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Related Research Units

Psychiatry Research

Research Overview

Children and their families facing the stresses of physical illness have been at the center of Dr. DeMaso’s research. His work has integrated biological, psychological, and social constructs to understand the full impact of these illnesses on the family system. His studies of children living with congenital heart defects, receiving heart transplants, undergoing radiofrequency cardiac ablations, receiving implantable cardioverter defibrillators, dealing with craniofacial deficits, and managing pulmonary hypertension have demonstrated the critical importance of family interactions in understanding health-related quality of life in youth coping with these illnesses. He also has used imaging, psychiatric evaluation, and neuropsychologic assessment techniques to understand and intervene with youngsters facing the most complex congenital heart defects.

These efforts led to his development with his colleagues of innovative interventions designed to foster family resiliency and reduce youth distress. The Experience Journals are 15 web-based professional and family narratives designed to enhance the coping of families facing childhood emotional and physical illnesses. A separate clinical intervention demonstrated the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral and supportive therapies in the treatment of youth with co-occurring inflammatory bowel disease and depression. These interventions were respectively recognized in 2006 and 2015 by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s (AACAP) Klingenstein Foundation awards.

Research Background

Dr. DeMaso is George P. Gardner & Olga E. Monks Professor of Child Psychiatry and Professor of Pediatrics at the Harvard Medical School and former Psychiatrist-in-Chief and Chair at Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH). He has authored over 240 peer-reviewed articles, reviews, and chapters along with co-authoring two textbooks on Pediatric Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry. Besides the Klingenstein Awards, he has received the AACAP’s 2002 Simon Wile Leadership in Consultation Award and the 2009 Catcher in the Rye Award as well as recognition as an AACAP Distinguished Life Fellow.

Education

Medical School

University of Michigan Medical School
1975 Ann Arbor MI

Internship

Pediatrics Massachusetts General Hospital
1976 Boston MA

Residency

General Psychiatry Duke University Medical Center
1978 Durham NC

Residency

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Boston Children’s Hospital/Judge Baker Guidance Center
1980 Boston MA

Fellowship

Pediatric Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship Boston Children's Hospital
1981 Boston MA

Media

Experience Journals

Collections of stories, videos, and personal experiences from families about what it has been like to live with their children’s illnesses.

