When Big Reactions Feel Sudden and Out of Control Every child gets angry from time to time. Frustration, irritability, and emotional outbursts can all be part of growing up. But when those reactions become intense, sudden, and difficult to control, it may be something more than typical behavior. Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED) is a diagnosis…

What Parents and Caregivers Should Know Hearing your child say they saw or heard something that wasn’t there can be unsettling. For many parents and caregivers, it raises immediate questions, and sometimes fear. But hallucinations in children and teens are more complex than they may seem, and not all of them point to a serious…

Enuresis, commonly known as urinary incontinence, is the repeated voiding of urine into bed or clothing, whether involuntary or intentional. While many people associate it with younger children, enuresis can affect school-aged children and adolescents, often bringing emotional, social, and academic challenges along with it. For families, it’s important to understand that enuresis is not…

Grief is a deeply personal experience that can take many forms and, for some, last a long time. While adults often recognize the well-known five stages of grief (Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance), it’s important to remember that grief is not a linear process. People do not move neatly from one stage to the…

Encopresis is a condition defined by the repeated passage of feces into inappropriate places, such as clothing or on the floor. These episodes may occur voluntarily or involuntarily and are not a child’s choice or a sign of misbehavior. Encopresis is a recognized medical and behavioral health diagnosis. According to the DSM-5-TR, encopresis is diagnosed…

It’s not unusual for children and teens to go through a period where they don’t want to attend school. In fact, many kids between the ages of 5-7 (starting elementary school) and 11-14 (transitioning to middle school) experience this. Often, there’s a reason behind school refusal, such as bullying, anxiety about a test or assignment,…

Grief touches all of us at some point in life, and it can feel overwhelming, isolating, and unpredictable. At Orchard Park Hospital, we believe it’s important to provide compassionate guidance for those navigating the difficult journey of loss. The following reflections, shared by our Director of Clinical Services, John J. Antal, MSW, LICSW, offer practical…

Conduct Disorder (CD) is a serious mental health condition that affects children and teenagers. It is defined by a consistent pattern of behavior in which a young person violates the rights of others or breaks age-appropriate societal rules and norms. These behaviors often include aggression, deception, destruction of property, and serious rule violations. Early identification…

At Orchard Park Hospital, we believe that healthy families are the foundation of healthy communities. One of the most important tools for building strong, connected families is the establishment of clear and consistent boundaries. Far from being restrictive, boundaries offer security, promote growth, and strengthen bonds—especially for children. Why Boundaries Matter Children are in a…

Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition that profoundly impacts how individuals perceive themselves. Those with BDD are plagued by intrusive thoughts about perceived physical flaws that others may see as minor or even unnoticeable. However, for individuals with BDD, these perceived imperfections can lead to intense feelings of shame, anxiety, and, in…

Anorexia nervosa is a complex and often misunderstood eating disorder that affects individuals worldwide. Characterized by a distorted relationship with food, body weight, and self-perception, anorexia nervosa can have profound impacts on physical and mental health. At Orchard Park Hospital, we believe in providing compassionate, evidence-based care to help children and teens facing this challenging…

Adolescence is a time of rapid change—physically, emotionally, and socially. It’s a critical period of development, making young individuals especially vulnerable to mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and substance abuse. In this challenging time, adolescent psychiatric nurses play a crucial role in providing the support and care needed to help these…