MedWorm.com provides a medical RSS filtering service. Over 6000 RSS medical sources are combined and output via different filters. This feed contains the latest items from the 'Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry' source. Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:57:50 +0100 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3277891&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.154 Migrainous vertigoMigraine and vertigo may occur together but there is little evidence to show whether drug treatment is effective. Investigators from Turkey have now evaluated prophylaxis with topiramate 50 or 100mg daily in 30 women meeting published criteria for 'migrainous vertigo' in whom Meniere's disease had been excluded (Headache 2010;50:77-84).Over 24 weeks, topiramate reduced the mean frequency of vertigo attacks compared with pretreatment levels from 8.1 to 2.3 per month and headache frequency from 5.2 to 2.0 per month; it also reduced the severity of both vertigo and headache. There were no significant differences between doses. Adverse effects were common (paraesthesias, fatigue, impaired memory and concentration and decreased appetite), leading four women to discontinue trea... Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3277891 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3277891 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3277890&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.153 Although more quality research is required to inform clinical practice, serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor - noradrenaline and specific serotonergic antidepressant (SNRI-NaSSA) combination therapy shows promise for treatment-resistant depression. Here, Dr Pandarakalam discusses the rationale behind the use of this combination and some of the evidence gained so far for its efficacy. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3277890 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3277890 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3277889&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.152 New Horizons: a shared vision for mental health1 is a cross-government programme of action launched in December 2009, with the aim of improving the mental well-being of people in England as well as the quality of mental health care. Here, Steve Titmarsh reports on the reactions of leading mental health charities Mind and Rethink to the launch of New Horizons. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3277889 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3277889 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3277888&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.151 Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry is running a series of articles on the major psychiatric drug groups, produced in association with the College of Mental Health Pharmacists. In this article, Delia Bishara discusses the use of cognitive enhancers in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias and provides an overview of new treatments in development. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3277888 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3277888 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3277887&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.150 The 2004 NICE technology appraisal defined new standards for the use of newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in children.The aim of this audit was to identify the level of compliance with the NICE guidelines in an epilepsy clinic at a district general hospital in East Kent.The reason why a child was started on a particular AED, the efficacy of the drug of choice and whether the child had appropriate specialist reviews were investigated. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3277887 Tue, 16 Feb 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3277887 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3277886&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.149 Most of us welcome the new direction of travel for mental health advocated by the recently published cross-government action programme New Horizons,1 the 2008 Lord Darzi report High Quality Care for All2 plus the 2007 personalisation agenda Putting People First.3. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3277886 Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0100 3277886 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3081119&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.148 Treatment options for panic disorderSome patients with panic disorder do not respond to first-line treatment with an SSRI and, say US investigators, there is a lack of evidence on which to base subsequent treatment choices (J Clin Psychiatry 2009; October 6 doi:10.4088/JCP.08m04485blu).Their three-phase trial involved initial open-label treatment with sertraline (up to 100mg daily) or escitalopram (up to 15mg daily) for six weeks. Of 39 patients, 20 per cent achieved remission; the others were then randomised to continue with their initial treatment plus placebo or to receive an increased dose of SSRI (up to 200mg daily sertraline or up to 30mg daily escitalopram). After a further six weeks, symptom scores improved in both groups but there was no significant increase in remission rate with... Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3081119 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3081119 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3081118&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.147 Delirium is often underdetected or misdiagnosed within the hospital setting. Here, the authors present the results of their study to assess whether a simple educational programme delivered to nursing staff within their District General Hospital can improve the rate of detection of delirium. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3081118 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3081118 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3081117&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.146 The lecture 'Sleep Disorders - an Update for Psychiatrists' was given by Professor Gregory Stores at the eighth Latest Advances in Psychiatry Symposium in London in March. Professor Stores discussed the fact that sleep disorders can often be misinterpreted as psychiatric disorders, and in this article, he provides more information on this often-neglected topic. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3081117 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3081117 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3081116&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.145 Identifying and treating depression in adults with chronic physical health problems (including neurological disorders) is highlighted in a new clinical guideline from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).1 The new guideline is linked with an updated version of NICE's depression clinical guideline.2 SteveTitmarsh reports from a Press briefing held in London to announce the new guidelines. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3081116 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3081116 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3081115&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.144 Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry is running a series of articles on the major psychiatric drug groups, produced in association with the College of Mental Health Pharmacists. In this article, Stephen Bleakley provides an overview of the main types of anxiety disorder and the efficacy and side-effects of the drugs recommended for the treatment of these disorders. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3081115 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3081115 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3081114&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.143 The Parkinson's Disease Society's 6th Spring Conference for Researchers was held in London in May, entitled 'Parkinson's Disease:The Pieces of the Puzzle'. Here, Dr Lynn Bedford, Parkinson's Disease Society Senior Research Fellow, reports on some of the highlights of the conference, including the latest genetic research, the importance of pre-motor symptoms and the therapeutic potential of the peptide exendin-4, found in the saliva of a poisonous lizard. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3081114 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3081114 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3081113&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.142 In Pregnancy is a series of reviews focusing on the management of women with psychiatric and neurological conditions during pregnancy. In this article, Dr Brookings and Dr Lee describe how pregnancy can affect the course of multiple sclerosis (MS),discuss the safety of MS therapies and highlight other management issues to consider during pregnancy and postpartum. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3081113 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3081113 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=3081112&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.141 In this article, Dr de Silva argues that understanding bias and the application of appropriate safegards to avoid it mark out true professionalism and leadership within medical practice, and describes how this applies within the field of psychiatry in particular. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=3081112 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100 3081112 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2936731&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.140 Lithium and cognition: meta-analysisBipolar disorder has been associated with cognitive impairment but it has been unclear what the contribution of medication may be. US investigators tackled the problem with a metaanalysis. They looked at 12 double-blind trials (from a possible 586 publications) in 539 healthy volunteers or patients (n=326) reporting the cognitive effects of lithium (J Clin Psychiatry 2009;doi:10.4088/ JCP.08r04972). Among patients, the mean duration of lithium use was 3.9 years and the mean serum concentration was 0.82mEq per litre. In volunteers, mean lithium exposure was 2.5 weeks and the mean serum level was 0.78mEq per litre.Lithium was associated with statistically significant but 'mild' impairment of creativity and immediate verbal learning and memory. There were n... Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2936731 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2936731 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2936730&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.139 The pharmacokinetic profile of risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) has lead to specific recommendations for its treatment initiation. A team of Mental Health Nurse Advisers conducted this audit in a cohort of 1647 patients from 32 centres in the UK to assess to what extent treatment with RLAI is initiated according to these recommendations and how this affects treatment adherence. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2936730 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2936730 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2936729&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.138 The Keynote Lecture at the eighth LatestAdvances in Psychiatry Symposium, held in London in March, was given by Professor Gerald Russell, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at the Institute of Psychiatry in London. He noted that eating disorders are sometimes associated with a markedly excess mortality. A high crude mortality rate (2.2 per cent per annum) was recorded in a UK series of compulsorily treated anorexia patients, in keeping with these patients, dogged resistance to treatment.1 While bulimia nervosa may respond to fluoxetine, there is no effective pharmacological treatment for anorexia nervosa. Nevertheless,psychological treatments may improve outcomes in both anorexia and bulimia nervosa, although NICE has only grudgingly recognised their efficacy. Medical writer, Mark Greener, r... Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2936729 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2936729 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2936728&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.137 In Pregnancy is a series of reviews focusing on the management of women with psychiatric and neurological conditions during pregnancy. In this article, Dr MacGregor discusses the effect of pregnancy on migraine and the treatment choices available to women during pregnancy and lactation. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2936728 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2936728 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2936727&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.136 In the April 2008 issue of Progress,we featured an article describing a new technique for improving arm movement following stroke developed at the University of Southampton.The technique involves the use of a robotic workstation delivering precisely controlled electrical stimulation mediated by iterative learning control to improve task performance.Here,the scientists who developed the system discuss the promising results of their pilot clinical study using this technique. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2936727 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2936727 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2936726&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.135 Early and aggressive treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is now regarded as best practice to limit irreversible joint damage. However, in the case of relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), current guidelines recommend that disease modifying therapy should only be initiated in patients with evidence of actively progressing disease. Here, the authors present the key findings of the Programme Identifying and Observing Novel Therapy Adoption in Chronic Diseases (PIONEER) study to examine the reasons for these different management approaches. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2936726 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2936726 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2936725&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.134 Progress is pleased to bring readers key articles from the charity Primary Care Mental Health and Education (Primhe), which covers issues relating particularly to mental health in the primary care setting. On our website, , this month Dr Robinson, a GP with a special interest in mental health,describes how an encounter with a patient led her to re-evaluate her approach to patients with mental health issues. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2936725 Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2936725 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2936724&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.133 When something does not work, we have a tendency to believe we just need to do more of the same, ie try harder. Mental health treatment is an example of this. When our patients fail to heed what we are saying, we often blame them for not listening, instead of asking why they are not compliant to our best intentions. The reality is that, for our patients and society in general, we lack credibility, as there is a general belief that treatments for mental health problems do not work. We reinforce this by maintaining people in secondary care services, rather than actively working to discharge them back into primary care services and the community. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2936724 Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:00:00 +0100 2936724 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2680236&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.132 Antidepressant RCTs meaningful?The Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) trial of sequenced anti-depressant therapy recruited a broad population of patients representative of outpatients with depression seeking treatment. By contrast, most randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have more restrictive eligibility criteria. STAR*D investigators have now used their data to assess the impact of this aspect of trial design (Am J Psychiatry 2009;166:599-67).They divided 2855 STAR*D participants into a group meeting standard eligibility criteria based on HAM-D score >19, lack of comorbidity and duration of current episode less than 24 months (22 per cent) and a second group who did not meet these criteria.Those meeting standard criteria were more likely to be seen in special... Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2680236 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2680236 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2680235&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.131 In the context of a project to benchmark anti-dementia drug prescribing practice against standards derived from evidence-based guidelines, the authors sought to estimate the proportion of people with dementia who were receiving treatment with an anti-dementia drug and whether this varied across Primary Care Trust (PCT) populations.They also explored the relative proportion of prescriptions for each anti-dementia drug, and the source of these prescriptions - GPs,Mental HealthTrusts or acuteTrusts. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2680235 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2680235 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2680234&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.130 In a Pfizer-sponsored satellite meeting at the Latest Advances in Psychiatry Symposium in London in March, Dr David Baldwin, Reader in Psychiatry and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist at University of Southampton, reviewed the drug treatment of generalised anxiety disorder. Medical writer, Mark Greener, reports. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2680234 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2680234 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2680233&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.129 No Abstract. (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2680233 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2680233 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2680232&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.128 In the fourth of this series on the major psychiatric drug groups, Caroline Parker discusses the use of drug treatments in the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including their indications, efficacy, adverse effects and recommended dosing regimens. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2680232 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2680232 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2680231&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.127 Sensory processing disorder (SPD) is a term advocated by some occupational therapists to describe a range of problems that might be amenable to particular treatment strategies, and has mainly been applied within the fields of paediatrics and learning disability.In this article,the authors investigate whether there could be a common ground between borderline personality disorder (BPD) and SPD and describe an extension of the treatment strategies for SPD to those with BPD in their acute inpatient unit. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2680231 Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2680231 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2680230&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.126 No Abstract. (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2680230 Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2680230 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2491881&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.125 Safety of ramelteonThere is great interest in the role of melatonin agonists as treatments for insomnia. Ramelteon is already available in the USA, where it is used to reduce sleep latency associated with primary insomnia. Licensing in Europe has been delayed after the European Medicines Agency questioned its efficacy. Two studies now report on the safety of ramelteon over one year.The first study enrolled 1213 adults taking ramelteon 16mg (18-64 year age group) or 8mg (over-65 years) and were considered compliant if they took it at least three nights per week (J Clin Psychiatry 2009; pii:ej07m03834). In the younger group taking 16mg, 51 per cent discontinued treatment within six months and 62 per cent within 48 weeks; in the older group taking 8mg, the figures were 49 per cent and 58 per ... Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2491881 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2491881 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2491880&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.124 IIn the third of this series on the major psychiatric drug groups, the author discusses the choice and use of mood stabilisers in the management of bipolar affective disorder. Pharmacology, interactions and side-effects, as well as information to give to patients are described. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2491880 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2491880 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2491879&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.123 In a Servier-sponsored satellite meeting at the Latest Advances in Psychiatry Symposium in London in March, Professor Bill Deakin, Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Neuroscience and Psychiatry Unit at the University of Manchester, reviewed a recent addition to the antidepressant armamentarium - agomelatine - a drug that that shows a unique pharmacological profile. Medical writer, Mark Greener, reports. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2491879 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2491879 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2491878&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.122 Progress: Advancing Parkinson's Research, the Parkinson's Disease Society research conference dedicated to showcasing the work of young Parkinson's disease researchers, was held in York in November 2008, attracting nearly 200 delegates. Neil Archibald, Parkinson's Disease Society Research Fellow, reports on some of the highlights of the conference, including stem cell and gene therapy research, the role of Lewy bodies in dementia and the use of deep brain stimulation in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2491878 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2491878 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2491877&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.121 Cluster headache is an excruciatingly painful primary headache syndrome with rapid onset attacks that are relatively short, typically up to three hours. Management strategies involve avoidance of possible triggers to attacks, such as alcohol and naps, and pharmacological treatments aimed at either quickly aborting acute attacks, or preventive therapies to suppress the attacks entirely, or reduce their frequency, severity or duration. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2491877 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2491877 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2491876&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.120 Whether Parkinson's disease (PD) increases mortality remains something of a moot point. Some studies suggest that mortality among PD patients is more than three'fold higher than the death rates in the general population. Other studies suggest there's no difference. Changes in mortality over time are also inconsistent.However,some researchers detect a decline in mortality beginning during the 1970s,around the time that levodopa entered clinical practice.1 Now a new study2 that followed PD patients for 20 years helps clarify this sometimes controversial relationship. Freelance medical writer, Mark Greener, reports. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2491876 Tue, 23 Jun 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2491876 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2491875&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.119 Somatoform disorders, or medically unexplained symptoms, present a significant challenge to the clinician, who needs to establish and reassure the patient that the complaint is not serious, while at the same time try to avoid the symptoms being iatrogenically maintained. Here, Dr Hadler and Dr Poole suggest a practical approach to the management of such disorders. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2491875 Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:00:00 +0100 2491875 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2480327&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.118 'Real life' experience with rivastigmineThe Swedish Alzheimer Treatment Study is a non-blinded investigation of the long-term use of cholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer's disease in routine clinical practice (Acta Neurol Scand 2009;119:180-5). In a subgroup of 217 patients with mild to moderate disease (mean baseline Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score 22.9, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale - cognitive sub-scale (ADAS-cog) 18.5), treatment with rivastigmine was associated with an initial increase in MMSE score at two months, followed by a steady decline with a final difference of 1.84 points below baseline overall at 24 months. There was a corresponding worsening of ADAS-cog scores. However, MMSE and ADAS-cog scores were stable or improved in approximately 40 per cent of pat... Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2480327 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2480327 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2480326&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.117 Medicine taking behaviour in depression is erratic, resulting in poor outcomes and increased cost to society.Indeed,the illness itself has been shown to be a risk factor for poor adherence.The first article of this two-part series (Progress issue 1, 2009) explored poor adherence with antidepressant treatment and effect on outcome. In this article treatment variables that may affect adherence are explored alongside some of the interventions that have been proposed to improve medicine taking behaviour in patients with depression.The effect these had on outcome is examined and recommendations, based on current evidence, are made as to what should be done to improve adherence in depression. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2480326 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2480326 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2480325&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.116 In the second of a new series of articles on the major psychiatric drug groups, produced in association with the College of Mental Health Pharmacists, the author discusses the use of antipsychotics through a review of the clinical literature. Pharmacology, interactions and side-effects as well as drug choice and information to give to patients are discussed. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2480325 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2480325 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2480324&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.115 Few disorders are as devastating as motor neurone disease (MND). Imagine a healthy and alert mind trapped inside a body that cannot move: that's the reality of MND. Mel Barry, Communications Manager at the MND Association, discusses how the association is helping to support and improve the lives of people affected by the illness. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2480324 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2480324 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2480323&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.114 Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug licensed for use in the treatment of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Dr Banerjee describes a study that was carried out over a two-year period in the three ADHD clinics in East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust to evaluate the current practice on the use of atomoxetine in ADHD in children and adolescents. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2480323 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2480323 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2480322&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.113 In Pregnancy is a series of reviews focusing on the management of women with psychiatric and neurological conditions during pregnancy. In this article, Dr Osborne and Dr O'Keane discuss the risks discuss the risk factors for the development of depression during pregnancy, its possible impact on the developing foetus and the current recommended management. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2480322 Fri, 03 Apr 2009 04:00:00 +0100 2480322 http://www.medworm.com/index.php?rid=2480321&cid=s_38756_25_f&fid=38756&url=http%3A%2F%2Fdx.doi.org%2F10.1002%252Fpnp.112 I welcome the Department of Health's National Dementia strategy.1 It rightly encourages early diagnosis in dementia and potetially the identification of a huge number of patients currently not recognised as having dementia. It should, by doing so, bring to attention the severe lack of resources for dementia patients and their carers and start to force the introduction of adequate services for a very needy and under-resourced group. Copyright © 2009 Wiley Interface Ltd (Source: Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry) Progress in Neurology and Psychiatry journals http://www.medworm.com/rss/comments.php?id=2480321 Sun, 01 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100 2480321