Pub Date : 2024-11-01Epub Date: 2024-08-19DOI: 10.1055/a-2372-3549
Florian Holsboer, Marcus Ising
The future of depression pharmacotherapy lies in a precision medicine approach that recognizes that depression is a disease where different causalities drive symptoms. That approach calls for a departure from current diagnostic categories, which are broad enough to allow adherence to the "one-size-fits-all" paradigm, which is complementary to the routine use of "broad-spectrum" mono-amine antidepressants. Similar to oncology, narrowing the overinclusive diagnostic window by implementing laboratory tests, which guide specifically targeted treatments, will be a major step forward in overcoming the present drug discovery crisis.A substantial subgroup of patients presents with signs and symptoms of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) overactivity. Therefore, this stress hormone system was considered to offer worthwhile targets. Some promising results emerged, but in sum, the results achieved by targeting corticosteroid receptors were mixed.More specific are non-peptidergic drugs that block stress-responsive neuropeptides, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the brain by antagonizing their cognate CRHR1-and V1b-receptors. If a patient's depressive symptomatology is driven by overactive V1b-signaling then a V1b-receptor antagonist should be first-line treatment. To identify the patient having this V1b-receptor overactivity, a neuroendocrine test, the so-called dex/CRH-test, was developed, which indicates central AVP release but is too complicated to be routinely used. Therefore, this test was transformed into a gene-based "near-patient" test that allows immediate identification if a depressed patient's symptomatology is driven by overactive V1b-receptor signaling. We believe that this precision medicine approach will be the next major innovation in the pharmacotherapy of depression.
{"title":"Precision Psychiatry Approach to Treat Depression and Anxiety Targeting the Stress Hormone System - V1b-antagonists as a Case in Point.","authors":"Florian Holsboer, Marcus Ising","doi":"10.1055/a-2372-3549","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2372-3549","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The future of depression pharmacotherapy lies in a precision medicine approach that recognizes that depression is a disease where different causalities drive symptoms. That approach calls for a departure from current diagnostic categories, which are broad enough to allow adherence to the \"one-size-fits-all\" paradigm, which is complementary to the routine use of \"broad-spectrum\" mono-amine antidepressants. Similar to oncology, narrowing the overinclusive diagnostic window by implementing laboratory tests, which guide specifically targeted treatments, will be a major step forward in overcoming the present drug discovery crisis.A substantial subgroup of patients presents with signs and symptoms of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) overactivity. Therefore, this stress hormone system was considered to offer worthwhile targets. Some promising results emerged, but in sum, the results achieved by targeting corticosteroid receptors were mixed.More specific are non-peptidergic drugs that block stress-responsive neuropeptides, corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), and arginine vasopressin (AVP) in the brain by antagonizing their cognate CRHR1-and V1b-receptors. If a patient's depressive symptomatology is driven by overactive V1b-signaling then a V1b-receptor antagonist should be first-line treatment. To identify the patient having this V1b-receptor overactivity, a neuroendocrine test, the so-called dex/CRH-test, was developed, which indicates central AVP release but is too complicated to be routinely used. Therefore, this test was transformed into a gene-based \"near-patient\" test that allows immediate identification if a depressed patient's symptomatology is driven by overactive V1b-receptor signaling. We believe that this precision medicine approach will be the next major innovation in the pharmacotherapy of depression.</p>","PeriodicalId":19783,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacopsychiatry","volume":" ","pages":"263-274"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142004968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-01Epub Date: 2024-08-26DOI: 10.1055/a-2364-4357
Manouk den Toom, Laura Blanken, Inge Horn, Selene Veerman, Joris J B van der Vlugt-Molenaar, Mariken B de Koning, Jan Bogers, John Enterman, Martin de Jonge, Daniela Cianci, Gerardus W J Frederix, Hans J de Haas, Bram W Storosum, Mike Veereschild, Martin Javadzadeh, Peter F J Schulte, Dan Cohen, Jim van Os, Wiepke Cahn, Lieuwe de Haan, Jasper B Zantvoord, Jurjen J Luykx
Background: Currently, guidance on the most effective treatment for patients with clozapine-resistant schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSD) is lacking. While augmentation strategies to clozapine with aripiprazole and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) have been demonstrated to be effective in patients with clozapine-resistant schizophrenia spectrum disorders (CRS), head-to-head comparisons between these addition strategies are unavailable. We therefore aim to examine the feasibility of a larger randomized, single-blind trial comparing the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and safety of aripiprazole addition vs. ECT addition in CRS.
