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Greven CU, Buitelaar JK and Salum GA. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2018; 59: 203–212. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12786 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has been postulated by positive psychologists to be at one end of the spectrum of attention, rather than an absent/present phenomenon. This investigation of three scales for measuring ADHD symptoms found that the Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD and Normal behaviour Scale (SWAN) was better than the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire...

Sussman, Clifford J. et al. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics 2018; 27(2), 307 – 326. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2017.11.015 This article offers an easy to read summary of what we know about the origins, classification, nature and treatment of internet and video game addictions. http://www.childpsych.theclinics.com/article/S1056-4993(17)30139-6/fulltext

JB Savitz et al. Transl Psychiatry 8 (1), 27. 2018 Jan 24 This randomised controlled trial showed that Minocycline and aspirin may be useful adjunctive treatments for addressing bipolar depression and that inflammatory modulators such as interleukin 6 (IL-6) may be relevant to their action. Although this is an adult study, it may be of relevance to young people experiencing this condition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/articles/29362444/

Skovlund CW, Morch LS, Kessing LV, et al. Am J Psychiatry. 2017 Nov 17:appiajp201717060616. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.17060616. (Original) PMID: 29145752 This study from a Danish national longitudinal study found that among nearly half a million women followed for an average of 8 years (between 15-21 years), women who had used hormonal contraceptives had 1.97 the risk for suicide attempts and 3.08 times the risk for suicide.  The risk of suicide attempts was greater for those using patche...

Thabrew H, Gandeza E, Bahr, et al. Australasian Psychiatry. Published online January 2018. https://doi.org/10.1177/1039856217748248 This study of interventions offered by New Zealand mental health services identifies the limited fidelity to evidence-based treatment models and access to training to support the optimal delivery of such interventions.  A comprehensive up-to-date summary of evidence-based interventions is provided in the tables. http://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1...

Leitjen P, Gardner F, Scott S, et al.  J Child Psychol Psychiatr, 59: 99–109. doi:10.1111/jcpp.12781 This review of data from around 1800 participants in 14 studies confirms the value of the Incredible Years parenting programme.  Childhood conduct problems and ADHD symptoms improved, while emotional problems and parental mental health did not.  There was no evidence of harmful effects, although studies may not have been designed or adequately powered to detect these. http://onlinelibr...

Lin C, Lin C, Chang Y, et al. Biological Psychiatry. Published online February 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopsych.2017.12.006 Clozapine is the most effective antipsychotic medication currently available to treat psychosis.  When it does not have as beneficial an effect as desired, a new NMDA agonist may have something to offer.  Sodium Benzoate was shown in this study to be more effective than placebo at doses of one and two grams per day, without significant side-effects.  Alt...

Greenfield D. JAACAP. Published online February 2018. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2017.11.007 This article reviews the etiology, psychology, and neurobiology of Internet and video game addiction and presents treatment strategies and protocols for addressing this growing problem.  It offers a useful summary for clinicians and interested families. http://www.childpsych.theclinics.com/article/S1056-4993(17)30130-X/fulltext

Howard L, Ryan E, Trevillion K, et al.  British Journal of Psychiatry 212(1): 50-56. Published online January 2018. doi 10.1192/bjp.2017.9 As the link between perinatal depression and later childhood conduct problems becomes clearer, this study demonstrates the value of two screening questions that can be used during pregnancy to identify (and hopefully address) emerging depression.  These (Whooley) questions are akin to those identified by Bruce Arroll in general practice and may also be u...

Simon GE, Stewart C, Yarborough BJ, et al.  JAMA Psychiatry. Published online January 31, 2018. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.4437 People who develop psychosis are at increased risk of numerous problems including cardiovascular disease and diabetes over their lifetime, but what is most important to worry about during the phase of early intervention? This study of over 11,000 individuals demonstrates that during the first three years of treatment, the main causes of death are injuries and ...