Which doctors are flummoxed by irritable adolescents?
The problem is a lack of time and training
9th April 2018
GPs and paediatricians are less confident than psychiatrists in determining between normal irritability and serious problems in young people, research shows.
They are also more likely to prescribe medication, while psychiatrists tend to start with cognitive behavioural therapy.
At least that’s the case in the US, where academics are calling for more training on childhood irritability in the primary care setting.
They point to a qualitative study that found GPs and paediatricians are frustrated over the lack of time and specialised knowledge they have to accurately