Methods: In this multi-center, randomized, single-blind feasibility study, the feasibility of recruiting 20 participants with CRS who will be randomized to either aripiprazole or bilateral ECT addition will be assessed. The main endpoint is the number of patients willing to be randomized. The number of screened individuals and reasons to decline participation will be recorded. Effects will be estimated for the benefit of the foreseen larger trial. To that end, differences between both arms in symptom severity will be assessed using blinded video assessments. In addition, tolerability (e. g., cognitive functioning), safety, quality of life, recovery, and all-cause discontinuation will be compared. The follow-up period is 16 weeks, after which non-responders will be given the option to switch to the other treatment.
Discussion: Strengths of this feasibility trial include maintaining blinding with video assessment, a possibility to switch groups in case of non-response, and a broad set of outcome measures. Identification of factors contributing to non-participation and drop-out will generate valuable information on trial feasibility and may enhance recruitment strategies in a follow-up RCT.
Trial registration: The study has been approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of the Amsterdam University Medical Center, location AMC, and was registered on 1 May 2022 in the EU Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT) under the trial name 'EMECLO' (2021-006333-19).
{"title":"Electroconvulsive Therapy Versus Aripiprazole Addition to Clozapine in Patients with Clozapine-Resistant Symptoms (EMECLO): A Protocol of a Single-Blind, Multicenter, Randomized-Controlled Feasibility Trial.","authors":"Manouk den Toom, Laura Blanken, Inge Horn, Selene Veerman, Joris J B van der Vlugt-Molenaar, Mariken B de Koning, Jan Bogers, John Enterman, Martin de Jonge, Daniela Cianci, Gerardus W J Frederix, Hans J de Haas, Bram W Storosum, Mike Veereschild, Martin Javadzadeh, Peter F J Schulte, Dan Cohen, Jim van Os, Wiepke Cahn, Lieuwe de Haan, Jasper B Zantvoord, Jurjen J Luykx","doi":"10.1055/a-2364-4357","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2364-4357","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Currently, guidance on the most effective treatment for patients with clozapine-resistant schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (SSD) is lacking. While augmentation strategies to clozapine with aripiprazole and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) have been demonstrated to be effective in patients with clozapine-resistant schizophrenia spectrum disorders (CRS), head-to-head comparisons between these addition strategies are unavailable. We therefore aim to examine the feasibility of a larger randomized, single-blind trial comparing the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and safety of aripiprazole addition vs. ECT addition in CRS.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this multi-center, randomized, single-blind feasibility study, the feasibility of recruiting 20 participants with CRS who will be randomized to either aripiprazole or bilateral ECT addition will be assessed. The main endpoint is the number of patients willing to be randomized. The number of screened individuals and reasons to decline participation will be recorded. Effects will be estimated for the benefit of the foreseen larger trial. To that end, differences between both arms in symptom severity will be assessed using blinded video assessments. In addition, tolerability (e. g., cognitive functioning), safety, quality of life, recovery, and all-cause discontinuation will be compared. The follow-up period is 16 weeks, after which non-responders will be given the option to switch to the other treatment.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Strengths of this feasibility trial include maintaining blinding with video assessment, a possibility to switch groups in case of non-response, and a broad set of outcome measures. Identification of factors contributing to non-participation and drop-out will generate valuable information on trial feasibility and may enhance recruitment strategies in a follow-up RCT.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>The study has been approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of the Amsterdam University Medical Center, location AMC, and was registered on 1 May 2022 in the EU Clinical Trials Register (EudraCT) under the trial name 'EMECLO' (2021-006333-19).</p>","PeriodicalId":19783,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacopsychiatry","volume":" ","pages":"290-295"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142073462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Objective: To determine if the cardiac function and "endocrinium" of Chinese patients are associated with dopamine D2 (DRD2) (rs6276) and DRD3 (rs6280, rs963468) genetic polymorphisms when treated with amisulpride.
Methods: This study enrolled 148 patients with schizophrenia who took amisulpride orally for 8 weeks. DRD2 (rs6276) and DRD3 (rs6280, rs963468) genetic polymorphisms were detected with TaqMan-MGB allelic discrimination.
