Cognitive remediation therapy in schizophrenia: Randomised controlled trial

Cognitive remediation therapy in schizophrenia: Randomised controlled trial, The British Journal of Psychiatry, May 2007; 190: 421 - 427.

Full-text article just click on the title above

Abstract: Background Cognitive difficulties are prevalent in people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and are associated with poor long-term functioning. Aims To evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive remediation therapy on cognitive difficulties experienced by people with schizophrenia.

Method Participants with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, a social behaviour problem and a cognitive difficulty (n=85) were randomised to 40 sessions of cognitive remediation or treatment as usual in a single-blind randomised controlled trial. Working memory, cognitive flexibility and planning, were measured at weeks 0,14 and 40.

Results There were durable improvements in working memory (advantage 1.33 points, 95% CI 0.43-2.16, standardised effect size 0.34) as well as an indication of improvement in cognitive flexibility. Memory improvement predicted improvement in social functioning. Costs were lower in the cognitive remediation group following therapy but rose at follow-up. However, cost-effectiveness analyses showed that improvements in memory were achieved at little additional cost.

Conclusions Cognitive remediation therapy is associated with durable improvements in memory, which in turn are associated with social functioning improvements in people with severe mental illness.

Longitudinal studies of cognition in schizophrenia: meta-analysis

Longitudinal studies of cognition in schizophrenia: meta-analysis, The British Journal of Psychiatry, Apr 2008; 192: 248 - 257.

Lancashire care staff log on via Athens for the full-text of this article

Abstract:  Background A wide range of cognitive deficits have been demonstrated in schizophrenia, but their longitudinal course remains unclear.

Aims

To bring together all the available information from longitudinal studies of cognitive performance in people with schizophrenia.

Method

We carried out a meta-analysis of 53 studies. Unlike previous reviewers, we included all studies (regardless of the type of medication), analysed each variable separately and compared results with data from controls.

Results

Participants with schizophrenia showed a significant improvement in most cognitive tasks. The available data for controls showed, with one exception (the Stroop test), a similar or greater improvement. Performance in semantic verbal fluency remained stable in both individuals with schizophrenia and controls.

Conclusions

Participants with schizophrenia displayed improvement in most cognitive tasks, but practice was more likely than cognitive remediation to account for most of the improvements observed. Semantic verbal fluency may be the best candidate cognitive endophenotype.

For the full-text of this article please email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

 

Hawton - Suicide and the Internet

   Suicide and the Internet, Biddle, L., Donovan, J., Hawton, K., Kapur, N., Gunnell, D. 2008  BMJ, 336, 800-802.

Free full-text click on the title above

Abstract: Media reporting of suicide and its fictional portrayal on television are known to influence suicidal behaviour, particularly the choice of method used. Indeed, epidemics of suicides using particular methods have occurred after media portrayal of their use. As some methods of suicide are more likely to cause death than others, such influences may affect the outcome of suicide attempts and national suicide rates.

For the full-text of this article please email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

Service Improvement Guide: Self administration of medicines in Mental Health Trusts

Service Improvement Guide: Self administration of medicines in Mental Health Trusts ,  April 2008, NPC, National Prescribing Centre

Click on the title for the full-text

Abstract:  Welcome to this short guide describing some of the work undertaken through the collaborative
programmes hosted by the Medicines Management Services (MMS) Team based at the National Prescribing Centre (NPC) in Liverpool. Enabling people to make the best possible use of medicines is a
significant challenge faced by society, health care organisations and individuals and we all have a role to play in improving medicines management services. Improving medicines management plays an important role in the Department of Health’s (DH’s) modernisation programme for the NHS.

Can an EASYcare based dementia training programme to improve diagnostic assessment and management of dementia - RCT

   Can an EASYcare based dementia training programme to improve diagnostic assessment and management of dementia by general practitioners and primary care nurses? The design of a randomised controlled trial, BMC Health Services Research 2008, 8:71 doi:10.1186/1472-6963-8-71

For the full-text of this article please click on the Title above

Abstract:

Early diagnosis of dementia benefits both patient and caregiver. Nevertheless, dementia in primary care is currently under-diagnosed. Some educational interventions developed to improve dementia diagnosis and management were successful in increasing the number of dementia diagnoses and in changing attitudes and knowledge of health care staff. However, none of these interventions focussed on collaboration between GPs and nurses in dementia care. We developed an EASYcare-based Dementia Training Program (DTP) aimed at stimulating collaboration in dementia primary care. We expect this program to increase the number of cognitive assessments and dementia diagnoses and to improve attitudes and knowledge of GPs and nurses.

