Smartphone apps in mental healthcare: the state of the art and potential developments [Articles]
This article gives an overview of the current use in psychiatry of smartphone apps aimed at patients and the general public, highlighting associated benefits and disadvantages. It also outlines how practising psychiatrists could embrace such technologies at an individual, organisational and national level. (Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - September 1, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Zhang, M. W. B., Ho, C. S. H., Cheok, C. C. S., Ho, R. C. M. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
The basics of economic evaluation in mental healthcare [Articles]
This article outlines some of the key concepts and issues in the economic evaluation of mental healthcare. (Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - September 1, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Shearer, J., Byford, S. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Pharmacological management of antipsychotic-induced akathisia: an update and treatment algorithm [Refreshment]
Akathisia is a common and distressing side-effect of antipsychotic medication. The treatment of this condition is difficult and options are limited. This review of the literature was performed to develop an evidence-based algorithm for the management of antipsychotic-induced akathisia. There is limited high-level evidence to support the use of anticholinergics. Centrally acting β-adrenergic antagonists are potential treatments, although their use is limited by troublesome side-effects. Long-acting benzodiazepines and mirtazapine are potential well-tolerated treatments for the acute management of akathisia. (Source: Ad...
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - September 1, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Jethwa, K. D. Tags: Refreshment Source Type: research
Schizophrenia in children and adolescents [Articles]
This article summarises new research, together with core features, course and outcome of schizophrenia with onset in childhood and adolescence, and investigates its neurobiology and continuity into adult life. It concludes that, in conformity with other disorders of childhood, adult-based diagnostic criteria have validity in adolescence. Sadly, the disorder has a poorer outcome when onset is in youth. (Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - September 1, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Hollis, C. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Serotonin syndrome: a spectrum of toxicity [Articles]
Serotonin syndrome (serotonin toxicity or serotonin toxidrome) is a potentially serious and theoretically predictable reaction that appears to be rarely diagnosed in practice in the UK. Some symptoms of serotonin syndrome overlap with features of other presentations in psychiatry and thus may be misattributed to mental illness (‘diagnostic overshadowing’). Further, there may be diagnostic dilemmas in patients on combinations of drugs, those receiving drugs with previously unknown serotonergic properties or where there are drug interactions. Prescriber vigilance and holistic review of the patient, including the ...
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - September 1, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Ellahi, R. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
New approaches to treating resistant depression [Articles]
This article updates evidence on recommended treatment strategies and reviews the prospects of more experimental approaches. The main pharmacological development in recent years has been the demonstration that several atypical antipsychotic drugs are effective adjunctive agents in improving symptoms in depression unresponsive to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, although their adverse effect burden is high. There is optimism about novel pharmacological strategies based on glutamatergic and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. It is important to combine drug and psychological treatments whenever possible. With persistent th...
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - September 1, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Cowen, P. J., Anderson, I. M. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
But when can I go home?: COMMENTARY ON... RESIDENCE CAPACITY [Commentary]
Assessment of mental capacity is, or should be, a regular part of daily clinical practice in general hospitals. It is both particularly important and potentially complex in relation to an older person with dementia wishing to return home despite concern over perceived risk. Case law provides some guidance, but an ethical duty remains for clinicians to develop and hone their professional judgement in this increasingly important area of practice. (Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - September 1, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Findlay, D. J. Tags: Commentary Source Type: research
Residence capacity: its nature and assessment [Articles]
This article discusses the importance of residence capacity – an individual’s mental capacity to decide where they should live – and suggests how it should be assessed. People with dementia or intellectual disabilities, as well as those with other mental disorders, are sometimes required to make this decision. Assessments of capacity must be conducted with considerable care, given the implications for the individual and for their human rights. The assessment must be objective and functional: the assessor must be able specifically to demonstrate a lack of decision-making ability. Yet assessments of capacit...
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - September 1, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Hughes, J. C., Poole, M., Louw, S. J., Greener, H., Emmett, C. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
The expert witness and the criminal courts: COMMENTARY ON...WHEN IS AN EXPERT NOT AN EXPERT? [Commentary]
This piece seeks to complement Professor Rix’s article on expert competence and professional misconduct by examining a related issue, namely the increasingly strict approach of the criminal courts to the reception of expert evidence. It considers recent case law, rules of procedure and legislation, and addresses both the admissibility of expert evidence and the duties of expert witnesses. (Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - September 1, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Hirst, M. Tags: Commentary Source Type: research
When is an expert not an expert? Question time for expert psychiatric witnesses [Articles]
This article uses an in-depth analysis of these cases and details of some other medical regulatory cases to draw out some lessons for potential medical expert witnesses. Although the most recent judgment in Pool leaves a number of unanswered questions, steps are identified that may be taken to reduce the risk of regulatory investigation by the General Medical Council. (Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - September 1, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Rix, K. J. B. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Internet-delivered therapy for anxiety disorders: a solution to unequal access to treatment?: COMMENTARY ON... COCHRANE CORNER [Round the corner]
Anxiety disorders are common, often have a chronic course and frequently coexist with other psychiatric disorders. Psychological therapy is recommended as first-line treatment, but equitable access remains a challenge. This month’s Cochrane Corner review assesses the evidence for the efficacy of therapist-supported cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) for anxiety disorders delivered via the internet. Although internet delivery of therapy is attractive for many reasons, and the results of this preliminary review suggest that it is efficacious, this is a rapidly expanding field. Further updates of this review will...
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - September 1, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Attenburrow, M. J., Smith, K. Tags: Round the corner Source Type: research
Therapist-supported internet cognitive-behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in adults [Cochrane Corner]
(Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - September 1, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Olthuis, J. V., Watt, M. C., Bailey, K., Hayden, J. A., Stewart, S. H. Tags: Cochrane Corner Source Type: research
New from CPD Online [CPD Online]
(Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - September 1, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Tags: CPD Online Source Type: research
Cancer, the mind and the person: what we know about the causes of cancer [Articles]
At a time when patients are challenged to cope adaptively with both the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, clinicians need to respond appropriately to the many inevitable questions about the causes of cancer and contributing factors, including ‘Is this my fault?’. The evidence guiding answers to such questions has been confounded by many methodological challenges, but personality, stress and life events are no longer considered causes of cancer. However, social isolation, untreated depression and social deprivation continue to influence quality of life and reduce cancer survival times. Psychiatry might play a r...
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - July 1, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Kissane, D. W., Al-Asady, Y. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Working with probation services and mentally disordered offenders [Articles]
This article aims to promote awareness of joint working between probation and mental health services and the role of approved premises. It also describes a successful example of such joint working at Elliott House, approved premises for mentally disordered offenders in Birmingham, UK. (Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - July 1, 2015 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Bourne, R., Rajput, R., Field, R. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
