Video Archive

The COVID pandemic has been very stressful for adolescents. They have had significant disruptions in their routines with remote learning, cancelled sports and activities, and concerns about COVID. Psychiatrist Dr. Karen Swartz, Director of Clinical Programs at the Johns Hopkins Mood Disorder Center, discussed potential mental health challenges for adolescence during this extraordinary period.

Specifically, Dr. Swartz discussed mood and anxiety disorders and psychiatric conditions most common among adolescents during the pandemic. She reviewed the symptoms of these disorders as well as treatment options. She also discussed positive coping strategies for all adolescents during this difficult time. 

Teenagers with mood disorders are at higher risk for substance use. Dr. Karen Swartz, Director of Clinical Programs at the Johns Hopkins Mood Disorder Center, addresses the relationship between depression and substance use and the factors leading to escalating use for some teens. She also discusses the importance of comprehensive treatment addressing both issues.

Adolescent Depression is a common and treatable medical illness. Psychiatrist Dr. Karen Swartz discusses the importance of developing a comprehensive treatment plan to address mood disorders in teenagers. The discussion includes the role of psychotherapy, behavioral change, and medications. The importance of having a specific plan developed for each individual is emphasized.

With the availability of vaccinations and overall decrease in COVID-19 cases, we are now trying to return to in person school and work. Dr. Karen Swartz, Director of Clinical Programs at the Johns Hopkins Mood Disorders Center, discusses the challenges associated with this major transition from being more isolated to being back together for more activities including school. After more than a year of many having restrictions and some learning from home with remote school, this will be a significant change for nearly everyone. Dr. Swartz discusses ways to recognize and manage the anxiety associated with this change. She will discuss the challenges and benefits of returning to our previous routines – which will be harder for some. There has been nothing normal about the upheaval from the COVID-19 pandemic, and it will be important for everyone to identify the specific challenges they will have as we move into this next phase where many aspects are new and little will feel normal.

Everyone experiences anxiety, but it’s important to recognize when feeling anxious is more than being nervous about new challenges and experiences. Dr. Karen Swartz, the Director of the Adolescent Depression Awareness Program, discusses when to worry about the intensity of anxiety symptoms and the types of anxiety that can be impairing and interfere with functioning. She also discusses approaches to managing anxiety and when anxiety symptoms need evaluation and treatment.

Eating disorders are very common. over 28 million Americans will have an eating disorder during their lifetime. 85 percent will have the onset of the disorder between the ages of 13 and 18. Psychiatrist Dr. Karen Swartz, Director of Clinical Programs at the Johns Hopkins Mood Disorder Center, discusses the signs that an adolescent is suffering with an eating disorder and the treatment options. She also discusses the relationship between depression and eating disorders.