Building Bridges

Building Bridges of Understanding

Publications

  1. How Surgeons and Surgical Leaders Manage Complications, Medical Errors, Malpractice, and Second Victim Syndrome. J Pediatr Soc North Am. 2025 May; 11:100186. View Abstract
  2. Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor Treatment and Depression-related Events. Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 2024 02 01; 209(3):299-306. View Abstract
  3. Efficacy of a digital mental health intervention embedded in routine care compared with treatment as usual in adolescents and young adults with moderate depressive symptoms: protocol for randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open. 2023 03 31; 13(3):e067141. View Abstract
  4. Feasibility and Caregiver Receptiveness to Anxiety Screening in Pediatric Cardiology Clinic: A Pilot Study. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2023 06; 62(6):597-604. View Abstract
  5. Clinical Update: Collaborative Mental Health Care for Children and Adolescents in Pediatric Primary Care. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2023 02; 62(2):91-119. View Abstract
  6. Five-Phase Replication of Behavioral Health Integration in Pediatric Primary Care. Pediatrics. 2021 08; 148(2). View Abstract
  7. Performance on the ROCF at 8 Years Predicts Academic Achievement at 16 Years in Individuals with Dextro-Transposition of the Great Arteries. J Int Neuropsychol Soc. 2021 10; 27(9):857-864. View Abstract
  8. Five-Year Outcomes of Behavioral Health Integration in Pediatric Primary Care. Pediatrics. 2019 07; 144(1). View Abstract
  9. Three-Year Outcomes of a School-Hospital Partnership Providing Multitiered Mental Health Services in Urban Schools. J Sch Health. 2019 08; 89(8):643-652. View Abstract
  10. Visual-spatial processing style is associated with psychopathology in adolescents with critical congenital heart disease. Clin Neuropsychol. 2019 05; 33(4):760-778. View Abstract
  11. Longitudinal Associations between Neurodevelopment and Psychosocial Health Status in Patients with Repaired D-Transposition of the Great Arteries. J Pediatr. 2019 01; 204:38-45.e1. View Abstract
  12. Fostering the initiation of discretionary psychotropic medication reviews by child welfare caseworkers. Child Welfare. 2018; 96:23-45. View Abstract
  13. Enhancing Pediatricians' Behavioral Health Competencies Through Child Psychiatry Consultation and Education. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2018 07; 57(8):958-969. View Abstract
  14. Integrated Behavioral Health Care in Pediatric Subspecialty Clinics. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2017 10; 26(4):785-794. View Abstract
  15. Psychiatric Disorders and Function in Adolescents with Tetralogy of Fallot. J Pediatr. 2017 08; 187:165-173. View Abstract
  16. Visuospatial processing in adolescents with critical congenital heart disease: Organization, integration, and implications for academic achievement. Child Neuropsychol. 2018 05; 24(4):451-468. View Abstract
  17. Psychiatric Disorders in Adolescents With Single Ventricle Congenital Heart Disease. Pediatrics. 2017 Mar; 139(3). View Abstract
  18. Effect of Psychotherapy on Health Care Utilization in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Depression. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2016 12; 63(6):658-664. View Abstract
  19. Early-Term Birth in Single-Ventricle Congenital Heart Disease After the Fontan Procedure: Neurodevelopmental and Psychiatric Outcomes. J Pediatr. 2016 12; 179:96-103. View Abstract
  20. Practice Patterns Revisited in Pediatric Psychosomatic Medicine. Psychosomatics. 2016 Nov - Dec; 57(6):576-585. View Abstract
  21. Processing speed, executive function, and academic achievement in children with dextro-transposition of the great arteries: Testing a longitudinal developmental cascade model. Neuropsychology. 2016 10; 30(7):874-885. View Abstract
  22. O-017 YI Inflammatory Versus Non-inflammatory Predictors of Specific Depressive Symptoms in a Large Pediatric Cohort with IBD. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2016 Mar; 22 Suppl 1:S6. View Abstract
  23. Neuropsychological Status and Structural Brain Imaging in Adolescents With Single Ventricle Who Underwent the Fontan Procedure. J Am Heart Assoc. 2015 Dec 14; 4(12). View Abstract
  24. Effect of 2 psychotherapies on depression and disease activity in pediatric Crohn's disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2015 Jun; 21(6):1321-8. View Abstract
  25. Self-cathing experience journal: Enhancing the patient and family experience in clean intermittent catheterization. J Pediatr Urol. 2015 Aug; 11(4):187.e1-6. View Abstract
  26. Executive Function in Children and Adolescents with Critical Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease. J Int Neuropsychol Soc. 2015 Jan; 21(1):34-49. View Abstract
  27. Predictors of health-related quality of life in adolescents with tetralogy of Fallot. J Pediatr. 2015 Jan; 166(1):132-8. View Abstract
  28. White matter microstructure and cognition in adolescents with congenital heart disease. J Pediatr. 2014 Nov; 165(5):936-44.e1-2. View Abstract
  29. Predictors of abdominal pain in depressed pediatric inflammatory bowel disease patients. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2014 Aug; 20(8):1329-40. View Abstract
  30. Psychiatric disorders and function in adolescents with d-transposition of the great arteries. J Pediatr. 2014 Oct; 165(4):760-6. View Abstract
  31. Response. Chest. 2014 Jun; 145(6):1439. View Abstract
  32. Randomized efficacy trial of two psychotherapies for depression in youth with inflammatory bowel disease. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2014 Jul; 53(7):726-35. View Abstract
  33. Predictors of depression in youth with Crohn disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2014 May; 58(5):569-73. View Abstract
  34. Depression subtypes in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2014 May; 58(5):574-81. View Abstract
  35. Psychiatric functioning and quality of life in young patients with cardiac rhythm devices. Pediatrics. 2014 Apr; 133(4):e964-72. View Abstract