Common core principles to support self care: a guide to support implementation.

Common core principles to support self care: a guide to support implementation. Department of Health, 1st May 2008

Abstract:   Skills for Health and Skills for Care have worked with key stakeholders, including people who use services and carers, to develop a set of ‘Common Core Principles to Support Self Care’. The principles capture best practice in order to support service reform and promote choice, control, independence and participation of people who use services.

Elderly - NHS Choices story on whether limb length affects dementia risk

NHS Choices story on whether limb length affects dementia risk, NLH, May 2008

“Longer limbs ‘mean less risk of dementia’” reads the headline in The Guardian today. It goes on to report that a study in the US followed 2,798 people, with an average age of 72, over a period of five years. It found that women who had longer legs and arms were less likely to develop dementia, while the women “with the shortest arms were 50% more likely to develop the disease than those with the longest arms”.

Links to relevant later life stories on the NHS Choices ‘Behind the Headlines’ service:

• Can limb length affect dementia risk? (06/05/0
• Osteoporosis drug and heart risk (29/04/0
• Angina patients not getting tested (25/04/0
• Defy ageing with exercise (11/04/0
• Depression and Alzheimer’s (09/04/0
• Study finds clue to Parkinson’s (08/04/0
• Alzheimer’s and intelligence (07/08/0
• Effects of caffeine on rabbits (04/04/0
• Vascular checks (01/04/0
• Antipsychotics and Alzheimer’s (01/04/0
• High blood pressure in the elderly (01/04/0
• Pesticides linked to Parkinson’s (28/03/0
• Pot belly linked to dementia (27/03/0
• Women find it harder to keep in shape (26/03/0
• Study finds hope for ARMD (17/03/0
• Alzheimer’s in both parents ups risk (11/03/0
• Drinking in middle age and heart risk (11/03/0
• Blood pressure vaccine (07/03/0
• Is eye disease linked to stroke? (28/02/0
• Ginkgo biloba and stroke risk (28/02/0
• Music aids stroke recovery (21/02/0
• Statins could benefit irregular heartbeat (19/02/0
• Eat fruit, but not because of this study (12/02/0
• Key to long life (12/02/0
• Prostate cancer genetics (11/02/0
• Effects of father’s age on offspring (07/02/0
• Exercise and live longer (29/01/0
• Chocolate ’causes weak bones’ (25/01/0
• Vitamin E linked to physical activity (24/01/0
• ‘Instant’ Alzheimer’s drug claim (10/01/0
• Be happy for a healthy heart (04/01/0
• Ring finger link to arthritis (03/01/0
• Leg length and live function (18/12/07)
• Osteoporosis and depression (10/12/07)
• Eternal youth… for mice (03/12/07)
• Education conceals dementia signs (30/10/07)
• Bone benefits of tea uncertain (29/10/07)
• Flu vaccinations and hospital admissions in the elderly (24/10/07)
• Alzheimer’s blood test breakthrough (15/10/07)
• Elderly people get boost from blood pressure pill (11/10/07)
• Study claims Alzheimer’s risk is linked to attitude (02/10/07)
• Flu jab benefits questioned (25/09/07)
• Anti-ageing pills a long way off (21/09/07)
• Foods to stop you going blind (11/09/07)
• Age is no barrier to an active sex life (23/08/07)

 

Schizophrenia - Relationship-Based Support for Women Living with Serious Mental Illness

Relationship-Based Support for Women Living with Serious Mental Illness , Issues in Mental Health Nursing, Volume 29 Issue 5 May 2008 , pages 437 - 453

Abstract:

Relationships are critical to a woman’s growth and development, yet when living with serious mental illness, developing and nurturing connections can be challenging. This qualitative study explored the nature and quality of support provided within relationships for 14 women with schizophrenia. Families were key supporters. Female friends with mental illness often provided a meaningful source of connection for participants. Problematic relationships, losses over time, and living in poverty were among the barriers to receiving needed support. Participants conveyed a sense of wanting relational reciprocity as they talked about their relationships and place within the community.

