The MRCPsych post-2015: preparing trainees and improving courses [Articles]
This article is aimed primarily at psychiatry trainees, MRCPsych course organisers, College tutors, educational supervisors and clinical supervisors. It describes recent changes to the MRCPsych curriculum and examinations and discusses the different approaches that educators can utilise to best help their trainees. We describe how the content of MRCPsych courses can help prepare trainees for both the written papers and the clinical assessment of skills and competencies (CASC). We discuss ways of incorporating patients and carers into course development, innovative approaches using technology to enhance learning, the role o...
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - May 1, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Greening, J., Turner, E., Rees, G., Winkle, C. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
At-risk mental state for psychosis: identification and current treatment approaches [Articles]
The concept of an ‘at-risk mental state’ for psychosis arose from previous work attempting to identify a putative psychosis prodrome. In this article we summarise the current criteria used to identify ‘at-risk’ individuals, such as the ultra-high-risk (UHR) criteria, and the further identification of important clinical risk factors or biomarkers to improve prediction of who might develop a psychotic disorder. We also discuss important ethical issues in classifying and treating at-risk individuals, current treatment trials in this area and what treatment current services can offer. (Source: Advances ...
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - May 1, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Thompson, A., Marwaha, S., Broome, M. R. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
What can we learn from offspring studies in bipolar disorder? [Articles]
We offer a contemporary review of studies of the offspring of parents with bipolar disorder and explore the clinical characteristics of these populations. We discuss how different methodological approaches may influence study findings and may explain some of the heterogeneity in the results reported. We also highlight some of the environmental risk factors that may increase the likelihood of transition from an ‘at-risk’ or high-risk state to bipolar disorder. Last, we briefly discuss the implications of study findings for early intervention strategies and comment on such issues as genetic counselling and primar...
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - May 1, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Loftus, J., Etain, B., Scott, J. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Tourette syndrome in children and adolescents: aetiology, presentation and treatment [Articles]
This article discusses the aetiology of the syndrome, and examines its clinical features and comorbid psychiatric conditions and psychopathologies. Assessment and diagnosis are also discussed. Psychoeducation is a cornerstone of management, augmented with behavioural and/or pharmacological treatments. Newer therapies, such as deep brain stimulation, offer tantalising possibilities, but further research is still needed. (Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - May 1, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Robertson, M. M. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Emerging concepts in therapies for autism spectrum disorder: COMMENTARY ON... DRUG TREATMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER AND ITS COMORBIDITIES IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS [Articles]
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous disorder with clearly recognisable core features, but without reliable biomarkers as yet. It has a high rate of comorbid psychiatric disorders which need to be identified and appropriately treated. Emerging concepts in genetics, patho-biology and outcome measurement have potential to significantly advance the treatment of both ASD and its comorbidities over the following decades. (Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - May 1, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Absoud, M. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Drug treatment of autism spectrum disorder and its comorbidities in children and adolescents [Articles]
This article describes drug treatments that target the core symptoms of ASD and its comorbid conditions in children and adolescents. Difficulties and challenges encountered when treating the most frequent comorbidities are discussed, with emphasis on the safety, tolerability and efficacy of medications. In view of its widespread use, complementary and alternative medicine is also described. (Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - May 1, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Santosh, P. J., Singh, J. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Should early intervention in autism be provided?: COMMENTARY ON... COCHRANE CORNER [Round the corner]
Rates of detected autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are currently rising, and there is a need for effective treatments to manage the symptoms. In this commentary I outline the challenges that autism presents to service delivery and consider a Cochrane review that evaluates one of the best-known classes of treatment for ASD, parent-mediated early intervention. I discuss effect size and bias in the interpretation of the review’s results, and consider also the rationale for low- and high-intensity intervention at both the individual level and, from a public health perspective, at population level. (Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - May 1, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Foreman, D. Tags: Round the corner Source Type: research
Parent-mediated early intervention for young children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) [Cochrane Corner]
(Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - May 1, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Oono, I. P., Honey, E. J., McConachie, H. Tags: Cochrane Corner Source Type: research
New from CPD Online [CPD Online]
(Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - May 1, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Tags: CPD Online Source Type: research
How have systematic reviews and meta-analyses benefited psychiatry?: COMMENTARY ON... THE USEFULNESS AND INTERPRETATION OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS [Commentary]
The article by Smith et al (2016) provides a valuable summary on the usefulness and interpretation of systematic reviews. This commentary adds a discussion of confirmation bias and a summary of some of the most useful influential systematic reviews and meta-analyses in mental health. (Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - March 1, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Mitchell, A. J. Tags: Commentary Source Type: research
The usefulness and interpretation of systematic reviews [Articles]
Keeping up to date with the best evidence on treatment interventions is an essential part of clinical practice, but it can seem an overwhelming task for busy clinicians. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses provide a useful and convenient summary of knowledge and form an essential part of an evidence-based approach to clinical practice. However, these reviews vary in methodology and therefore in the quality of the recommendations they provide. Clinicians need to feel confident in their skills of critical appraisal, so that they can assess the relative merits of systematic reviews. In this article we discuss the strengths a...
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - March 1, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Smith, K. A., Cipriani, A., Geddes, J. R. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
The interface between general adult psychiatry and behavioural neurology/neuropsychiatry [Articles]
This article focuses on the interface between general adult psychiatry and behavioural neurology/neuropsychiatry. Important interface issues include the identification of psychiatric symptoms in patients with organic brain pathology and the remit and organisation of general and specialist services. Options for optimum cooperation are presented alongside practical examples of clinical issues of neuropsychiatric relevance. (Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment)
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - March 1, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Jethwa, K. D., Joseph, V., Khosla, V., Cavanna, A. E. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Alcohol misuse in older people [Articles]
The clinical and public mental health aspects of alcohol misuse in older people (both men and women) have increasing relevance for both old age and addiction psychiatrists. Clinical presentations are often complex and involve a number of different psychiatric, physical and psychosocial factors. The assessment, treatment and aftercare of alcohol-related and comorbid other mental disorders will also involve a broad range of interventions from a wide range of practitioners. Given its growing clinical relevance, there are particular areas, such as alcohol-related brain damage and drug interactions with alcohol, that deserve sp...
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - March 1, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Rao, R., Crome, I. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Impact of parents substance misuse on children: an update [Articles]
We review how research over the past decade both supports existing knowledge about the risk factors that children in the UK affected by parental substance misuse face, and adds to our knowledge about the protective factors, protective processes and evidence of resilience which can reduce the likelihood that children will experience poor outcomes. Further research is needed to understand what areas of resilience are most important to target and how other variables, such as gender or age, may influence how protective factors affect the development of resilience. Longitudinal research is also needed to better understand how a...
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - March 1, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Velleman, R., Templeton, L. J. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
Update on advances in psychiatric treatment in primary care [Articles]
This article updates previous evidence on the role of primary care in the management of depression and related disorders, unexplained physical symptoms, and severe and enduring mental illness. Regarding depression and related disorders, there is now evidence for the benefits of non-medical interventions and collaborative care, providing alternatives to the simplistic over prescription of antidepressant medication. For severe and enduring illness, the emphasis in primary care is now on the effective management of comorbid physical health problems. The article also summarises best practice for the primary care assessment and...
Source: Advances in Psychiatric Treatment - March 1, 2016 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Dowrick, C. Tags: Articles Source Type: research