Results: Analysis by multivariate covariance analysis (MANCOVA) showed that after adjusting for age, gender, and the baseline level, the increase in the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK) in the rs6276 AG group was higher than that in the AA and GG groups. Similarly, the changed estradiol (E2) level in rs6276 GG and rs963468 GG groups was higher than that in the other two groups. Adjusting for covariates, the increased triglyceride (TG) level in rs6276 GG and rs963468 GG groups was the highest among their different genotype groups. The increase in the level of "AST" in the rs6280 TT group was higher than that in the CC and CT groups upon adjusting for covariates. Similarly, MANCOVA showed that the increase in the level of "CK" in the rs6280 CT group was higher than that in the CC and CT groups. Besides, the increased level of "PRL" in the rs6280 CC group and rs963468 GG group was higher than that in their other two genotypes groups.
Conclusion: DRD2 (rs6276) and DRD3 (rs6280, rs963468) polymorphisms can affect amisulpride tolerability since they are associated with the observed adverse reactions, including cardiac dysfunction and endocrine disorders in Chinese patients with schizophrenia.
目的确定中国患者在接受氨磺必利治疗时,其心脏功能和 "内分泌 "是否与多巴胺D2(DRD2)(rs6276)和DRD3(rs6280,rs963468)基因多态性有关:本研究招募了 148 名精神分裂症患者,这些患者口服阿米舒必利 8 周。采用TaqMan-MGB等位基因辨别法检测DRD2(rs6276)和DRD3(rs6280、rs963468)基因多态性:多变量协方差分析(MANCOVA)显示,在调整年龄、性别和基线水平后,rs6276 AG 组天门冬氨酸氨基转移酶(AST)和肌酸激酶(CK)水平的升高幅度高于 AA 组和 GG 组。同样,rs6276 GG 组和 rs963468 GG 组的雌二醇(E2)水平变化也高于其他两组。调整协变量后,rs6276 GG 组和 rs963468 GG 组甘油三酯(TG)水平的升高在不同基因型组中最高。在调整协变量后,rs6280 TT 组 "谷草转氨酶 "水平的升高幅度高于 CC 组和 CT 组。同样,MANCOVA 显示,rs6280 CT 组 "肌酸激酶 "水平的升高也高于 CC 组和 CT 组。此外,rs6280 CC 组和 rs963468 GG 组 "PRL "水平的升高也高于其他两个基因型组:结论:DRD2(rs6276)和DRD3(rs6280、rs963468)多态性可能影响阿米舒必利的耐受性,因为它们与观察到的不良反应有关,包括中国精神分裂症患者的心功能障碍和内分泌紊乱。
{"title":"Association Study Between DRD2, DRD3 Genetic Polymorphisms and Adverse Reactions in Chinese Patients on Amisulpride Treatment.","authors":"Kankan Qu, Yanan He, Zhongdong Zhang, Yeli Cao, Qiyun Qin, Zhenhe Zhou, Lili Zhen","doi":"10.1055/a-2375-3859","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2375-3859","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>To determine if the cardiac function and \"endocrinium\" of Chinese patients are associated with dopamine D<sub>2</sub> (<i>DRD2</i>) (<i>rs6276</i>) and <i>DRD3</i> (<i>rs6280, rs963468</i>) genetic polymorphisms when treated with amisulpride.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study enrolled 148 patients with schizophrenia who took amisulpride orally for 8 weeks. <i>DRD2 (rs6276)</i> and <i>DRD3 (rs6280, rs963468)</i> genetic polymorphisms were detected with TaqMan-MGB allelic discrimination.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Analysis by multivariate covariance analysis (MANCOVA) showed that after adjusting for age, gender, and the baseline level, the increase in the level of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and creatine kinase (CK) in the <i>rs6276</i> AG group was higher than that in the AA and GG groups. Similarly, the changed estradiol (E<sub>2</sub>) level in <i>rs6276</i> GG and <i>rs963468</i> GG groups was higher than that in the other two groups. Adjusting for covariates, the increased triglyceride (TG) level in <i>rs6276</i> GG and <i>rs963468</i> GG groups was the highest among their different genotype groups. The increase in the level of \"AST\" in the <i>rs6280</i> TT group was higher than that in the CC and CT groups upon adjusting for covariates. Similarly, MANCOVA showed that the increase in the level of \"CK\" in the <i>rs6280</i> CT group was higher than that in the CC and CT groups. Besides, the increased level of \"PRL\" in the <i>rs6280</i> CC group and <i>rs963468</i> GG group was higher than that in their other two genotypes groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong><i>DRD2</i> (<i>rs6276</i>) and <i>DRD3</i> (<i>rs6280, rs963468</i>) polymorphisms can affect amisulpride tolerability since they are associated with the observed adverse reactions, including cardiac dysfunction and endocrine disorders in Chinese patients with schizophrenia.