Context Of Other Interventions Research Articles

Self-management interventions in the treatment of depressive disorders: ready for clinical practice?

Only about half of those suffering from a depressive disorder seek treatment. Self-management interventions are one way to reduce this treatment gap. These interventions are mostly based on evidence-based techniques of cognitive behavioural therapy, which are taught by a computer program instead of a therapist. Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of these interventions. However, these studies also raise a number of questions. These concern the efficacy both in the external rating and in the long-term course and the efficacy in severe depressive symptoms or in combination with antidepressant medication. Finally, the question arises as to the use of these interventions in patients in clinical practice and in people who are not particularly Internet-savvy. We addressed these questions in a large randomized study (EVIDENT study). This study investigated the efficacy of Intervention deprexis®. The results of this study are summarised in this overview and placed in the context of other interventions available in Germany.

Use of psychotropic medications in general paediatric practice.

Paediatricians contribute the greatest proportion of prescriptions for psychotropic medication to children between the ages of 3 and 14 years in Australia. Medications indicated for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder are the most commonly prescribed, followed by antidepressants and antipsychotics. Outside treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, most prescribing is 'off label'. There are few searchable, up-to-date resources to guide psychotropic prescribing to children. The skill level required to manage pharmacotherapy is determined by the condition and the characteristics of the patient. Psychotropic medication should always be considered within the context of other interventions and environmental factors that influence emotions, cognition and behaviour. Beware the 'medication fallacy' that arises out of a misconception that if one medication does not work, there must be another that will.