Review
Psychiatry
Caroline Vuilleumier, Norbert Scherbaum, Udo Bonnet, Patrik Roser
Summary: Medical cannabinoids have a certain efficacy and safety in treating cannabis use disorder. Dronabinol and nabilone have limited therapeutic potential, while nabiximols, cannabidiol, and PF-04457845 demonstrate broader efficacy. Modulation of endocannabinoid activity appears to be a promising treatment approach.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Mohamed M. G. Mohamed, Mohammed Osman, Babikir Kheiri, Maryam Saleem, Alexandre Lacasse, Mohamad Alkhouli
Summary: This meta-analysis demonstrates that the use of polypills is significantly associated with reductions in blood pressure and blood lipid levels compared to standard of care, leading to a significant decrease in cardiovascular events.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CARDIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Julie C. Martin, Mamaru Ayenew Awoke, Marie L. Misso, Lisa J. Moran, Cheryce L. Harrison
Summary: This review evaluated weight gain prevention trials in adults aged 18-50 and found that interventions can prevent weight gain in non-obese adults, with prescriptive interventions showing greater effectiveness. The impact was greatest in healthy weight and overweight populations compared to obese individuals. Future research is needed to assess cost-effectiveness and implementation feasibility.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Taro Kishi, Toshikazu Ikuta, Yuki Matsuda, Kenji Sakuma, Makoto Okuya, Ikuo Nomura, Masakazu Hatano, Nakao Iwata
Summary: This study conducted a network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of pharmacological interventions for adults with acute bipolar mania. The results showed that some antipsychotics, carbamazepine, lithium, tamoxifen, and valproate were effective for acute mania, while aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, and risperidone had better acceptability compared to the placebo.
MOLECULAR PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Review
Nutrition & Dietetics
Lisa Dicks, Zeina Haddad, Stefanie Deisling, Sabine Ellinger
Summary: Growing evidence suggests that consuming cocoa-rich food can improve cardiometabolic health. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the impact of (-)-epicatechin (EC), a natural ingredient of cocoa, on cardiometabolic biomarkers. The analysis included 11 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and found that EC intake may improve endothelial function in healthy young adults, but its effects on other parameters are not clear. Unbiased RCTs investigating the additive or synergistic effects of EC with other cocoa ingredients are needed.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Tingting Wang, Jian Liao, Liying Zheng, Yi Zhou, Qianru Jin, Yanjing Wu
Summary: The cumulative analysis in this study showed that patients who received pretreatment with aloe vera were less likely to develop radiation-induced dermatitis (RID) compared to the control group. Prophylactic application of aloe vera may significantly reduce the incidence of RID, especially in Grade 2 and Grade 3 RID.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Anesthesiology
Emma Fisher, R. Andrew Moore, Alexandra E. Fogarty, David P. Finn, Nanna B. Finnerup, Ian Gilron, Simon Haroutounian, Elliot Krane, Andrew S. C. Rice, Michael Rowbotham, Mark Wallace, Christopher Eccleston
Summary: The efficacy and safety of cannabinoids, cannabis, and cannabis-based medicines for pain management remain uncertain and controversial, with most studies in this field having low-quality evidence and high risk of bias. The lack of confidence in effect estimates suggests that further research is needed in order to determine the true benefits and risks associated with these treatments.
Review
Clinical Neurology
P. Oikonomou, W. H. Jost
Summary: Anecdotal references, preclinical, and non-randomized studies suggest the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for movement disorders. However, a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of cannabinoids in movement disorders shows mixed results. Limited and heterogeneous RCTs make it difficult to draw reliable conclusions. More well-designed RCTs are urgently needed.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL TRANSMISSION
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Mingzhen Qin, Luda Feng, Chinyu Yang, Dawei Wei, Tingting Li, Ping Jiang, Jinzhi Guan, Xinyue Zhang, Xinyi Shi, Ning Liang, Xinxing Lai, Li Zhou, Chi Zhang, Ying Gao
Summary: Edaravone does not reduce mortality in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage when initiated within 7 days of onset. The effects on long-term functional outcomes are still unknown. Although it alleviates neurological deficits, improves activities of daily living, and reduces hematoma volume, the overall poor quality and high heterogeneity of the included trials make it insufficient to support edaravone as a routine treatment option for acute intracerebral hemorrhage.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ning Dai, Fang-fang Zhao, Min Fang, Feng-lan Pu, Ling-yao Kong, Jian-ping Liu
Summary: This study evaluated the lipid-lowering effect and safety of Gynostemma pentaphyllum (GP) used alone or as adjunctive therapy for dyslipidemia. The findings suggest that GP has a similar effect as lipid-lowering agents in regulating serum lipids, but is inferior to red yeast rice.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Victor Schwartz Hvingelby, Andreas Norgaard Glud, Jens Christian Hedemann Sorensen, Yen Tai, Anne Sofie Moller Andersen, Erik Johnsen, Elena Moro, Nicola Pavese
Summary: This study evaluated the effectiveness of interventions in treating gait symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease through a systematic review and network meta-analysis. The findings suggest that some interventions can ameliorate gait impairment in Parkinson's patients, but none of the studied interventions were effective in treating freezing of gait.
JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Thomas Y. T. Lam, Max F. K. Cheung, Yasmin L. Munro, Kong Meng Lim, Dennis Shung, Joseph J. Y. Sung
Summary: The number of AI studies in medicine is rapidly increasing, but there is a lack of clear quantification of the clinical benefits. This systematic review of RCTs found that AI-assisted tools showed improved performance in clinical practice, but the available RCTs are limited and heterogeneous. More RCTs integrating AI-assisted tools into clinical practice are needed to advance the role of AI in medicine.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL INTERNET RESEARCH
(2022)
Review
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Maryam Alshamsi, Jaimini Mehta, Luigi Nibali
Summary: Overall, 54% of papers reported the primary outcome and relative sample size calculation, while only 37% also included reproducibility estimates relative to the primary outcome. Papers published in journals with higher impact factors had better compliance with primary outcome reporting and lower overall risk of bias scores.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PERIODONTOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Angelina Isabella Mellentin, Sara Wallhed Finn, Lotte Skok, Daniel Thaysen-Petersen, Nicolaj Mistarz, Anders Fink-Jensen, Dorthe Gruner Nielsen
Summary: Oxytocin is being increasingly recognized for its potential in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUD). A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of oxytocin in different SUDs. Overall, oxytocin showed some promising effects in reducing withdrawal symptoms, negative emotions, cravings, cue-induced cravings, and consumption. However, the findings were inconsistent and the trials had considerable risk of bias, requiring more methodologically sound and well-powered trials.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Fatai A. Adewuyi, Pablo Knobel, Priyanka Gogna, Payam Dadvand
Summary: This systematic review found that green prescriptions can have positive effects on psychological health and wellbeing, cardiometabolic health, physical activity, and inflammation. However, there is a lack of studies on the effects of green prescriptions on orthopedic conditions, pain, and recovery from exhaustion disorder. More research with larger sample sizes and objective measures is needed.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Melissa M. Norberg, Gregory S. Chasson, David F. Tolin
Summary: This study proposes a standardized method for assessing clinically significant change in hoarding disorder treatment outcome studies, aiming to facilitate comparisons across different studies and enhance understanding of the impact of hoarding treatment on recipients.
JOURNAL OF OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE AND RELATED DISORDERS
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Jonathan David, Shanara Visvalingam, Melissa M. Norberg
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic led to panic buying worldwide, hindering access to necessities for vulnerable groups. While panic buying and hoarding are separate issues, they may share similar influencing factors. Perceived scarcity drives panic buying, while a general intolerance of uncertainty is more associated with hoarding.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
Viviana M. Wuthrich, Ronald M. Rapee, Lauren McLellan, Ann Wignall, Tess Jagiello, Melissa Norberg, Jessica Belcher
Summary: This pilot study compared the clinical and cost-effectiveness of stepped-care intervention and treatment as usual for treating adolescent anxiety in two community mental health services. The results showed that stepped-care intervention significantly reduced therapy time, but faced significant barriers in engaging with early therapy steps.
PSYCHIATRY RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Psychology, Clinical
Jonathan David, Cassandra Crone, Melissa M. Norberg
Summary: Historically, psychological treatment for hoarding problems has been associated with poor outcomes, especially when treated as a subgroup of obsessive-compulsive disorder. When treated as its own disorder using cognitive behavioural therapy, individuals report some improvement in symptoms on average, but fewer than a third experience clinically meaningful change. Functioning and quality of life changes are also not routinely assessed.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY & PSYCHOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Viviana M. Wuthrich, Ronald M. Rapee, Lauren McLellan, Ann Wignall, Tess Jagiello, Melissa Norberg, Jessica Belcher
Summary: Initial research suggests that stepped-care approaches can reduce therapy time for youth anxiety with similar therapeutic outcomes to treatment-as-usual. However, the acceptability and feasibility of stepped-care approaches in routine practice is limited. A secondary analysis of a pilot randomized controlled trial found that while there were some benefits to improved access to treatment, there were also major barriers including lack of choice and flexibility, challenges with engaging adolescents, and workplace issues. Systemic changes are needed for stepped-care to be feasible in routine care.
