Dr. Mani Pavuluri and Her Views Concerning Teen Suicide

Dr Mani Pavuluri – Presentation on Brain Circuitry & Suicidal Adolescents with Bipolar Disorder presentation from Dr Mani Pavuluri.

 

According to research, about 17 percent of school students have considered suicide seriously and 8 percent have attempted to indulge in self-harming activities. According to renowned child psychiatrist, Dr. Mani Pavuluri, teenagers suffering from acute depression or who seem excessively impulsive, often show up in the emergency rooms of hospitals.

Apart from spending money to seek professional assistance, which is obviously necessary, parents could do much when it comes to suicidal risk & prevention. If your child has been giving threats for a long time, make sure to never shrug them off as typical melodrama. Instead try talking and encouraging him or her to share feelings because bottling them up can lead to something dangerous. Arranging small gatherings so that he or she could meet people also stand helpful.

Exhibiting maximum patience is also necessary according to Dr. Mani Pavuluri because suicidal thoughts take much time to completely go away from a teenager’s mind.

Mani Pavuluri Explains How a Child’s Mental Health Is Affected by Environment

Regardless of the diagnosis of brain functions, there are various other factors that affect the well-being of the children and also influence their day-to-day lifestyle. According to the renowned child psychiatrist Dr Mani Pavuluri, the risk and resilience are due to various root factors that can make or break a well-being of a kid. Just imagine that your kid is in the middle of the circle and surrounded by the peers, parents, siblings, teachers, neighbors and extended family members. It is seen that a kid does not exist in isolation. It is normally a back and forth reaction that sets emotions, behaviour and thinking into motion in a kid and the surrounding environment.

So, if your child is facing problems and if he or she is getting mentally affected, the things should be changed and the toxic influence should need to stop. The key role of the child psychiatrist is to facilitate a thriving environment for the kid and also make him or she utilise the same at best level. The finest and the most under-utilized resource are the parents. As per Dr Mani Pavuluri, parents help to build up strength and motivation in the kid. They also play an important role in eliminating the bad environment and make a space for the kid where he or she can enjoy. Dr Mani Pavuluri says that psychiatrists can also collaborate with the parents to bring out the best in the child.

As a Parent, you can help your kid through focusing on their positives, reward the child’s brave behaviors, encourage them on good sleep and hygiene, help them to solve the problems alone and also provide mental relaxation. Parents often play the role of a friend and try to solve the issues by listening to their problems.

 

Bipolar Disorder in Kids- A Brief Overview by Dr Mani Pavuluri

Bipolar disorder in the kids is also known as the pediatric bipolar disorder is one of the forms of BPD that affects the kids and the teenagers. As per the doctors and the consultants, the BPD is also nowadays referred to as the DMDD or disruptive mood dysregulation disorder. The BPD in the kids is quite different from that of the adults. The children are often characterised by mood swings that last for long, intense temper tantrums, defiant behaviour, frustration and also lethargy. Due to the rapid changes of moods, kids often face the problem of irritation that persists for long.

According to Dr Mani Pavuluri, the BPD is not the same as like the normal ups and downs that really affects every kid. The symptoms of the bipolar disorder are power powerful and intense. The mood swings that are gone through by the kids have an immense change in the sleep, energy level and also unable to think in the right manner. The symptoms are so strong that the kids cannot cope up with situations at schools and at home. This illness is chronic and difficult to identify.

Symptoms Related To Pediatric Bipolar Disorder

The symptoms and the signs are quite common in both adult and child bipolar disorder, however the intensity is much more in the case of the kids. Have a look on the symptoms-

1. Extreme depression, sadness or lack of interest in playing or studying
2. Separation anxiety
3. Severe temper outbursts and aggressive behaviour
4. Irritation and expansive mood often
5. Bed wetting and night terrors
6. Hyperactivity, agitation and distraction to studies
7. Impaired judgement, pressure while talking and racing thoughts
8. Sleepless nights or sleeping too much
9. Inappropriate or precocious sexual behaviour

Dr Mani Pavuluri says that bipolar disorder in kid is much more complex and intense.  She has also found that ADHD also coexists with BPD in kids. It should be remembered that this illness waxes and wanes and fluctuate much more than static changes. This problem might also arise due to the heredity issues as well. So, if you find out kid suffering from the above-discussed symptoms, it is suggested to take him or her to the child psychiatrist like Dr Mani Pavuluri for consultation, therapy and treatment.

 

How to Overcome PTSD through Psychotherapy from Dr Mani Pavuluri

Post-traumatic stress disorder or the PTSD is the mental health disorder that happens due to any terrifying event in life. This disorder happens to a person whether he or she has experienced it or have witnessed it. Some of the common symptoms include nightmares; severe anxiety, flashbacks and uncontrolled thoughts. Most of the people who are suffering from the traumatic events may feel temporary difficult to cope up with the problems that are going on, but continuous medications and psychotherapy can get a better life. PTSD may last for months or for years and might interfere with the normal functioning of the body.

