Published: March 24, 2010
A survey by the Royal College of GPs has revealed that only 15% of GPs can usually get psychological therapy for adults who need it within two months of referral. For children the figure is only 6%.
The survey, detailed overleaf, was carried out as part of a new Campaign calling for better access to psychological therapies, spearheaded by the mental health charity Mind and the economist Professor Lord Richard Layard, with support from the RCGP, the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the New Savoy Partnership.
Launched at Westminster, the campaign challenges all of the political parties to make a guarantee in their election manifestos to offer, within five years, evidence-based psychological therapies to all who need them within 28 days of requesting referral. [continue reading…]
Published: January 25, 2010
Children who are mixed-handed, or ambidextrous, are more likely to have mental health, language and scholastic problems in childhood than right- or left-handed children, according to a new study published today in the journal Pediatrics.
The researchers behind the study, from Imperial College London and other European institutions, suggest that their findings may help teachers and health professionals to identify children who are particularly at risk of developing certain problems. [continue reading…]
Published: January 25, 2010
Psychodynamic psychotherapy is effective for a wide range of mental health symptoms, including depression, anxiety, panic and stress-related physical ailments, and the benefits of the therapy grow after treatment has ended, according to new research published by the American Psychological Association.
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on the psychological roots of emotional suffering. Its hallmarks are self-reflection and self-examination, and the use of the relationship between therapist and patient as a window into problematic relationship patterns in the patient’s life. Its goal is not only to alleviate the most obvious symptoms but to help people lead healthier lives. [continue reading…]
Published: January 18, 2010
A new study from Perth’s Telethon Institute for Child Health Research has shown that children who are breastfed for longer than six months have a lower risk of mental health problems as they enter their teen years.
The research, led by Associate Professor Wendy Oddy, will be published in the next edition of The Journal of Pediatrics.
Dr Oddy said breastfeeding for a longer duration appears to have significant benefits for the mental health of the child into adolescence.
“There has been much evidence about the benefits of early breastfeeding, but the importance of this study is that it shows continued benefits from extended feeding,” Dr Oddy said.
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