Insurance cut for gender-affirming care ‘sends such a negative signal’ MDA National will no longer cover GPs initiating gender-affirming treatment for adolescents – a move that could impact patient wellbeing.
‘Sobering’ statistics reveal childhood mental health trauma Emergency department presentations for intentional self-harming behaviours and eating disorders soared during the pandemic.
Study questions whether headspace represents value for money Hundreds of millions of dollars have been spent on the youth mental health service, but a new paper argues the funding may be better directed elsewhere.
ATAGI releases Novavax guidance for adolescents The new advice means adolescents aged 12–17 years will have another COVID-19 vaccine option from 5 September.
TGA green lights Nuvaxovid for 12–17-year-olds But while provisional approval has been granted, inclusion in the national program for this age group is yet to be confirmed.
ATAGI announces COVID booster program for some adolescents The advisory group has said 12–15-year-olds with specified underlying conditions should receive an additional vaccine dose.
Teenage social patterns make boosters a ‘good idea’, expert says GPs are soon expected to start administering booster doses to those aged 16–17 following the TGA’s provisional approval of Pfizer.
Concerns about rising popularity of e-cigarettes among teens Australian parents and health experts are calling for tighter restrictions on the availability and promotion of e-cigarettes to teenagers.
Stepped-care model developed to improve youth mental health A new online service aims to help identify previously unknown students who are experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Researcher calls for rethink of diagnostic criteria for anorexia One third of adolescents hospitalised with life-threatening anorexia nervosa are not underweight.