‘Psychiatry’ at Psychology, Philosophy and Real Life, Page 9

There are patches for quitting smoking, and patches for birth control — so why not a patch for ADHD? Early clinical trials suggest that a methylphenidate transdermal system (MTS), or patch, demonstrated statistically significant reductions in the symptoms of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and was generally well tolerated in patients aged 6 to 12.

To mark World Mental Health Day on Monday 10 October, the Mental Health Foundation is asking people to talk freely about their mental health. The charity is providing tips on how to look after your mental health and encouraging members of the public to share their tips and experiences as openly as possible throughout the day. Read on for top tips about good mental health! (Press release from the Mental Health Foundation.)

As the former Personality Disorders Foundation disappears from the web today, we have arranged with the University of Connecticut to provide a new home for many of the materials collected by the organization — including their extensive personality disorders research bibliographies and an introduction to the impact of personality disorders. The new materials appear in our bibliography section and our section on identifying psychological symptoms.

Results of the largest and most comprehensive independent drug trial ever conducted to investigate therapies for schizophrenia suggest that five atypical antipsychotic medications are no more effective — and no safer — than an older, cheaper, drug that has largely been discontinued. The 18-month, $44 million study involved 1400 people and was funded by the US National Institute for Mental Health.

Materials provided to participants in a new study on the genetic basis of depression prompt some reflection on demonstrating respect for those participating in a research project, empathizing with their perspective and explaining clearly any rationale for denying them feedback on the data (genetic or otherwise) which they have helped create.