</p>","PeriodicalId":19783,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacopsychiatry","volume":" ","pages":"283-289"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142073461","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-01Epub Date: 2024-09-06DOI: 10.1055/a-2406-6396
Manouk den Toom, Laura Blanken, Inge Horn, Selene Veerman, Joris J B van der Vlugt-Molenaar, Mariken B de Koning, Jan Bogers, John Enterman, Martin de Jonge, Daniela Cianci, Gerardus W J Frederix, Hans J de Haas, Bram W Storosum, Mike Veereschild, Martin Javadzadeh, Peter F J Schulte, Dan Cohen, Jim van Os, Wiepke Cahn, Lieuwe de Haan, Jasper B Zantvoord, Jurjen J Luykx
{"title":"Correction: Electroconvulsive Therapy Versus Aripiprazole Addition to Clozapine in Patients with Clozapine-Resistant Symptoms (EMECLO): A Protocol of a Single-Blind, Multicenter, Randomized-Controlled Feasibility Trial.","authors":"Manouk den Toom, Laura Blanken, Inge Horn, Selene Veerman, Joris J B van der Vlugt-Molenaar, Mariken B de Koning, Jan Bogers, John Enterman, Martin de Jonge, Daniela Cianci, Gerardus W J Frederix, Hans J de Haas, Bram W Storosum, Mike Veereschild, Martin Javadzadeh, Peter F J Schulte, Dan Cohen, Jim van Os, Wiepke Cahn, Lieuwe de Haan, Jasper B Zantvoord, Jurjen J Luykx","doi":"10.1055/a-2406-6396","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2406-6396","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":19783,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacopsychiatry","volume":" ","pages":"e1"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142146025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Introduction: While antipsychotics are often prescribed for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), typically on an off-label basis, these medications have serious adverse effects. This study investigated the long-term use of antipsychotics among inpatients with dementia displaying severe BPSD, focusing on how prescriptions change over time.
Methods: Medical charts at Kusakabe Memorial Hospital were retrospectively reviewed from October 2012 to September 2021. The study included patients diagnosed with dementia, admitted for BPSD, and were continuing antipsychotics at 3 months of their admission. Antipsychotic dosages were categorized as high (≥300 mg/d), medium (100-300 mg/d), and low (<100 mg/d) based on chlorpromazine equivalents and tracked until 15 months during hospitalization. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with dosage reductions between months 3 and 6.
Results: This study involved 188 patients, with an average age of 81.2 years, 67% of whom were diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia. At 3 months, 15.4% were taking high, 44.1% on medium, and 40.4% on low dosages of antipsychotics. The highest average dosage was observed at 3 months, with a subsequent decrease over time. By the 12th month, 20-30% of patients in all dosage categories had stopped their antipsychotic medication. Significant factors for dosage reduction included higher initial doses (OR 1.003, 95%Cl: 1.001-1.006, P=0.01) and male gender (OR 2.481, 95%Cl: 1.251-4.918, P=0.009).
Discussion: A trajectory of antipsychotic dosage in inpatients with severe BPSD has rarely been reported. This research emphasizes the need for personalized strategies in managing long-term pharmacotherapy for this vulnerable group of patients.
