Psychiatric services : a journal of the American Psychiatric Association
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This study sought to better understand factors associated with different patterns of treatment among children starting treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ⋯ During the first episode of treatment for ADHD, the interventions children received frequently changed, suggesting dissatisfaction with initial treatment. Further research is needed to better understand what underlies the patterns of evolving care so that all families seeking care for children with ADHD may receive preferred and effective treatment.
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Clinical practice guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) do not support the use of benzodiazepines and cite insufficient evidence to recommend mood stabilizers. Although guidelines previously recommended second-generation antipsychotics as adjunct medication, recent research findings have also brought this recommendation into question. This study aimed to determine which characteristics of veterans with diagnosed PTSD were associated with receiving prescriptions for benzodiazepines and mood stabilizers and second-generation antipsychotics. ⋯ Prescribing patterns appeared generally consistent with treatment guidelines. Notable exceptions and areas worthy of future attention are discussed.
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Forgetting is commonly stated as a reason for missing mental health appointments. The authors examined the effect of short message service (SMS), or text message, reminders on the attendance of appointments at four community mental health clinics in London. ⋯ SMS-based technology can offer a time-, labor-, and cost-efficient strategy for encouraging engagement with psychiatric outpatient services. In England alone, a reduction of 25% to 28% in missed outpatient clinic appointments would translate to national cost savings of more than £150 million, or $245 million, per year, and likely have clinical benefits as well.