  36. Adolescents with tetralogy of Fallot: neuropsychological assessment and structural brain imaging. Cardiol Young. 2015 Feb; 25(2):338-47. View Abstract
  37. Quality of life and parental adjustment in pediatric pulmonary hypertension. Chest. 2014 Feb; 145(2):237-244. View Abstract
  38. Promoting coping in children facing pediatric surgery. Semin Pediatr Surg. 2013 Aug; 22(3):134-8. View Abstract
  39. Enhancing working relationships between parents and surgeons. Semin Pediatr Surg. 2013 Aug; 22(3):139-43. View Abstract
  40. Parent and young adult satisfaction with psychiatry consultation services in a children's hospital. Psychosomatics. 2013 Nov-Dec; 54(6):575-84. View Abstract
  41. Adolescents with D-transposition of the great arteries repaired in early infancy demonstrate reduced white matter microstructure associated with clinical risk factors. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2013 Sep; 146(3):543-9.e1. View Abstract
  42. Promoting scholarship during child and adolescent psychiatry residency. Acad Psychiatry. 2012 Nov 01; 36(6):443-7. View Abstract
  43. Longitudinal results of cognitive behavioral treatment for youths with inflammatory bowel disease and depressive symptoms. J Clin Psychol Med Settings. 2012 Sep; 19(3):329-37. View Abstract
  44. Implementing a global child mental health observership program in a children's hospital: lessons learned. Acad Psychiatry. 2012 Jul 01; 36(4):330-4. View Abstract
  45. Using the Children's Depression Inventory in youth with inflammatory bowel disease: support for a physical illness-related factor. Compr Psychiatry. 2012 Nov; 53(8):1194-9. View Abstract
  46. Adolescents with d-transposition of the great arteries corrected with the arterial switch procedure: neuropsychological assessment and structural brain imaging. Circulation. 2011 Sep 20; 124(12):1361-9. View Abstract
  47. Psychiatric concerns in pediatric epilepsy. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2011 Aug; 58(4):973-88, xii. View Abstract
  48. A competency-based model for research training during psychiatry residency. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2011 Mar-Apr; 19(2):78-85. View Abstract
  49. Family functioning and posttraumatic stress symptoms in youth and their parents after unintentional pediatric injury. J Trauma Stress. 2010 Dec; 23(6):807-10. View Abstract
  50. Adaptive phase I study of OROS methylphenidate treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav. 2010 Jul; 18(3):229-37. View Abstract
  51. Psychiatric concerns in pediatric epilepsy. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2010 Apr; 19(2):371-86, x. View Abstract
  52. Use of a virtual community as a psychosocial support system in pediatric transplantation. Pediatr Transplant. 2010 Mar; 14(2):261-7. View Abstract
  53. Textbook of Pediatric Psychosomatic Medicine. 2010. View Abstract
  54. Psychiatry morbidity and mortality rounds: implementation and impact. Acad Psychiatry. 2009 Sep-Oct; 33(5):383-8. View Abstract
  55. Practice parameter for the psychiatric assessment and management of physically ill children and adolescents. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2009 Feb; 48(2):213-33. View Abstract
  56. Profile of depression in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease: implications for treatment. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2009 Jan; 15(1):69-74. View Abstract
  57. Psychological and quality-of-life issues in the young patient with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator. Heart Rhythm. 2009 Jan; 6(1):130-2. View Abstract
  58. A doubtful guest: managed care and mental health. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2008 Jan; 17(1):53-66, viii-ix. View Abstract
  59. Factitious disorder by proxy: pediatric condition falsification. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 2008; 16(4):215-24. View Abstract
  60. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease and subsyndromal depression. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Oct; 46(10):1290-1298. View Abstract
  61. Tolerability of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in thirty-nine children under age seven: a retrospective chart review. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2007 Apr; 17(2):165-74. View Abstract
  62. Psychiatric disorders and behavioral characteristics of pediatric patients with both epilepsy and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Epilepsy Behav. 2007 May; 10(3):384-8. View Abstract
  63. Prospective open-label pilot trial of mirtazapine in children and adolescents with social phobia. J Anxiety Disord. 2008; 22(1):88-97. View Abstract
  64. Parenting stress and parental post-traumatic stress disorder in families after pediatric heart transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant. 2007 Feb; 26(2):120-6. View Abstract
  65. Case study: longitudinal treatment of adolescents with depression and inflammatory bowel disease. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2006 Apr; 45(4):396-400. View Abstract
  66. Depression experience journal: a computer-based intervention for families facing childhood depression. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2006 Feb; 45(2):158-165. View Abstract
  67. Clinical Manual of Pediatric Psychosomatic Medicine. Mental Health Consultation With Physically Ill Children and Adolescents. 2006. View Abstract
  68. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for depression in adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease: a pilot study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2004 Dec; 43(12):1469-77. View Abstract
  69. The longitudinal impact of psychological functioning, medical severity, and family functioning in pediatric heart transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant. 2004 Apr; 23(4):473-80. View Abstract
  70. Psychosocial factors and quality of life in children and adolescents with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. Am J Cardiol. 2004 Mar 01; 93(5):582-7. View Abstract
  71. Use of a computer-based application in a pediatric hemodialysis unit: a pilot study. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2003 Apr; 42(4):493-6. View Abstract