{"title":"A Trajectory of Long-Term Antipsychotic Medication Dosage in Inpatients with Severe Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Retrospective Study.","authors":"Teruo Tada, Takefumi Suzuki, Yusuke Iwata, Masaharu Kubota, Koichiro Watanabe, Hitoshi Sakurai","doi":"10.1055/a-2336-3317","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2336-3317","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>While antipsychotics are often prescribed for behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), typically on an off-label basis, these medications have serious adverse effects. This study investigated the long-term use of antipsychotics among inpatients with dementia displaying severe BPSD, focusing on how prescriptions change over time.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Medical charts at Kusakabe Memorial Hospital were retrospectively reviewed from October 2012 to September 2021. The study included patients diagnosed with dementia, admitted for BPSD, and were continuing antipsychotics at 3 months of their admission. Antipsychotic dosages were categorized as high (≥300 mg/d), medium (100-300 mg/d), and low (<100 mg/d) based on chlorpromazine equivalents and tracked until 15 months during hospitalization. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with dosage reductions between months 3 and 6.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study involved 188 patients, with an average age of 81.2 years, 67% of whom were diagnosed with Alzheimer's dementia. At 3 months, 15.4% were taking high, 44.1% on medium, and 40.4% on low dosages of antipsychotics. The highest average dosage was observed at 3 months, with a subsequent decrease over time. By the 12th month, 20-30% of patients in all dosage categories had stopped their antipsychotic medication. Significant factors for dosage reduction included higher initial doses (OR 1.003, 95%Cl: 1.001-1.006, P=0.01) and male gender (OR 2.481, 95%Cl: 1.251-4.918, P=0.009).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>A trajectory of antipsychotic dosage in inpatients with severe BPSD has rarely been reported. This research emphasizes the need for personalized strategies in managing long-term pharmacotherapy for this vulnerable group of patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":19783,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacopsychiatry","volume":" ","pages":"275-282"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141451120","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-11-01Epub Date: 2024-08-22DOI: 10.1055/a-2374-2386
Waldemar Greil, Mateo de Bardeci, Nadja Nievergelt, Sermin Toto, Renate Grohmann, Johanna Seifert, Georgios Schoretsanitis
Introduction: Pharmacoepidemiological data suggest that lithium prescriptions for bipolar disorder are gradually decreasing, with less attention having been paid to other indications.
Methods: We examined lithium prescriptions between 1994 and 2017 in data provided by the Drug Safety in Psychiatry Program AMSP, including psychiatric hospitals in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. We compared lithium use for different diagnoses before and after 2001 and in three periods (T1: 1994-2001, T2: 2002-2009, and T3: 2010-2017).
Results: In a total of 158,384 adult inpatients (54% female, mean age 47.4±17.0 years), we observed a statistically significant decrease in lithium prescriptions between 1994-2000 and 2001-2017 in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder from 7.7% to 5.1% and in patients with affective disorders from 16.8% to 9.6%. Decreases in use were also observed for diagnostic subgroups: schizoaffective disorder (ICD-10 F25: 27.8% to 17.4%), bipolar disorder (F31: 41.3% to 31%), depressive episode (F32: 8.1% to 3.4%), recurrent depression (F33: 17.9% to 7.5%, all: p<0.001) and emotionally unstable (borderline) personality disorder (6.3% to 3.9%, p=0.01). The results in T1 vs. T2 vs. T3 were for F25: 26.7% vs. 18.2% vs. 16.2%, F32: 7.7% vs. 4.2% vs. 2.7%, F33: 17.2% vs. 8.6% vs. 6.6% and for F31: 40.8% vs. 31.7% vs 30.0%, i. e. there was no further decrease for lithium use in bipolar disorder after 2002. Lithium's main psychotropic co-medications were quetiapine (21.1%), lorazepam (20.6%), and olanzapine (15.2%).
Discussion: In inpatients, the use of lithium has decreased in patients with bipolar disorder and also with various other psychiatric diagnoses.
