Pathological gambling is defined by DSM-IV as a disorder of impulse control which includes a preoccupation with gambling, failed attempts to reduce gambling, and restlessness or irritability when prevented from gambling. It is likely to be reclassified as an addictive disorder in DSM-V. Gambling is something that most adults dabble in from time to time. [read the full story…]
Much of the research about depression in children and adolescents focuses on how to treat the illness during the acute phase. This review from the Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Review Group is more concerned with the ways in which interventions can be used to prevent relapse or recurrence of depressive disorders. The review looks specifically at two [read the full story…]
Elimination of bacteria from the root canal is a key aim of root canal treatment (RoCT). The aim of this study was to compare the results of a non-activated single-irrigation protocol (NAI) that used only 1% Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) with a passive ultrasonic multi-irrigation protocol (PUI) that used 1% NaOCl, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and [read the full story…]
October saw one new Cochrane protocol published on the Cochrane Library which slipped passed the Elf’s gaze. Cope A, Francis N, Wood F, Mann MK, Chestnutt IG. Systemic antibiotics for symptomatic apical periodontitis and acute apical abscess in adults (Protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012, Issue 10. Art. No.: CD010136. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010136. The principal [read the full story…]
Tooth extraction is probably the most commonly conducted surgical procedure. Teeth are normally extracted because of severe dental caries or periodontal (gum) infection, although they are also removed because they are poorly aligned or developed. To aim of this Cochrane review was to determine the effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on the development of infectious complications [read the full story…]
It has been estimates that 20% to 30% of the adult population will experience temporomandibular joint dysfunction. The aim of this study was to assess the short-term efficacy of two treatments for patients with permanently displaced discs and temporomandibular disorder (TMD) pain. Adult patients( ≥ 18) with TMD pain and disk displacement without reduction (DDwoR) [read the full story…]
Early intensive behavioural intervention (EIBI) involves 20-40 hours of individualised instruction each week for children with autism. The therapy usually begins at age 4 or younger and continues for 2-3 years. The technique was pioneered by Dr. Ivar Lovaas and colleagues in the 1970s. A new systematic review from the Cochrane Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems [read the full story…]
The Journal of the American Dental Association has published an appraisal of a 2011 review by Aguilar & Linsuwanont under the auspices of the American Dental Association Center for Evidence-Based Dentistry. The review looked at whether vital pulp therapy is successful in permanent teeth. The appraiser considered that search strategy was thorough although the included [read the full story…]
Fissure sealants have been available since the 1960’s and a 2008 Cochrane review by Ahovuo-Saloranta et al highlighted their effectiveness for preventing occlusal caries noting that their effectiveness is obvious in high caries risk children. The aim of this new study by Muller-Bolla et al, was to assess their effectiveness in a school-based dental sealant [read the full story…]
There are many different antidepressants to choose from when treating acute depression, so it’s always helpful to see a systematic review that looks at the efficacy, acceptability and tolerability of the different drugs. This new Cochrane review compares duloxetine hydrochloride (one of the newer drugs) with other antidepressants and finds little high quality evidence upon [read the full story…]