 

For the full-text of this article please email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender People - Putting people first equality and diversity matters

Putting people first equality and diversity matters, March 2008, CSCI, Commission for Social Care Inspection

For the full-text click on the title above

Summary: Putting people first: Equality and Diversity Matters 1 - Providing appropriate services for lesbian, gay and bisexual and transgender people. Whilst this bulletin is primarily written to assist social care service providers, it may also be of interest to commissioners of adult care services and people using services.

NURSES’ EXPERIENCES OF CARING FOR PATIENTS WITH A DUAL DIAGNOSIS OF DEPRESSION AND ALCOHOL ABUSE IN A GENERAL PSYCHIATRIC SETTING

   NURSES’ EXPERIENCES OF CARING FOR PATIENTS WITH A DUAL DIAGNOSIS OF DEPRESSION AND ALCOHOL ABUSE IN A GENERAL PSYCHIATRIC SETTING, Issues in Mental Health Nursing, Volume 28, Issue 10, 2007, Pages 1125 – 1140

Abstract:

The aim of this study is to describe mental psychiatric health nurses’ experiences of caring for persons with the dual disorders of major depression and alcohol abuse. The study was conducted in 2003 on three psychiatric wards located in two general hospitals in Sweden. The study group comprised 11 registered nurses with experience of caring for patients with dual disorders. The data were analyzed by means of qualitative content analysis. The findings revealed three categories: Enabling a good level of cooperation with patients; Facilitating continued care and treatment; and Understanding barriers to cooperation with patients. Building a trusting relationship in order to enable cooperation with patients was the basis for continued care and treatment. The nurses needed more training and multidisciplinary knowledge in order to meet the particular clinical needs of this patient group. Nurses have an important obligation to utilize the best available evidence, including research findings and other scientific sources.

For the full-text of this article please email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

 

About self-harm: a guide for young people

  About self-harm: a guide for young people, 28th April, MIND,

Patient Information

Click on the title above to access the booklets

A booklet for young people produced by Mind and Barnardo’s

Copyright note: professionals are not permitted to print off copies for distribution to colleagues or clients. For more information see Mind’s copyright guidelines.

This booklet can also be viewed as a non-printable pdf file and purchased from the Mind shop.

• Why you self-harm and how to seek help
• Do you self-harm?
• What is self-harm?
• Why do people harm themselves?
• How does self-harming help?
• Why doesn’t it always hurt when I self-harm?
• Who is most likely to self-harm?
• Truth and lies
• The Government says…
• Moving forward
• Friends and family – how you can help
• Further information

Court of Appeal ruling on NICE guidance on the use of Alzheimer’s drugs

 

Court of Appeal ruling on NICE guidance on the use of Alzheimer’s drugs ,2nd May 2008, NeLM, Nice Guidance & BBC news   

Abstract: BBC Health news reports that the Court of Appeal has ruled that the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) should have been more transparent in the way it made decisions over Alzheimer’s drugs. NICE guidance on these drugs was issued in September 2007 and a judicial review hearing on specific grounds against the process by which NICE developed guidance on the use of drugs for treating Alzheimer’s disease was held on 25 June 2007. The Court of Appeal found that NICE did breach principles of procedural fairness by providing a ‘read only’ version of the economic model. The application for judicial review was made by Eisai Limited supported by their co-promotion partner Pfizer Limited. The company markets donepezil (Aricept® and Aricept Evess®) and claimed it should have been able to see the detail of how the decision by NICE was reached.

Three judges said NICE should have released details of how it reached its decision to limit the Alzheimer’s drugs (donepezil, galantamine and rivastigmine) to people with late stage disease. In the Appeal Court ruling, Lord Justice Richards said withholding information put drugs companies at “a significant disadvantage” if they wanted to challenge a NICE ruling. According to Pharmatimes, the Court of Appeal said that “without the fully executable model, a consultee cannot check whether there are variables to which the model is particularly sensitive and make informed representations accordingly”. NICE will now provide Eisai with an executable version of the cost-benefit analysis used in the appraisal, so that they comment on it. NICE will have to consider comments made by the company and this could mean that NICE may have to review its decision.

New Cochrane review published on Personal assistance for adults with both physical and intellectual impairments

Personal assistance for adults (19-64) with both physical and intellectual impairments, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2008, Issue 2.  Systematic Review

For the full-text click on the title above

Abstract:

Background

There is a high incidence of impairments among working age adults, and their prevalence is increasing in the West. Many countries offer personal assistance in the form of individualised support for people living in the community by a paid assistant other than a healthcare professional for at least 20 hours per week.