{"title":"Twenty-Three Years of Declining Lithium Use: Analysis of a Pharmacoepidemiological Dataset from German-Speaking Countries.","authors":"Waldemar Greil, Mateo de Bardeci, Nadja Nievergelt, Sermin Toto, Renate Grohmann, Johanna Seifert, Georgios Schoretsanitis","doi":"10.1055/a-2374-2386","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2374-2386","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Pharmacoepidemiological data suggest that lithium prescriptions for bipolar disorder are gradually decreasing, with less attention having been paid to other indications.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We examined lithium prescriptions between 1994 and 2017 in data provided by the Drug Safety in Psychiatry Program AMSP, including psychiatric hospitals in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. We compared lithium use for different diagnoses before and after 2001 and in three periods (T1: 1994-2001, T2: 2002-2009, and T3: 2010-2017).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In a total of 158,384 adult inpatients (54% female, mean age 47.4±17.0 years), we observed a statistically significant decrease in lithium prescriptions between 1994-2000 and 2001-2017 in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder from 7.7% to 5.1% and in patients with affective disorders from 16.8% to 9.6%. Decreases in use were also observed for diagnostic subgroups: schizoaffective disorder (ICD-10 F25: 27.8% to 17.4%), bipolar disorder (F31: 41.3% to 31%), depressive episode (F32: 8.1% to 3.4%), recurrent depression (F33: 17.9% to 7.5%, all: p<0.001) and emotionally unstable (borderline) personality disorder (6.3% to 3.9%, p=0.01). The results in T1 vs. T2 vs. T3 were for F25: 26.7% vs. 18.2% vs. 16.2%, F32: 7.7% vs. 4.2% vs. 2.7%, F33: 17.2% vs. 8.6% vs. 6.6% and for F31: 40.8% vs. 31.7% vs 30.0%, i. e. there was no further decrease for lithium use in bipolar disorder after 2002. Lithium's main psychotropic co-medications were quetiapine (21.1%), lorazepam (20.6%), and olanzapine (15.2%).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>In inpatients, the use of lithium has decreased in patients with bipolar disorder and also with various other psychiatric diagnoses.</p>","PeriodicalId":19783,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacopsychiatry","volume":" ","pages":"296-303"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11543241/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142036562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Josef Rabl, Michael Specka, Udo Bonnet, Özge Irtürk, Fabrizio Schifano, Norbert Scherbaum
Introduction: As tobacco smoking decreases, the use of e-cigarettes is on the rise. There is a debate whether switching from smoking to the use of e-cigarettes might represent a harm reduction strategy for those who smoke tobacco heavily, a habit often observed in individuals with opioid dependence. The present study investigated the prevalence and patterns of tobacco smoking and e-cigarette use in patients in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) and whether e-cigarette use contributed to the cessation of smoking tobacco.
Methods: In 2014 (n=84) and in 2021 (n=128), patients from two OMT clinics of a psychiatric university hospital were interviewed RESULTS: In both surveys, patients presented with a comparable average age (45.6 vs. 46.9 years of age), gender distribution (mainly male 71.4 vs. 75.8%), and length of OMT history (median: 66 vs. 55 months). The lifetime prevalence of e-cigarette use (45.2% in 2014 and 38.3% in 2021) was much higher than the current prevalence (4.9% and 7.8%, respectively). Few patients reported either a complete switch from smoking to the use of e-cigarettes (2014, n=1 vs. 2021, n=2) or the achievement of abstinence from smoking after a temporary use of e-cigarettes (2014, n=2 vs. 2021, n=1).
Discussion: No increase in the use of e-cigarettes was observed in these groups of patients undergoing OMT. Presumably, harm reduction strategies relating to the use of e-cigarettes in this group need to be supported by motivational interventions. Given the high morbidity and mortality due to smoking, OMT clinics should offer professional help in reducing smoking.
{"title":"Evaluation of E-Cigarette Use in Opioid-Dependent Patients in Maintenance Treatment.","authors":"Josef Rabl, Michael Specka, Udo Bonnet, Özge Irtürk, Fabrizio Schifano, Norbert Scherbaum","doi":"10.1055/a-2414-5867","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1055/a-2414-5867","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>As tobacco smoking decreases, the use of e-cigarettes is on the rise. There is a debate whether switching from smoking to the use of e-cigarettes might represent a harm reduction strategy for those who smoke tobacco heavily, a habit often observed in individuals with opioid dependence. The present study investigated the prevalence and patterns of tobacco smoking and e-cigarette use in patients in opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) and whether e-cigarette use contributed to the cessation of smoking tobacco.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In 2014 (n=84) and in 2021 (n=128), patients from two OMT clinics of a psychiatric university hospital were interviewed RESULTS: In both surveys, patients presented with a comparable average age (45.6 vs. 46.9 years of age), gender distribution (mainly male 71.4 vs. 75.8%), and length of OMT history (median: 66 vs. 55 months). The lifetime prevalence of e-cigarette use (45.2% in 2014 and 38.3% in 2021) was much higher than the current prevalence (4.9% and 7.8%, respectively). Few patients reported either a complete switch from smoking to the use of e-cigarettes (2014, n=1 vs. 2021, n=2) or the achievement of abstinence from smoking after a temporary use of e-cigarettes (2014, n=2 vs. 2021, n=1).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>No increase in the use of e-cigarettes was observed in these groups of patients undergoing OMT. Presumably, harm reduction strategies relating to the use of e-cigarettes in this group need to be supported by motivational interventions. Given the high morbidity and mortality due to smoking, OMT clinics should offer professional help in reducing smoking.</p>","PeriodicalId":19783,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacopsychiatry","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142546696","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-01Epub Date: 2024-07-31DOI: 10.1055/a-2334-6253
Garrett D Alexander, Luke R Cavanah, Jessica L Goldhirsh, Leighton Y Huey, Brian J Piper
Introduction: There have been substantial increases in the use of Schedule II stimulants in the United States. Schedule II stimulants are the gold standard treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but also carry the risk of addiction. Since the neurocognitive deficits seen in ADHD resemble those of chronic cannabis use, and the rise in stimulant use is incompletely understood, this study sought to determine if recreational cannabis (RC) legalization increased distribution rates of Schedule II stimulants.