Causes of PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

There are various events that are responsible for the PTSD, they are-

1. Major road accidents
2. Prolonged sexual abuse or severe negligence
3. Violent personal assaults, robbery or mugging
4. Terrorist attacks
5. Being held as the hostage
6. Witnessing violent death
7. Facing natural disasters like severe flood, earthquakes and tsunamis

PTSD is the mental disorder that develops when someone experience any type of disturbing event which can affect the person after a week, month or even after years. This problem can affect one people out of three who have gone through the traumatic experience. But, it is not clear that why some of the people develop this condition whereas others don’t. According to the renowned psychotherapist Mani Pavuluri, there are various medications that help in overcoming this issue and make the patient lead a normal life.

Do Children With PTSD React Differently Than Adults?

According to Mani Pavuluri, it is seen that children and the teens react extremely to trauma. However, the symptoms are not same as like that of the adults. The children show symptoms like-

1. Wetting the bed even after learning how to use the toilet
2. Being clingy with the parent or with any adult
3. Acting in a scary event even when the kids are playing
4. Forgetting how to or unable to talk in certain situations

Treatments of PTSD

This mental disorder can be solved in two different ways, one is through medications and the other is by the psychotherapy. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and also the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are used to treat PTSD. The names of the medicines include paroxetine, venlafaxine, sertraline and many more. As per Dr Mani Pavuluri, the medications should be coupled with trauma-focus psychotherapy. This is further divided into three sections. The first part involves steps like overcoming negativity and stress. The second part involves narration and storytelling and the third part involves feeling safe. These all treatments can help you to overcome PTSD.

Also read: 

• How can Dr Mani Pavuluri treat Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder?
• AFSP Illinois Research Connection 2015 – Dr. Mani Pavuluri, MD, PhD

How to Treat Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder? – By Dr Mani Pavuluri

Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder or DMDD is actually the childhood condition suffered by a kid between the ages of 6 to 10. This disorder makes the child suffers from extreme irritability, intense temper outburst and anger. DMDD is slightly different from the Bipolar Disorder. The symptoms of DMDD go beyond being a moody child. As per psychiatrist Dr Mani Pavuluri, the children suffering from DMDD should undergo clinical treatment or assistance from the professional. DMDD goes beyond the describing temperaments requiring treatments. Thus, if you find your kid reacting differently and he is not able to control the anger and mood swings, it is suggested to take him to the expert.

Risk Factors for Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder

It is not clear that how this disease has come in the general population, but research studies are still going on. This problem is seen among the kids who have just crossed six years of age and until ten years of age when the symptoms are severely visible. After the kid reaches 10, it is quite difficult to solve this issue. Thus, when your kid is still smaller and is showing the symptoms like excessive temper outbursts even 2-3 times in a week, then you can definitely go for a therapy under a psychiatrist like Dr Mani Pavukuri who is having many years of experience and knowledge in dealing with pediatric mental disorders.

How Can You Identify The Symptoms Of DMDD?

As I have previously said that DMDD develops before the age of 10. Here are some of the symptoms by which you can identify whether your kid is suffering from DMDD or not-

1. Intense and recurrent temper outbursts that can both verbally and behaviorally. Physical aggression is also noticed in some of the cases.
2. The child shows temper outbursts even 2-3 times in a week and it grows with the increase in the age. Thus, when your kid is 6, the symptoms are less prominent but they become intense when he is above the age of 10.
3. The mood between two temper outbursts can be identified with anger and irritation. The kid remains angry throughout the day.
4. The child can suffer from troubled functionality in two places; mostly the changes are seen at the home.
5. The temper outbursts can be seen constantly for one year or more.

These are some of the major symptoms as described by the renowned doctor Dr Mani Pavuluri. She describes that this issue is actually emotional instability that should be taken good care of before it becomes severe. Two important treatment procedures that help in reducing DMDD in kids are meditation and the psychological treatments that involve computer based training, parent training and psychotherapy.

Dr. Mani Pavuluri and Her Ways to Reduce Teen Suicide

Although teen suicide is increasing at a considerable speed all across the globe, researchers were not able to pinpoint the causes specifying that there may be plenty of factors responsible for it. In addition to being aware of major signs such as significant alterations in behavioral patterns, withdrawal from family and friends, profound depression, insomnia, low self-confidence, anxiety, loss of interest in day-to-day chores, etc., parents and teachers must try fabricating well-defined strategies to save the adolescents from ending their lives. To know more regarding this, please do buy some time and take a close look at the points mentioned below.