Objectives

To assess the effectiveness of personal assistance for adults with physical and intellectual impairments, and the impacts of personal assistance on others, compared to other interventions.

Search strategy

Electronic databases including CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, ERIC, Dissertation Abstracts International and a variety of specialist Swedish databases were searched from 1980 to June 2005; reference lists were checked; 345 experts, organisations, government bodies and charities were contacted in an attempt to locate relevant research.

Selection criteria

Adults (19-64) with permanent physical and intellectual impairments living in the community who require assistance to perform tasks of daily living (e.g., bathing and eating) and participate in normal activities. Controlled studies of personal assistance in which participants were prospectively assigned to study groups and in which control group outcomes were measured concurrently with intervention group outcomes were included.

Data collection and analysis

Titles and abstracts were examined by two reviewers. Outcome data were extracted. Because no two studies made the same comparison, studies were not combined for meta-analyses. Studies were assessed for bias. Results and potential sources of bias are presented for included studies.

Main results

Two studies involving 1002 participants compared personal assistance versus usual care. Whilst personal assistance was generally preferred over other services, some people prefer other services. Personal assistance may have some benefits for some recipients and may benefit caregivers. Paid assistance probably substitutes for informal care and may cost government more than alternatives; however, some evidence suggests it may reduce costs. The total costs to recipients and society are unknown.

Authors’ conclusions

Research in this field is limited. Personal assistance is expensive and difficult to organise, especially in places that do not already have services in place, but its total cost relative to other services is unknown. When implementing new programmes, recipients could be randomly assigned to different forms of assistance (e.g. organised by individual users versus organised through a cooperative). While advocates may support personal assistance for myriad reasons, this review demonstrates that further studies are required to determine which models of assistance are most effective and efficient for particular people.

Mindfulness - A qualitative study into the experience of individuals involved in a mindfulness group within an acute inpatient mental health unit

 A qualitative study into the experience of individuals involved in a mindfulness group within an acute inpatient mental health unit, Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Volume 14, Issue 6, Page 603-608, Sep 2007

Abstract: Mindfulness based therapeutic interventions in mental health services are increasingly proving to show high levels of efficacy. Mindfulness involves intentionally developing an awareness of moment-to-moment experience through meditation exercises, reflecting upon the findings and gaining insight into the cognitive, emotional and physical internal processes which underlie our experience of the world.

A mindfulness group within acute inpatient mental health services in the Plymouth Teaching Primary Care Trust was established in March 2005 as part of an increased psychotherapeutic response within service delivery. Recent acute inpatient care guidance (Department of Health 2002) established the provision of therapeutic experiences for people whilst in hospital as a major area for development. The National Institute for Mental Health in England (NIMHE 2003) report that many service users have extremely negative experiences of hospital, finding the hospital environment stressful rather than therapeutic. The Department of Health (2002) found that high therapeutic intervention environments diminish disturbance, violence and boredom, and enhance recovery. It is further suggested that each inpatient service needs to have a clear focus on the timetabled accommodation of therapeutic activity for service users, the implementation of effective ward groups being of great value.

For the full-text of this article please email:susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

3rd Most Read Article - Pragmatism rules: the intervention and prevention strategies used by psychiatric nurses working with non-suicidal self-harming individuals

Pragmatism rules: the intervention and prevention strategies used by psychiatric nurses working with non-suicidal self-harming individuals , Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Volume 14, Issue 1, Page 64-71, Feb 2007

Abstract:  Self harm in the absence of expressed suicidal intent is an under explored area in psychiatric nursing research. This paper reports on findings of a study undertaken in two acute psychiatric inpatient units in Ireland. The purpose of the study was to gain an understanding of the practices of psychiatric nurses in relation to people who self harm, but who are not considered suicidal. Semi structured interviews were held with eight psychiatric nurses. Content analysis revealed several themes. For the purpose of this paper the prevention and intervention strategies psychiatric nurses engage in when working with non-suicidal self harming individuals are presented. Recommendations for further research are offered.

For the full-text of this article please email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

Top Read Article - So what exactly is a nurse?

