guide provides families with helpful resources, such as links to child and adolescent psychiatry organizations and bipolar support groups.