Overcoming the “Freshman 1.5″

by Richard S. Winer, M.D.
As thoughts turn from summer vacation to the return to school, I am struck by some interesting trends in my patient population being evaluated and treated for ADHD. Ages 6 and 7 have long been common ages when children are brought to my office because of possible ADHD symptoms. That's not surprising given the fact most of those diagnosed with ADHD had evidence of those symptoms during their early school days. I have also noticed many young people making the transition from elementary to middle school having a tough time going from class to class and keeping up their focus. [Read More]

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A Psychiatrist’s Take on the Big 12

by Richard S. Winer, M.D.
One of the qualities a psychiatrist is supposed to have is not getting too emotional when talking with a patient. We are supposed to try to be objective in our work. With that in mind, I will apologize in advance for not being as objective when it comes to talking about the current situation with the Big 12 Conference. I readily admit to being a lifelong Kansas Jayhawk fan. When I was hospitalized at age 5, I somehow managed to get special permission to listen to a KU basketball game after the usual allowed time. It was a thrill to see in person KU sports icons like Gale Sayers, JoJo White, and Jim Ryun, attending what was then the Big 8 Basketball Tournament and Indoor Track and Field Championships in Kansas City. They were highlights of the year. That interest in KU has withstood the test of time beyond my own graduation from med school at KU as well as my younger son's graduation from KU. [Read More]

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As school year approaches, students encounter stressful transitions

by Richard S. Winer, M.D.
As August comes around, our thoughts tend to turn away from summer fun and drift more toward the start of yet another school year. I certainly remember the days when the school year basically went from Labor Day to Memorial Day and that schedule still exists in certain parts of the country. However, more and more schools are beginning earlier and earlier in August. This gives students a better chance to complete a semester before the winter break and not have to return for a short time period before taking finals. Also, with all of the days the kids have off for everything from teacher workdays to holidays to mid-winter breaks, it's no wonder why classes begin earlier to factor in those off days. These "Back to School" days can be very trying for students, parents, and even teachers. [Read More]

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