“The biggest myths of modern medicine were challenged in a new guide for patients launched yesterday that sets out the best treatment for 60 of the commonest medical conditions.

Instead of claiming miracles, the guide admits that often the best treatment is no treatment. Devised by the British Medical Journal (BMJ), it is based on evidence from thousands of research studies and is being made available through the NHS Direct website, the advice service for patients.

Treatments are ranked according to effectiveness and the pros and cons of surgery are explained. In some cases the guide says it can’t recommend any treatment because there is no good evidence that anything works.” — Independent.UK

With regard to my specialty, mental health treatment, the guide casts aspersions on tranquilizers for anxiety disorders and treatments for anorexia nervosa. I certainly share the BMJ‘s skepticism about medical omnipotence, and particularly in the areas they single out.