Methods: The distribution of amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, and methylphenidate were extracted from the ARCOS database of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The three-year population-corrected slopes of distribution before and after RC sales were evaluated.
Results: Total stimulant distribution rates were significantly higher in states with RC sales after (p=0.049), but not before (p=0.221), program implementation compared to states without RC. Significant effects of time (p<0.001) and RC sales status (p=0.045) were observed, while time x RC sales status interaction effects were not significant (p=0.406).
Discussion: RC legalization did not contribute to a more pronounced rise in Schedule II stimulant distribution in states. Future studies could explore the impact of illicit cannabis use on stimulant rates and the impact of cannabis sales on distribution rates of non-stimulant ADHD pharmacotherapies and ADHD diagnoses.
导言:在美国,二类兴奋剂的使用大幅增加。第二类兴奋剂是治疗注意力缺陷多动障碍(ADHD)的金标准,但也有成瘾的风险。由于注意力缺陷多动障碍(ADHD)的神经认知缺陷与长期吸食大麻相似,而且人们对兴奋剂使用的增加还不完全了解,因此本研究试图确定娱乐性大麻(RC)合法化是否会增加附表 II 兴奋剂的销售率:从缉毒署的 ARCOS 数据库中提取了苯丙胺、利眠宁和哌醋甲酯的分布情况。对 RC 销售前后三年的人口校正分布斜率进行了评估:与未实施 RC 的州相比,在实施 RC 计划后(p=0.049),而在实施 RC 计划前(p=0.221),有 RC 销售的州的兴奋剂总销售率明显较高。观察到时间的显著影响(pp=0.045),而时间 x RC 销售状况的交互影响不显著(p=0.406):讨论:RC 合法化并未导致各州附表 II 兴奋剂销售量的明显上升。今后的研究可以探讨非法使用大麻对兴奋剂使用率的影响,以及大麻销售对非兴奋剂多动症药物疗法和多动症诊断分布率的影响。
{"title":"Recreational Cannabis Legalization: No Contribution to Rising Prescription Stimulants in the USA.","authors":"Garrett D Alexander, Luke R Cavanah, Jessica L Goldhirsh, Leighton Y Huey, Brian J Piper","doi":"10.1055/a-2334-6253","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2334-6253","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>There have been substantial increases in the use of Schedule II stimulants in the United States. Schedule II stimulants are the gold standard treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but also carry the risk of addiction. Since the neurocognitive deficits seen in ADHD resemble those of chronic cannabis use, and the rise in stimulant use is incompletely understood, this study sought to determine if recreational cannabis (RC) legalization increased distribution rates of Schedule II stimulants.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The distribution of amphetamine, lisdexamfetamine, and methylphenidate were extracted from the ARCOS database of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The three-year population-corrected slopes of distribution before and after RC sales were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Total stimulant distribution rates were significantly higher in states with RC sales after (<i>p</i>=0.049), but not before (<i>p</i>=0.221), program implementation compared to states without RC. Significant effects of time (<i>p</i><0.001) and RC sales status (<i>p</i>=0.045) were observed, while time x RC sales status interaction effects were not significant (<i>p</i>=0.406).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>RC legalization did not contribute to a more pronounced rise in Schedule II stimulant distribution in states. Future studies could explore the impact of illicit cannabis use on stimulant rates and the impact of cannabis sales on distribution rates of non-stimulant ADHD pharmacotherapies and ADHD diagnoses.</p>","PeriodicalId":19783,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacopsychiatry","volume":" ","pages":"249-254"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141860524","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-01Epub Date: 2024-08-01DOI: 10.1055/a-2345-7448
Simon Kurzhals, Martin Schäfer, Udo Bonnet, Katrin Isbruch, Stefan Kühnhold, Jörg Timm, Michael Specka, Norbert Scherbaum
Introduction: People addicted to illegal drugs were discussed as a risk group for SARS-CoV-2 infections, with increased susceptibility and a severe course of infection.