  72. Depression and anxiety in adults with congenital heart disease: a pilot study. Heart Lung. 2003 Mar-Apr; 32(2):105-10. View Abstract
  73. NASPE Expert Consensus Conference: Radiofrequency catheter ablation in children with and without congenital heart disease. Report of the writing committee. North American Society of Pacing and Electrophysiology. Pacing Clin Electrophysiol. 2002 Jun; 25(6):1000-17. View Abstract
  74. Consultation-liaison psychiatry: a longitudinal and integrated approach. Am J Psychiatry. 2002 Mar; 159(3):373-8. View Abstract
  75. Future of technology to augment patient support in hospitals. Stud Health Technol Inform. 2002; 80:231-44. View Abstract
  76. A case series of eight aggressive young children treated with risperidone. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 2002; 12(4):337-45. View Abstract
  77. Using process evaluation to describe a hospital-based clinic for children coping with medical stressors. J Pediatr Psychol. 2001 Oct-Nov; 26(7):407-15. View Abstract
  78. Illness-related concerns of mothers of children with congenital heart disease. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2001 Jul; 40(7):847-54. View Abstract
  79. The prenatal visit. Pediatrics. 2001 Jun; 107(6):1456-8. View Abstract
  80. Zora: a pilot virtual community in the pediatric dialysis unit. Stud Health Technol Inform. 2001; 84(Pt 1):800-4. View Abstract
  81. Bispectral index monitoring in children undergoing mild hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. Paediatr Anaesth. 2001; 11(5):567-73. View Abstract
  82. Implementation of an electronic medical record system in a pediatric psychopharmacology program. Int J Med Inform. 2000 Jul; 57(2-3):109-16. View Abstract
  83. The experience journal: a computer-based intervention for families facing congenital heart disease. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2000 Jun; 39(6):727-34. View Abstract
  84. Psychological functioning in children and adolescents undergoing radiofrequency catheter ablation. Psychosomatics. 2000 Mar-Apr; 41(2):134-9. View Abstract
  85. Postoperative recovery in children after minimum versus full-length sternotomy. Ann Thorac Surg. 2000 Feb; 69(2):591-6. View Abstract
  86. Experience journals: using computers to share personal stories about illness and medical intervention. Stud Health Technol Inform. 1998; 52 Pt 2:1325-9. View Abstract
  87. Case study: seizure disorder presenting as panic disorder with agoraphobia. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1997 Sep; 36(9):1295-8. View Abstract
  88. What do I say to my surviving children? J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1997 Sep; 36(9):1299-302. View Abstract
  89. Sertraline treatment of transition-associated anxiety and agitation in children with autistic disorder. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 1997; 7(1):9-15. View Abstract
  90. A psychiatric consultant's survival guide to the pediatric intensive care unit. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1996 Oct; 35(10):1411-3. View Abstract
  91. Use of risperidone in psychotic disorder following ischemic brain damage. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. 1996; 6(1):75-8. View Abstract
  92. Impact of psychologic functioning, medical severity, and family functioning in pediatric heart transplantation. J Heart Lung Transplant. 1995 Nov-Dec; 14(6 Pt 1):1102-8. View Abstract
  93. Current perspectives on the pharmacotherapy of depressive disorders in children and adolescents. Harv Rev Psychiatry. 1995 Mar-Apr; 2(6):313-26. View Abstract
  94. The role of maternal factors in the adaptation of children with craniofacial disfigurement. Cleft Palate Craniofac J. 1995 Jan; 32(1):55-61. View Abstract
  95. Depressive disorders and suicidal intent in adolescent suicide attempters. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 1994 Apr; 15(2):74-7. View Abstract
  96. Adjunctive clonazepam treatment of tic symptoms in children with comorbid tic disorders and ADHD. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1994 Mar-Apr; 33(3):394-9. View Abstract
  97. Psychopathology in the families of children and adolescents with borderline personality disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 1993 Dec; 150(12):1832-5. View Abstract
  98. Developmental differences in detection and disclosure of sexual abuse. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1993 Sep; 32(5):920-4. View Abstract
  99. Physical and sexual abuse histories among children with borderline personality disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 1992 Dec; 149(12):1723-6. View Abstract
  100. An integrated medical and psychiatric approach to conversion symptoms in a four-year-old. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1992 Nov; 31(6):1095-7. View Abstract
  101. Recruitment and training of child and adolescent psychiatry residents from pediatrics. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1992 Nov; 31(6):1100-4. View Abstract
  102. The impact of maternal perceptions and medical severity on the adjustment of children with congenital heart disease. J Pediatr Psychol. 1991 Apr; 16(2):137-49. View Abstract
  103. Psychological functioning in children with cyanotic heart defects. J Dev Behav Pediatr. 1990 Dec; 11(6):289-94. View Abstract
  104. Depression in a pediatric intensive care unit nursing staff. Crit Care Med. 1990 Jun; 18(6):669-72. View Abstract
  105. Children's competence to consent to medical procedures. Pediatrician. 1990; 17(2):68-73. View Abstract
  106. Combining fluoxetine with desipramine. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1990 Jan; 29(1):151. View Abstract
  107. Staff groups in a pediatric hospital: content and coping. Am J Orthopsychiatry. 1982 Oct; 52(4):712-718. View Abstract
  108. Effect of electroconvulsive therapy on serum isoenzymes. Am J Psychiatry. 1980 May; 137(5):625-6. View Abstract
  109. Grief-resolution therapy: reliving, revising, and revisiting. Am J Psychother. 1980 Jan; 34(1):51-61. View Abstract

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