Keith Laws looks at a systematic review of patient and study characteristics, which asks: are randomised controlled trials on pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy for positive symptoms of schizophrenia comparable?
[read the full story...]Depression in later life: healthcare professionals’ views about referrals and management
Alison McKinlay summarises a literature review of qualitative research exploring healthcare professionals’ views of depression in later life, which highlights the quandaries faced by healthcare professionals in primary care, particularly in areas where funding and access to services are limited.
[read the full story...]Can a ‘personalised psychosocial toolbox’ help people reduce ‘on-top’ drug use during opioid substitution treatment?
Vicky Carlisle summarises a promising recent RCT on the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of an adjunctive personalised psychosocial intervention in treatment-resistant maintenance opioid agonist therapy.
[read the full story...]Psychotherapy for adult depression: is it as good as it’s cracked up to be?
Ellie Gant summarises a meta-analysis that asks: Was Eysenck right after all? A reassessment of the effects of psychotherapy for adult depression. The paper suggests that we seriously overestimate the benefits of psychotherapy by including biased trials in meta-analyses, and that there’s insufficient reliable research to be certain about the effectiveness of problem-solving therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy and behavioural activation.
[read the full story...]Can interventions help to improve social functioning in youth at risk of psychosis?
Carla McEnery summarises a systematic review and meta-analysis of interventions and social functioning in youth at risk of psychosis.
[read the full story...]Alternatives to medication for children and young people with ADHD
Joff Jones summarises a recent systematic review, which looks at the evidence for a wide range of non-pharmacological treatments for ADHD. The review finds the strongest evidence for diet, child/parent training and behavioural interventions.
[read the full story...]Youth suicide prevention research needs a shake-up: lives depend on it
Pooky Knightsmith appraises a systematic review and meta-analysis entitled: “What Works in Youth Suicide Prevention?”. She is disappointed that the review does not answer the question it sets, but sees this as a call to action for better quality research to help save lives.
[read the full story...]A psychological victory for the domestic violence and abuse sector: the PATH trial
Emma Yapp summarises two new studies out yesterday looking at the PATH intervention (Psychological Advocacy Towards Healing), a CBT-informed psychological intervention delivered by trained domestic violence and abuse (DVA) advocates in specialist services.
[read the full story...]Preventing psychosis: no one intervention is better than the rest
A group of UCL Mental Health Masters students summarise a recent network meta-analysis that highlights a lack of evidence about specific interventions for preventing psychosis.
[read the full story...]Is third-wave CBT good value?
Chris Sampson summarises a systematic review on the economic impact of third-wave cognitive behavioural therapies, such as mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, extended behavioural activation, dialectical behaviour therapy, and mindfulness-based stress reduction.
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