another type of birth control pill to take.”
With today’s new information, Dzirasa reminds primary care providers of their important role, especially for these women.
“Primary care providers are the first line and will encounter individuals with psychiatric conditions well before they come to a psychiatrist or a therapist,” says Dzirasa. “It is important for them to ask their patients and their parents about the onset of puberty and how it is impacting them from a physical and emotional standpoint.”
She adds that they should be screening for depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma, eating disorders in youth – especially in those who have an early onset of puberty and to refer them for treatment if they meet criteria for these disorders.
Dr. Tyeese L. Gaines is a physician-journalist with nearly 16 years of print, online and broadcast experience. She is a practicing emergency medicine physician based in New Jersey and owner/media strategist for Doctor Ty Media, LLC.
Follow her on twitter at @doctorty