Psychology

Tips to share with patients who struggle to sleep well

How to sleep well: The science of sleeping smarter, living better and being productive, by Neil Stanley.…

Non-drug approaches should be prioritised when treating agitation in Alzheimer’s disease, says expert panel

Non-pharmacological treatment should be favoured over drugs for the management of agitation and aggression in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, according to global experts in the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.…

MDMA could enhance psychotherapy outcomes in people with PTSD

Research has shown ‘marked improvements’ in PTSD symptoms after MDMA use during psychotherapy.…

SSRIs quicker than SNRIs at improving anxiety symptoms in young people

Research has shown that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors used to treat paediatric anxiety disorders offer greater improvements than selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.…

Nocebo: the placebo effect’s evil twin

The little-known nocebo effect, where negative expectations about treatment lead to side effects, can have a huge impact on clinical outcomes. It is important that healthcare professionals are aware of the nocebo effect and talk to patients about their medicines in a balanced way so as to try to min…

A fascinating insight into sleep and health

Why We Sleep: The New Science of Sleep and Dreams, by Matthew Walker…

Online programme recommended by NICE for adults with depression

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended an online and mobile programme for adults with mild to moderate depression to be trialled…

Antidepressant use during pregnancy increases risk of psychiatric disorders in children

Children of mothers who used antidepressants before and/or during pregnancy are at an increased risk of being diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder, according to a study published in the The BMJ.…

Dutch tapering kits website investigated by Dutch Health Care Inspectorate

Public health inspectors are investigating the recently launched English-language version of a Netherlands-based website selling tapering kits to patients, which help to wean them off antidepressants and other psychiatric drugs.…

NICE recommends £3-a-day IBS drug for NHS patients in secondary care

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has recommended eluxadoline (Truberzi, Allergan) to be funded on the NHS to treat patients with irritable bowel syndrome and diarrhoea (IBS-D) in secondary care.…