Psilocybin-assisted therapy for difficult-to-treat depression: underwhelming, but still vital?

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The EPISODE trial of psychedelic-assisted therapy for ‘treatment-resistant depression’ finds only modest effects, with a few clear responders, but lingering methodological questions.

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MDMA-assisted therapy for depression: a promising but early first step

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A small proof-of-principle trial suggests MDMA-assisted therapy may be feasible and effective for depression, but open-label design and a highly pre-treated sample urge caution.

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When helping hurts: potential harms from CBT and mindfulness in schools

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With classroom mental health programmes on the rise, this review raises an important question: are we doing more harm than good? The evidence suggests universal interventions may not be right for everyone.

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When care causes harm: a systematic review of adverse experiences in mental health wards

By addressing the full spectrum of adverse experiences, mental health services can make strides towards environments that not only prevent harm but actively contribute to the wellbeing and recovery of individuals in their care.

Jessica Griffiths and Una Foye explore a recent qualitative review of adverse mental health inpatient experiences, which proposes a strategic approach to improving service design and delivery, advocating for environments that prioritise patient safety, dignity and respect.

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Articaine-adverse effects in paediatric dental patients

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This review of the effects and adverse reactions between articaine and lidocaine in paediatric dental procedures included 8 RCTS. Three of the included studies were at high risk of bias 2 at low risk and 3 at unclear risk. The findings suggested no difference in adverse effects between the two anaesthetics with the certainty of evidence being assessed as moderate.

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Nocebo response in third molar analgesic trials

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This review estimating the nocebo response in dentistry from trials of analgesic treatment following third molar surgery included data from 50 RCTs. Adverse events (AEs) were roughly the same in placebo and active arms suggesting AEs may be attributed to the nocebo phenomenon.

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Interventions to improve social circumstances among people with mental health conditions

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Andy Bell summarises work by the Mental Health Policy and Research Unit looking at improving the social circumstances of people with mental health conditions. The study finds the most robust and compelling evidence available relates to gaining paid employment and tackling homelessness.

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Digital mental health technologies: useful, usable, and safe?

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Cara Richardson and Stephanie Allan summarise a recent paper focusing on the growing field of digital psychiatry and the future of apps, social media, chatbots, and virtual reality.

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Burning mouth syndrome – topical interventions

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This review assessing the effectiveness of topical interventions in the management of burning mouth syndrome (BMS), based on the core outcome domains recommended by the Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT) includes 8 RCTs and higlights the need to apply standardised outcome measures in future studies.

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Temporomandibular disorders – management with psychological therapies

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This Cochrane review of the effects of psychological therapies in people (aged 12 years and over) with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMD)lasting 3 months or longer included 22 RCTs. Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) was the most frequently studied but overall there was insufficient evidence on which to base a reliable judgement about the efficacy of psychological therapies for painful TMD

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