Behind The Medical Headlines aims to provide the public and health professionals with equitable access to authoritative and independent commentaries from leading medical experts on articles or news items which appear in the media in an attempt to reduce the confusion which can often arise from conflicting, incomplete or misleading media reports of medical areas. Published articles cover a diverse range of areas and are intended to provide a longer term overview rather than an instant response.
Latest articles
Alternatives to antidepressants: a review of the non-pharmacological management of depression
In recent years there has been a growth in interest in non-pharmacological treatments for depression from patients, professionals and government, with concern about the rising use of antidepressants alongside questions about antidepressant efficacy and a stronger evidence base for some non-pharmacological interventions. In this companion article to our popular article on the pros and cons of SSRI anti-depressants,Consultant psychiatrist Eleanor Halloran looks at the available options. Read…
Eating disorders: bulimia nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by an intense dread of fat and an irrestible craving for food, resulting in a cycle of binges and purging. In the second of two linked article on eating disorders, Drs Dichelle Wong and Katharine Logan discuss the prevalence, causes, diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Read…
Eating disorders: anorexia nervosa
Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder characterised by a distorted body image, resulting in a self-imposed low-weight threshold. In the first of two linked articles on eating disorders, Drs Dichelle Wong and Katharine Logan review this serious and potentially life-threatening illness, and discuss common myths surrounding the condition, as well as its causes, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Read…
Methadone for the treatment of opioid dependence
Methadone has been in use since the 1960s as an effective medication for opioid dependency - particularly heroin. In this article Dr Malcolm Bruce and Dr Siobhan Morris look at the treatment regimes for methadone, together with its side effects, interactions with other drugs and risks. Read…
Smoking cessation
Stopping smoking is the single most important action smokers can take to improve their health. In this article, Professor Linda Bauld and Ms Lucy Hackshaw from the UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies review the available treatment options and their efficacy. Read…
