Methodology

How we research these guides, and what the labels next to each claim mean.

How we research

Every claim in a guide points to a source we opened and read ourselves. We keep a note for each source: what it says, a direct quote, and how strong that kind of evidence is. A guide is written from those notes, and each numbered marker in the text leads to the source behind that sentence.

If we cannot find a source we are able to link to, the claim does not go in. Where the research is thin or mixed, the guide says so under “What we don’t know”.

What the evidence labels mean

Strong evidence

Meta-analyses, systematic reviews and clinical guidelines. These pool many studies, so one odd result matters less.

Some evidence

Single studies and official statistics. Useful, but check who was studied and how many people took part.

Expert or industry view

Articles by clinicians and other experts, journalism, and material published by companies. Read these for direction, not proof.

Lived experience

What people say about their own lives. It shows that an experience exists. It does not show how common it is.

A label describes the kind of source, not whether we agree with it. A strong label on one sentence says nothing about the sentences around it.

What we leave out

We do not publish self-tests or quizzes, and we do not write about symptoms, diagnosis or medication. Those questions belong with a qualified professional who knows you.

Not medical advice

This site is general information. It is not medical advice and it is not a substitute for care from a qualified professional.