Psychotherapy shows more promise

Washington. Long term psychodynamic psychotherapy (LTPP), which stresses psychological support and intervention for patients based on their specific needs, seems more effective in treating complex psychiatric problems than short-term treatments that focus more on medications, a meta-analysis found.

“In this meta-analysis, LTPP was significantly superior to shorter-term methods of psychotherapy with regard to overall outcome, target problems, and personality functioning,” said lead researcher Falk Leichsenring of the University of Giessen, Geramany.

The meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Association included 11 randomized controlled trials and 12 observational studies, involving a total of 1053 patients receiving LTPP. “(LTPP) yielded large and stable effect sizes in the treatment of patients with personality disorders, multiple mental disorders, and chronic mental disorders. The effect sizes for overall outcome increased significantly between end of therapy and follow-up,” Leichsenring stressed.

Patients undergoing LTPP on average saw better results 96 percent of the time than patients who received short-term intensive medication therapies.“Evidence indicates that short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy is insufficient for a considerable proportion of patients with complex mental disorders, i.e., patients with multiple or chronic mental disorders or personality disorders,” the authors said. “Some studies suggest that (LTPP) may be helpful for these patients, according to background information in the article,” they added.

*Source : Medical Observer, year 17, issue 10, Nov-Dec. 2008

Gulf War Syndrome alert!

Nearly two decades after the Gulf War, US veterans felt vindicated as congress has finally conferred them the medical recognition of the Gulf War Syndrome.
After coming home from the dusty battlefront terrains of the Middle East during 1991 conflict, more than a quarter of the 700,000 Gulf War troops reported persistent headaches, memory and concentration problems, unexplained fatigue and widespread pain. Some even included skin rashes, respiratory symptoms, and digestive problems. Turning their health concerns over to the medical community, Gulf War Veterans often find themselves in a position where their complaints are met with cynicism and suspicion.
Because of the complaints that these soldiers were not receiving adequate health care from the state, Washington, then, chartered the Research Advisory Committee on Gulf War Veteran’s illnesses to investigate on the nature of the said illness.
Last November 2008, the panel has finally release its verdict. The committee confirmed the legitimacy of their claims. The 450 page-report concluded that Gulf War Syndrome is real and is caused by exposure to neurotoxic chemicals including pesticides and pyridostigmine bromide. The committee’s director, Roberta white of Boston University School of Public Health said that there is compelling evidences that substantiate veteran’s complains and their findings also support veteran’s belief that exposures to the toxic chemical during the Gulf War is related to their health problems.

Good Autism Practice Developing a Curriculum for Life

The Center for Autism and Related Disorder, Philippines (CARD,Phils) and Professionals for Autism Foundation Inc. (PAF) is holding a seminar on the 29-31 January 2009. World Expert on Autism, Ms. Rita R. Jordan shares her knowledge and insight on Autism. The seminar Good Autism Practice Developing a Curriculum for Life will be held on Every Nation – Leadership Institute, 32^nd street corner, University Parkway, Bonifacio Global City, Makati City.

For more information, check out their website www.cardphils.org or call (632) 820-8719