People with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) often struggle to interact socially in the same way as everyone else. Recognising emotions and communicating can be very difficult for them. One approach that has grown in popularity is social skills groups, which aim to improve social competence, communication skills and quality of life for people with ASD. [read the full story…]
Citalopram (brand names: Cipramil and Celexa) is an antidepressant drug in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It was one of the first SSRIs to come onto the market over 20 years ago and is available as tablets and as oral drops that are taken in a juice drink. There are lots of antidepressants [read the full story…]
Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BONJ) is a recently recognised condition with reports surfacing in 2003. BONJ defined as exposed, necrotic bone in the maxilla or mandible that has persisted for more than eight weeks in patients taking bisphosphonates and where there has been no history of radiation therapy to the jaw. It has been [read the full story…]
Oral Ulcers occur more frequently, last longer and produce more painful symptoms in HIV-infected adults. Aphthous ulcers are generally classified as major, minor or herpetiform. Major ulcers can exceed 3cm in diameter and can develop into large necrotic lesions. Major ulcers are seen more commonly in HIV-infected than non-infected adults. The aim of this Cochrane [read the full story…]
This is perfect timing from the chaps at the Cochrane Depression, Anxiety and Neurosis Group. After all the hubbub about exercise and depression a few weeks ago, it’s great to read an updated version of their systematic review that looks at the effectiveness of exercise in the treatment of depression. The review looked for randomised [read the full story…]
Protocols for two new systematic reviews from the Oral Health Group have been published on the Cochrane Library for July. Eberhard J, Sandmann T, Marinho VCC, Dommisch H, Jepsen S, Stiesch M, Geurtsen W. Chlorhexidine versus topical fluoride treatment for the prevention and management of dental caries in children and adolescents (Protocol). Cochrane Database of [read the full story…]
The subjective sensation of dry mouth or xerostomia is a common symptom and estimates of the prevalence vary from 10-50%. The Cochrane Collaboration published systematic of topical treatments for reducing the effects of dry mouth in 2011(Furness et al). Recently the American Dental Association’s Evidence-based Dentistry Center have published a critical summary of this review [read the full story…]
In Europe the first mass produced bristle toothbrushes came into use in the 18th Century. Although hog bristle brushes were reported in China during the Tang Dynasty (619-907). Today nylon toothbrushes are in widespread use and manual brushes come in a wide range of brush head sizes with multiple tufts often angled in different directions. [read the full story…]
We know that people with schizophrenia who adhere to their treatment are more likely to experience sustained periods of time without psychotic symptoms. However, lots of patients find it hard to stick to the prescribed medication, so doctors sometimes recommend alternative treatments to try and encourage adherence. Long-acting intramuscular injections are one option available to [read the full story…]
Borderline personality disorder (BPD) affects our mood and our ability to interact with others. It’s one of the most common personality disorders, affecting around 2% of the population. People with BPD often have other mental health conditions such as substance misuse problems, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders or other personality disorders. Many people with [read the full story…]
