News From the World of Medicine

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR PTSD

In the short term, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) tends to respond similarly to psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), medication (certain SSRIs) or both combined. However, compared to medication by itself, psychotherapy – with or without drugs – appears to be more likely to lead to long-lasting improvement, according to a metaanalysis of 12 clinical trials. In real life, people commonly wait for weeks or months to access psychotherapy. Medication alone isn’t useless, especially if you need support right away. “Patients just need to know what outcomes to expect from the different treatment approaches,” said co-author Heike Gerger.

DOG WALKING FRACTURES

Taking a furry friend out for a stroll is a great way to exercise, although the benefits may not outweigh the risks for everyone. A JAMA Surgery study of data from around 100 emergency departments concluded that dog walking has been causing an increasing number of broken bones among older people. Seventeen per cent were hip fractures. It’s not that seniors as a group shouldn’t own dogs, the researchers said, but they should consider their individual risk factors, such as low bone density. Accidents are less likely if you choose a smaller breed and train your pooch.

BENEFITS OF SELF-KINDNESS

If your inner voice is too hard on you for your faults, then your health could be the worse for it. In a UK study, participants who listened to a recording designed to make them feel self-critical showed signs of a stimulated threat system in their bodies: increased heart rate, more sweating and so on.

Another group listened to a recording that guided them to offer friendly wishes to themselves and others. Their hearts slowed and their perspiration decreased, suggesting cultivating self-kindness helps emotional and physiological regulation.