This systematic review set out to look at the efficacy of atypical antipsychotic medication, also known as second generation antipsychotics, commonly used in the treatment of schizophrenia. There continues to be debate around whether these second-generation medications are safer or more effective than typical antipsychotics as they still can produce severe side effects. Other posts [read the full story…]
A new systematic review conducted by a research team from Leicester suggests that psychiatrists are failing to carry out physical health checks for metabolic complications common in patients with mental illness, in particular those who are prescribed antipsychotics. Many hospitals now have guidelines in place to ensure that patients on antipsychotics are monitored to check [read the full story…]
The authors of this paper set out to look at rates of sexual abuse and interpersonal trauma in people with learning disability. They hoped to explore the relationship between such trauma and psychological distress and to describe a psychotherapeutic intervention for such people. The findings from a review of the literature suggested an inverse relationship [read the full story…]
The aim of this trial was to determine the effectiveness of a new product, MI Paste Plus (GC America, Alsip, Ill), in the prevention or reduction of white spot lesions in orthodontic patients. 60 patients aged 12 and over who were undergoing routine orthodontic treatment were randomized to receive either M1 paste (n=26) or placebo [read the full story…]
Two new systematic review protocols have been published in the Cochrane Library recently. This indicates research in progress, of course, and we would not expect results to be published for some time. However, people who are investigating these topic areas may like to know that a review is under way. The full text of each [read the full story…]
Pica refers to eating objects which are inedible. In people with learning disabilities this may manifest itself as ingesting specific objects, or it may be indiscriminate. The Challenging Behaviour Foundation has produced a factsheet with further information. This review set out to look at the existing literature on treatment of pica. The author uses the [read the full story…]
Most people suffer with inflamed gums for time to time. However, approximately 10% of the population suffer from more severe gum problems (periodontitis) leading to loss of bone supporting the teeth and potentially loss of teeth. The aim of this review was to assess the effectiveness of combined amoxicillin and metronidazole (AMX/MET) as an adjunctive [read the full story…]
This paper set out to describe the value of using family systems theory as a meta-theory in psychotherapy with people with persons with learning disabilities and their families at different stages of the family life cycle. Family systems theory views the family as an emotional unit and uses systems thinking to describe the complex interactions [read the full story…]
NICE have published a new guide to help commissioners, clinicians and managers who commission services for people with common mental health disorders. Here’s the blurb from the NICE press release: Approaching the commissioning of mental health services as part of an integrated care pathway and illustrated with service models, the NICE guide for commissioners identifies [read the full story…]
The aim of this review was to assess whether patients undergoing dental implants who receive peri-operative antibiotics have lower failure rather than those not who do not receive antibiotics. The authors searched medline for studies in English with test and control groups . Antibiotic use was classified as a single preoperative dose, a single preoperative [read the full story…]