So what exactly is a nurse?  Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Volume 13, Issue 4, Page 388-394, Aug 2006

Abstract:  The problematic nature of defining nursing is examined. Contrasts are set out in respect of the work of different grades of practitioner and how these do or do not constitute nursing care. A concept of caring and caring profession is utilized as a backdrop by which it is argued that caring can be defended as an ethical position independently of its objects of care. The paper asserts the existence of different perspectives within mental health nursing and demonstrates how these are influenced by extraneous forces. It concludes by (1) defending universal moral rules that operate independently of situations or the objects to which they apply and (2) that the usefulness of invoking a nursing identity may be less rather than more illuminative in exposing what mental health (psychiatric) ‘nursing’ is.

For the full-text of this article please email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

SFBT - Single-session solution-focused brief therapy and self-harm: a pilot study

Single-session solution-focused brief therapy and self-harm: a pilot study , Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Volume 14, Issue 6, Page 601-602, Sep 2007

Abstract: Deliberate self-harm (deliberately initiated acts of self-harm with a non-fatal outcome, including both self-injury and self-poisoning) is a growing public health challenge, being one of the most common reasons for medical admission (Sinclair et al. 2006), and a major risk factor for suicide (Owens et al. 2002). Suicide prevention programmes have therefore focused on the reduction of repetition of self-harm, but much uncertainty remains about which interventions are effective (Hawton et al. 1999), and whether the same approaches should apply to ‘first-timers’ or frequent repeaters of self-harm.

One limitation of intervention research to reduce self-harm repetition is the low rate of acceptance of follow-up following initial psychosocial assessment; even brief interventions of four to seven sessions require a degree of engagement which the service user may not be able to accept. The post-randomization dropout rate before the completion of brief interventions is typically 40%. Solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) is a relatively new and increasingly popular model of short-term intervention for a range of mental health problems. Developed by de Shazer and colleagues at the Brief Family Therapy Institute at Milwaukee (de Shazer 1985), SFBT concentrates on developing strengths and solutions to problems rather than focusing on their cause. Small randomized studies have shown effectiveness in other populations (Cockburn et al. 1997, Viner et al. 2003) and SFBT has been reported to be helpful even in a single session (Miller 1994, George et al. 1999). Its focus on solutions and the future seems well suited to the psychosocial problems which underlie self-harm, and if positive benefit could be achieved from even a single session, the intervention could be offered to everyone receiving a psychosocial assessment.

For the full-text of this article please email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

Patients’ experience of learning and gaining personal knowledge during a stay at a mental hospital

Patients’ experience of learning and gaining personal knowledge during a stay at a mental hospital , Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing, Volume 15 Issue 5 Page 365-373, June 2008

Abstract: The focus is on voluntarily hospitalized patients’ subjective experiences of learning and gaining personal knowledge during a stay at a mental hospital. The aim was to explore and describe patients’ learning as personal knowledge acquisition related to the therapeutic process during hospitalization. The study was exploratory and descriptive, with a hermeneutic – phenomenological approach in data collection and analysis. Qualitative interviews were carried out with 15 patients during and after their stay. A re-analysis was conducted. The results underline the importance of the environmental effects on patients’ motivation for learning and self-esteem in an acknowledging milieu. Moving towards relearning presupposes that the patient’s motivation is aroused. Patients must participate in the treatment and the validity of the knowledge must be tested in the individual patient’s life. The patients confirmed and helped each other to increase insight through recognizing each other’s problems and reactions. Time in itself seemed to increase self-reflection. Receiving impulses and getting concrete tools through therapy stimulated meaning and hope for future living. The professionals must use a holistic approach including a learning climate in pleasant surroundings and a conjoint contribution from fellow patients and staff. Further research should focus on how to combine therapy with learning – preferably by means of a co-operative inquiry design.

for the full-text of this article please email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

Most read article - Yoga therapy as an add-on treatment in the management of patients with schizophrenia – a randomized controlled trial

Yoga therapy as an add-on treatment in the management of patients with schizophrenia – a randomized controlled trial , Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, Volume 116, Issue 3, Page 226-232, Sep 2007

Abstract:   Objective: Treatment of schizophrenia has remained unsatisfactory despite the availability of antipsychotics. This study examined the efficacy of yoga therapy (YT) as an add-on treatment to the ongoing antipsychotic treatment.

Method: Sixty-one moderately ill schizophrenia patients were randomly assigned to YT (n = 31) and physical exercise therapy (PT; n = 30) for 4 months. They were assessed at baseline and 4 months after the start of intervention, by a rater who was blind to their group status.

