Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is an established treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is equal or perhaps superior to pharmacotherapy.
Now researchers from the University of California at Los Angeles and San Diego have identified changes in the brain that might explain how this happens. Continue reading Brain changes in OCD associated with CBT
According to researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia, music therapy is a promising approach to improving engagement in substance abuse treatment groups. Continue reading The value of music therapy for substance abuse treatment
 This qualifies for mention here because this product contains menthol. Continue reading Consumer alert: IcyHot
Medscape printed an article last year that was critical of CAM and any role it might have in the education of medical students. I summarized it here.
Now, a reasoned reply has been published. Continue reading More on teaching CAM in medical schools
The results of a combined analysis of 3 studies of kava kava (Piper methysticum) to treat anxiety do not support the use of kava in DSM-IV generalized anxiety disorder.
Well then, where does the support for kava come from?
Researchers from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas focused on breast cancer information. Continue reading The inaccuracy of CAM information on the Web
One of the complications of HIV infection is the loss of complex motor coordination. This can be evaluated using the mirror star-tracing task. There are variations on this test, but essentially the patient traces a star using the outline in a mirror.
Now, a study in 26 healthy people shows that one month of yoga was associated in fewer errors in a modification of the star-tracing task where the star was six pointed with the outline made up of 60 circles (4 mm in diameter).
Continue reading A possible role for yoga as a complementary therapy for HIV
It’s so bad that she canceled her concert tour.
Here’s the state-of-the-art (not including pharmacology and surgery) for treating lower back pain (LBP) from the North American Spine Society. Continue reading Dolly Parton has back pain
The findings come from a report by the Task Force on Neck Pain and Its Associated Disorders, sanctioned by the United Nations and the World Health Organization.
Here’s a summary of their conclusions regarding noninvasive treatments. It’s based on a review of the medical literature. Continue reading Best treatments for neck pain
Musical activity diminished negative symptoms and improved interpersonal contact, according to researchers in Bedburg-Hau, Germany. Continue reading Group music therapy for schizophrenia
There’s not much information available, but it appears that music therapy is accepted by patients and improves their mood. Continue reading Using music therapy to treat depression
Homeopathic treatment was not better than placebo in reducing morphine use after knee ligament reconstruction, according to researchers at INSERM in Grenoble, France. Continue reading Homeopathic treatment and the need for pain medicine following knee surgery
Magnesium sulfate is given to prevent seizures in pregnant women with preeclampsia (high blood pressure, edema, and protein in the urine) and to inhibit preterm labor.
This Medscape report from the meeting of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine states that injections of magnesium sulfate may protect against moderate to severe cerebral palsy. Continue reading Reducing the risk of cerebral palsy with magnesium
From the American Psychological Association website, here’s a summary of their view of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and insomnia.
Common misconceptions regarding sleep…
A study presented during the European Congress of Rheumatology in Barcelona concluded, “Patients affected with severe rheumatoid arthritis found pain relief after taking rose-hips for 6 months.” Continue reading Rose-hips for treating rheumatoid arthritis
Alcohol-based hand rubbing removes microorganisms more effectively than hand washing with soap or other antiseptic agents and water. Furthermore, bedside alcohol-based solutions increase compliance with hand hygiene among healthcare workers.”
OK, but does it lower infections on cruise ships?
Continue reading Alcohol-based hand cleansers on your next cruise
A review of 19 studies involving more than 2800 healthy children concluded that calcium supplementation is unlikely to reduce the risk of fracture, either in childhood or later life.
What should we make of this finding when we all know how important calcium is to making strong bones?
Continue reading Calcium supplements of little benefit to children
Placebo-controlled trials document the effectiveness of butterbur to treat the runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and irritation in the nose, eyes, throat and ears associated with allergic rhinitis. It’s as effective as two widely used prescription drugs.
Continue reading Can you commit to butterbur?
There’s lots of interest in reducing the risk of falls in the elderly. But what are the signs that grandma is at significant risk?
Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia have complied a list. Continue reading The risk of falling among the elderly
In older adults with high blood pressure, each 20 mmHg increase in systolic (first number) pressure doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Replacing non-soy protein with soy protein in the diet lowers this risk.
Here’s how. Continue reading Lowering your blood pressure with soy nuts