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Adjustment Disorders in Children What is an adjustment disorder in children? An adjustment disorder is an unhealthy emotional or behavioral reaction to a stressful event or change in a person’s life. The response happens within 3 months of the stressful event. Some events that

Fever in a Newborn Baby The system that controls body temperature is not well developed in a newborn baby. Call your baby's healthcare provider right away if your baby is younger than 3 months old and has a rectal or forehead (temporal) temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

Bipolar Disorder in Teens What is bipolar disorder in teens? Bipolar disorder is a type of depression. There are 3 main types of depression: Major depression (clinical depression) Bipolar disorder (manic depression) Persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia) A teen with bipolar

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Children What is obsessive-compulsive disorder in children? Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder. Obsessions are recurring thoughts. Compulsions are recurring behaviors. A child with OCD has obsessive thoughts

Nightmares and Night Terrors What are night terrors? A night terror is a partial waking from sleep with behaviors such as screaming, kicking, panic, sleep walking, thrashing, or mumbling. They are harmless, and each episode will end in deep sleep. They tend to occur in children

Healthy Sleep Habits in Children What is normal sleep? The total amount of sleep your child needs varies depending on their age. Age Recommended hours of sleep per day Newborn to 3 months 14 to 17 hours 4 to 12 months 12 to 16 hours (often sleeps through the night) 1 to 2 years

Hydrocephalus What is hydrocephalus in children? A baby with hydrocephalus has extra fluid in and around the brain. This fluid is called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Most CSF is normally found in fluid-filled areas (ventricles) inside the brain. Its purpose is to cushion and

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) What is respiratory distress syndrome? Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common problem in premature babies. It can also happen in some full-term babies. It causes babies to need extra oxygen and help with breathing. The course of

Hydrops Fetalis What is hydrops fetalis? Hydrops fetalis is severe swelling (edema) in an unborn baby or a newborn baby. It is a life-threatening problem. There are two types: immune and nonimmune. What causes hydrops fetalis? There are two types of hydrops fetalis. The type that

Anatomy and Function of the Heart Valves What are heart valves? The heart has 4 chambers, 2 upper chambers (atria) and 2 lower chambers (ventricles). Blood passes through a valve before leaving each chamber of the heart. The valves prevent the backward flow of blood. Valves are