Results: Forty-one subjects (YT = 21; PT = 20) were available at the end of 4 months for assessment. Subjects in the YT group had significantly less psychopathology than those in the PT group at the end of 4 months. They also had significantly greater social and occupational functioning and quality of life.

Conclusion: Both non-pharmacological interventions contribute to reduction in symptoms, with YT having better efficacy.

 

For the full-text of this article please email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

Diabetes and schizophrenia – effect of disease or drug? Results from a randomized, double-blind, controlled prospective study in first-episode schizophrenia

Diabetes and schizophrenia – effect of disease or drug? Results from a randomized, double-blind, controlled prospective study in first-episode schizophrenia , Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica Volume 117 Issue 5 Page 342-347, May 2008

Abstract:  Objective: There have been innumerable advances in the pharmacotherapy of schizophrenia, but problems have emerged hand-in-glove, such as the presence of treatment-emergent glucose intolerance and frank diabetes mellitus (DM).

Method: Medication-naïve patients with schizophrenia (n = 99) underwent baseline fasting and 2 h post-prandial plasma glucose measurements repeated after 6 weeks after randomization to receive olanzapine, risperidone or haloperidol. The results were compared with a matched healthy control group.

Results: A significant difference (P = 0.002) in baseline 2 h post-prandial blood sugar (PPBS) was noted between the control group and the treatment group along with a significant increase in weight (P < 0.001), fasting blood sugar (P = 0.01) and 2 h PPBS (P < 0.001) from baseline to endpoint between the groups. A statistical significance in the incidence of DM at endpoint by the WHO criteria (10.1%) was also noted.

Conclusion: Male patients with schizophrenia are liable to develop DM. Antipsychotic treatment leads to the development of DM in a significant 10.1% within 6 weeks.

For the fultext of this article please email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

 

Most read article from Treating depression with the evidence-based psychotherapies: a critique of the evidence

Treating depression with the evidence-based psychotherapies: a critique of the evidence , Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, Volume 115, Issue 5, Page 352-359, May 2007

Abstract:  Objective: While Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) have been positioned as first-line evidence-based treatments for depression, we suggest that limitations to the ‘evidence’ deserve wider appreciation.

Method: A systematic literature search was undertaken, and limitations to the evidence base discussed.

Results: The review suggests that the specificity of CBT and IPT treatments for depression has yet to be demonstrated and details likely reasons.

Conclusion: The superiority of CBT and IPT may well be able to be demonstrated across defined rather than universal circumstances. To achieve this aim, outcome research should move away from testing treatments as if they have universal application for heterogeneous disorder categories. Findings have distinct implications for the clinical management of depressive disorders, and particularly in relation to the utility of psychotherapy.

For the full-text of this article please email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

MySpace as a tool for mental health professionals

MySpace as a tool for mental health professionals ,  Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Volume 13 Issue 2 Page 97-98, May 2008

Abstract: Mental health professionals are faced with the challenge of adapting their counseling practices to meet the needs of the adolescent clients with whom they work. Using online social networking sites, such as MySpace.com, as a counseling tool can be helpful for mental health professionals working with adolescent clients who are exploring their identities. Mental health professionals need, not only to be aware of the existence of these online social networks, but also to be knowledgeable about MySpace and similar sites in order to help clients negotiate
this technological trend in a healthy manner.

For the full-text of this article please email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk

The internet-based My Body, My Life: Body Image Program for adolescent girls improves body image and disordered eating

The internet-based My Body, My Life: Body Image Program for adolescent girls improves body image and disordered eating, Evidence Based Mental Health, 2008 Volume 11

Question:
Can an internet-based group intervention improve body image and eating problems in adolescent girls?

Patients:
73 adolescent girls aged 12–18 years (mean age 14.4 years) who self-identified as having body image or eating problems and who had access to the internet. Main exclusions: body mass index (BMI) <5th percentile for age and gender, diagnosis of anorexia nervosa, or receiving treatment for an eating or other psychiatric disorder.

Setting:
High schools in Victoria and New South Wales in Australia; time period not stated.

Intervention:
Immediate My Body, My Life: Body Image Program for Adolescent Girls (http://www.latrobe.edu.au/psy/projects/bodylife/index.html) or delayed start of the same programme (waiting list control). The programme consisted of a guided self-help manual supported through six internet-based group sessions (delivered weekly). The weekly group sessions included 4–8 participants

For the full-text of this article please email: susan.jennings@lancashirecare.nhs.uk