• The foremost step would be to comprehend that not all children committing suicide do so for the same reason. While a few suffer from mental disorders, there are others, who are pushed towards the verge of a meltdown because of academic struggles, bullying, abuse, parental divorce, financial problems, and many more. Detecting the motive would pave the way for seamless solutions.
• According to the renowned professionals practicing child psychiatry, both parents and teachers must be capable of tolerating the intense anxieties that suicidal teens go through. A safety net that could keep critical situations at bay 24/7 must be created. Interacting and treating the concerned teenagers with utmost kindness and compassion is considered quite important. They should also be constantly motivated to lead a happy and productive life.
• While parents are believed to understand their child’s needs and expectations without saying, teachers must also develop the similar sense. When inside a classroom, along with studies, every student must engage in different kinds of fun activities because that could effectually alleviate stress, isolation, and all kinds of psychological pain. Teen suicide can be decreased to a great extent if a teacher cares about, provides support, and is able to make all his or her pupils feel comfortable.
• Mani Pavuluri, a well-known child psychologist has stated that teachers and parents play an immensely crucial role when it comes to assessing teen suicide risks. Being a bit lenient by eliminating all kinds of rigid rules at home and school, continually keeping a watch, avoiding accusations, listening to what is bothering them, and getting rid of all things that could cause injury are a few steps that must be undertaken if you wish a child to return to his or her normal life.

Well, if you have lately noticed one of your students attempting suicide, make sure to execute all the tactics specified above quite cautiously along with the help of his or her parents, peers, and a proficient as well as experienced mental health professional.

Mani Pavuluri, MD – Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Doctor

Dr Mani Pavuluri is a well known child psychiatrist. Her area of focus mainly includes  depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, child psychiatry, behavioral pediatrics and pediatric development . She has over 30 years of experience in dealing with child psychiatry and help kids, parents and teachers in dealing with these subjects.

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Read More : 

1. Mani Pavuluri, MD, Explains How to Help Your Bipolar Child
2. Dr Mani Pavuluri – Presentation on Brain & Environmental Training Towards Emotional Resilience

 

Dr Mani Pavuluri – A Discussion on What Happens to Your Brain When You Ruminate

Do you want to know what exactly happens to your brain while ruminating? Check out the video shared by Dr Mani Pavuluri, who has over 30 years of experience in dealing with child psychiatry and help kids, parents and teachers in dealing with bipolar disorder syndromes on the above mentioned topic.

You may also like to read:

• Mani Pavuluri – Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Doctor in Chicago, IL
• Dr Mani Pavuluri MD PhD – Emerging Brain Network Perspectives – PBD

Dr Mani Pavuluri – Presentation on Brain & Environmental Training Towards Emotional Resilience

Mani N. Pavuluri, M.D., Ph.D., discussed about Brain & Environmental Training Towards Emotional Resilience. Watch the video below.

Four Crucial Ways of Building Frustration Tolerance

A large number of children fail to handle frustrations especially when they get stuck with something or lose the competition of staying ahead in the classroom. According to comprehensive research, anger and stress primarily builds up when one experiences extreme trouble in processing information and grasping concepts. Well, instead of rebuking the student in concern or giving up on him/her, teachers must implement certain essential strategies to hold things together. Want to know more regarding this? If yes, feel free to check out the points mentioned below. A large number of children fail to handle frustrations especially when they get stuck with something or lose the competition of staying ahead in the classroom. According to comprehensive research, anger and stress primarily builds up when one experiences extreme trouble in processing information and grasping concepts. Well, instead of rebuking the student in concern or giving up on him/her, teachers must implement certain essential strategies to hold things together. Want to know more regarding this? If yes, feel free to check out the points mentioned below.

• Dealing With It

According to renowned child and adolescent psychiatrist, Dr. Mani Pavuluri, increasing coping mechanism would most certainly help. Rather than cramming a child’s head with materials in a stipulated period, teachers must provide utmost encouragement so that he/she could learn and comprehend the subject, be it science, math, or language, by not being anxious or scared, taking as much time required.

• Removing the Barriers

All professionals involved in the educational sector must follow a proactive approach. In addition to making each child feel special, the entire process of teaching and learning must turn out to be enjoyable. For instance, the difficult notions should be deconstructed and simplified through interesting diagrams. Putting up a pleasing and kind facial expression is also necessary as doing so would certainly alleviate the pressure, enabling the children to perform better.

• Indulging in Activities

Using supportive board games during free period is an amazing way of successfully constructing frustration tolerance and integrating it in the said children. Chutes and Ladders as well as Battleship need the players to take turns, adhere to rules, and positively interact with each other for winning, which would surely keep all anger at bay. Increasing the duration and level of difficulty must be done gradually.

• Incorporating Passion into Regular School Work

Many children are passionate about video games, baseball, magic cards, etc. They would be able to do all sorts of math calculations quite easily if it is somehow related with their hobbies, for example, to compute a certain game’s stats, or recall the minute details of all players involved. According to Dr. Mani Pavuluri, all teachers out there must try to nurture a student’s passion by emphasizing upon his or her strengths. They should also develop connectivity and foster a soothing atmosphere as that would effectually reduce reactivity, enhance chances of success, and cut down all kinds of academic issues.

So, the aspects specified above must be taken into account by all the teachers and staff members of schools. Doing so would surely build frustration tolerance in children, allow them to perceive things in a more positive life, make them capable enough to handle undesirable situations seamlessly, and pave way for overall personal growth.