Mental Health
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most misunderstood medical conditions. Despite a plethora of scientific evidence, it is still being regarded by some as a diagnostic excuse for appalling childhood behaviour due to inadequate or inappropriate parenting. In this article Dr Fiona Forbes, an expert in child and adolescent psychiatry, provides an overview to aid the diagnosis and treatment of this much misperceived condition. (Image - © istockphoto.com) Read…
The pros and cons of SSRI antidepressants
The new generation of anti-depressants, SSRIs, were hailed as wonder drugs when they were first developed, but, in recent years, there has been much concern about possible withdrawal symptoms and a possible link between SSRI use and an increase in suicidal thoughts. How concerned should we be about SSRIs? Dr George Masterton reviews the evidence. (Image - © istockphoto.com) Read…
Womb Flu link to Schizophrenia
Research and media reports have suggested that individuals whose mothers contracted flu during pregnancy are at increased risk from developing schizophrenia in later life. How strong is this link and what, if any, impact should this have on immunisation programmes? Dr Donald MacIntyre and Dr Douglas Blackwood review the evidence. Read…
Cannabis
Cannabis is a psychoactive drug prepared from the plant Cannabis sativa. Its recreational use is widespread despite being illegal in most Western countries. Concern about the psychiatric effects of cannabis use outweighs concern for the drug’s physical toxicity, and largely underpins its continuing illegality, including the recent UK decision to reclassify it. In this article Drs Margot Nolan and Stephen Potts provide an informative overview of the main issues associated with cannabis use.
New warnings on the use of antipsychotic agents in the elderly with dementia
The use of antipsychotic drugs is common in the care of the elderly with dementia and associated behavioural problems, but until recently none of these agents had marketing authorisation for this indication. Medicines regulators have recognised this off-label use and issued warnings about the special risks posed to the elderly. The increased risk of stroke has been reflected in product information for five years, but recent attention has shifted to mortality risk. Professor Angus Mackay, a board member on the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, looks at the evidence behind the regulatory advice.
