Cochrane

Review question What are the effects of iron, taken orally for at least five days a week, on health outcomes in menstruating women (compared with not giving iron)? Background Iron deficiency (a shortage of iron stored in the body) and anaemia (low levels of haemoglobin - healthy red blood cells - in the blood) are common problems globally, especially ...

Review question We reviewed the evidence of the effects of methylphenidate on the behaviour of children and adolescents with ADHD. Background ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed and treated childhood psychiatric disorders. Children diagnosed with ADHD find it hard to concentrate. They are often hyperactive (fidgety, unable to sit still for ...

Background We carried out this review to find out if asking (screening) all women attending healthcare settings about their experience of domestic violence from a current or previous partner helps to recognise abused women so that they may be provided with a supportive response and referred on to support services. We were also interested to know if ...

Background For most women who have epilepsy it is important for their health that they continue their medication during pregnancy. Over the last 25 years research has shown that children exposed to these medications in the womb can be at a higher risk of having a birth defect or poorer level of development. Research question This review ...

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterised by problems with social interaction and communication, as well as repetitive behaviours and limited activities and interests. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants that are sometimes given to reduce anxiety or obsessive-compulsive behaviours. We found nine trials, ...

Deficiencies of vitamins and minerals, particularly of iron, vitamin A and zinc, affect approximately half of the infants and young children under two years of age worldwide. Exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age and continued breastfeeding for at least two years are recommended to maintain children's adequate health and nutrition. After six ...

Iron may reduce the frequency and severity of breath-holding attacks (or spells) in children but more research is needed to determine the extent of this effect. Breath-holding attacks are a common disabling phenomenon during early childhood. They are distinct from seizures and it is common for them to spontaneously resolve by the time the child reaches ...

The association between low income and poor outcome in all dimensions of child health is strong and consistent across countries and time. Disadvantage in childhood is often associated with lifetime poor outcomes. This review aimed to assess whether additional monies provided to socially or economically disadvantaged families could affect children's ...

Physical abuse and neglect of children are significant problems and changing parenting practices may be an important means of addressing them. This review examines the extent to which parenting programmes (relatively brief and structured interventions that are aimed at changing parenting practices) are effective in treating physically abusive or neglectful ...