CHILD PSYCHIATRY & HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Peter J. Norton, Melissa M. Norberg, Kristin Naragon-Gainey, Brett J. Deacon
Summary: Objective clinical psychology involves integrating clinical science and practice to alleviate human distress. The best way to train competencies in this field has been debated. This study compares the accreditation standards of three bodies: APAC, CPA, and APA. The standards are similar in terms of coursework and supervised placement hours, but APA/CPA requires more training in statistics, research methodology, and relevant topics in clinical psychology. APA/CPA also emphasizes the importance of psychology history. No direct evidence supports one training system over the other, highlighting the need for ongoing evaluation.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Shanara Visvalingam, Cassandra Crone, Simon Street, Ella L. Oar, Philippe Gilchrist, Melissa M. Norberg
Summary: This experimental study aimed to examine the role of shame in a cognitive behavioral model of OCD. The findings suggest that repugnant obsessions elicit more shame and are associated with compulsive and avoidant behaviors. Treatment for OCD should be adapted to address shame.
BEHAVIOUR RESEARCH AND THERAPY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Shanara Visvalingam, Hannah L. McHardy, Susanne J. Norder, Natasha R. Magson, Melissa M. Norberg
Summary: This mixed methods feasibility study aimed to evaluate the acceptability and potential effectiveness of a brief online intervention designed to reduce the negative consequences of perfectionism in university students. The intervention showed statistically significant reductions in self-oriented perfectionism, socially-prescribed perfectionism, hostility, rejection sensitivity, depression, and anxiety, as well as a small increase in perceived social support. Qualitative data analysis indicated that participants found the intervention feasible, enjoyable, and useful.
CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Psychology, Clinical
Susanne J. Norder, Shanara Visvalingam, Peter J. Norton, Melissa M. Norberg
Summary: Internalised shame has been linked to poor treatment outcomes and premature therapy termination. A scoping review of therapist-delivered psychosocial interventions found that psychoeducation, experiential exercises, and techniques to increase social support and emotional expression may be effective in reducing internalised shame.
PSYCHOTHERAPY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Jonathan David, Melissa M. Norberg
Summary: This study developed and validated a new self-report questionnaire called the Object Attachment Security Measure (OASM). The OASM distinguished between secure and insecure object attachment, showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability, and demonstrated strong convergent and divergent validity. Insecure object attachment was found to be uniquely related to hoarding and compulsive buying symptomology. The study highlights the importance of reducing insecure object attachment and promoting secure object attachment to decrease maladaptive possession use and increase sustainable consumption.
JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL ADDICTIONS
(2022)
Review
Psychology, Clinical
Dylan Pickering, Melissa M. Norberg
Summary: This study classifies hoarding disorder and buying-shopping disorder as behavioral addictions and proposes potentially beneficial new areas for research and treatment methods. Despite conceptual debates, there is evidence supporting these disorders as behavioral addictions. However, limitations in current literature hinder strong conclusions about the conceptual status of HD and BSD as behavioral addictions.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY-SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Melissa M. Norberg, Richard J. Stevenson, Gary Wong, Jack Tame, Paul Aldrich, Susanne Meares, Emily C. Gray
Summary: Individuals with hoarding disorder are more likely to be overweight or obese for unknown reasons. The hoarding group reported lower ability to use their kitchen and prepare food, and higher levels of impulsivity, distress intolerance, and problematic eating beliefs compared to the control group. In addition, the hoarding group consumed more cookies in the tidy room, while the control group consumed more cookies in the cluttered room. Greater impulsivity, distress intolerance, and problematic body and eating beliefs were associated with higher cookie consumption for the hoarding group.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Substance Abuse
Leanne Hides, Janni Leung, Grace Newland, Amanda L. Baker, Melissa Norberg, Jan Copeland, Catherine A. Quinn, Zoe C. Walter, Stoyan Stoyanov, David Kavanagh
DRUG AND ALCOHOL REVIEW
(2021)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Jonathan David, Deborah O. Aluh, Marika Blonner, Melissa M. Norberg
Summary: Excessive attachment to possessions can lead individuals to excessively acquire and save objects, and changes in attachment over time are moderated by interpersonal factors. Individuals with hoarding issues may not have impaired empathy, but rather difficulty displaying it in social situations. Those with an interpersonal anxious attachment style may be more prone to forming greater attachments to objects.
Article
Substance Abuse
Melissa M. Norberg, Lindsay S. Ham, Amie R. Newins, Li Chen
Summary: The study confirmed the validity of the developed theory-based measure of motives for caffeinated alcoholic beverage (CAB) consumption, and found distinct relationships between different motives and CAB use and consequences. Energy enhancement motives were particularly associated with CAB use, providing valuable insight into why CABs pose a greater risk compared to drinking alcohol alone.
PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS
(2021)