Methods: In this study, the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infections of drug-dependent persons admitted to inpatient detoxification treatment in five psychiatric hospitals was determined by implementing routine polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-testing at admission (9/2020) up to one year. Main substance-related diagnosis, comorbid respiratory disease, housing situation, and current opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) were documented. An age-matched control group of psychiatric inpatients without dependence from illegal drugs was established.
Results: Data from 1675 patients (male 79.5%; mean age 39.5 years; opioid dependence 81.5% homelessness; 2.4%; chronic respiratory disease 6.3%) were included. Out of 1365 patients dependent on opioids, 50.2% were currently in OMT. Six (3 female; mean age 40.3 years) patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR (0.36%), and none showed symptoms of COVID-19. All six were opioid dependent, 5 currently not in OMT. In the control group, 11 out of 1811 inpatients tested positive (0.61%).
Discussion: The rate of SARS-CoV-2-infections in persons with dependence on illegal drugs was not increased compared to a control group of psychiatric patients. OMT is presumably a protective factor, e. g. in the participating cities, OMT facilities offered an easy access to vaccination programs. In contrast, drug addicts in the USA were severely affected by the pandemic. Differences between countries might partially be explained by social factors such as the higher availability of OMT in Germany and a much lower frequency of homelessness.
{"title":"SARS-CoV-2-Infection in People Addicted to Illegal Drugs - Is There a Protective Effect of Opioid Maintenance Treatment?","authors":"Simon Kurzhals, Martin Schäfer, Udo Bonnet, Katrin Isbruch, Stefan Kühnhold, Jörg Timm, Michael Specka, Norbert Scherbaum","doi":"10.1055/a-2345-7448","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2345-7448","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>People addicted to illegal drugs were discussed as a risk group for SARS-CoV-2 infections, with increased susceptibility and a severe course of infection.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this study, the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infections of drug-dependent persons admitted to inpatient detoxification treatment in five psychiatric hospitals was determined by implementing routine polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-testing at admission (9/2020) up to one year. Main substance-related diagnosis, comorbid respiratory disease, housing situation, and current opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) were documented. An age-matched control group of psychiatric inpatients without dependence from illegal drugs was established.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data from 1675 patients (male 79.5%; mean age 39.5 years; opioid dependence 81.5% homelessness; 2.4%; chronic respiratory disease 6.3%) were included. Out of 1365 patients dependent on opioids, 50.2% were currently in OMT. Six (3 female; mean age 40.3 years) patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by PCR (0.36%), and none showed symptoms of COVID-19. All six were opioid dependent, 5 currently not in OMT. In the control group, 11 out of 1811 inpatients tested positive (0.61%).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The rate of SARS-CoV-2-infections in persons with dependence on illegal drugs was not increased compared to a control group of psychiatric patients. OMT is presumably a protective factor, e. g. in the participating cities, OMT facilities offered an easy access to vaccination programs. In contrast, drug addicts in the USA were severely affected by the pandemic. Differences between countries might partially be explained by social factors such as the higher availability of OMT in Germany and a much lower frequency of homelessness.</p>","PeriodicalId":19783,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacopsychiatry","volume":" ","pages":"255-260"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141875585","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-09-01Epub Date: 2024-06-19DOI: 10.1055/a-2331-2300
Taro Kishi, Kenji Sakuma, Shun Hamanaka, Yasufumi Nishii, Nakao Iwata
Introduction: Lurasidone (LUR) was compared with quetiapine extended release (QUE-ER) regarding 1-year discontinuation in patients with bipolar depression (n=317).
Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study.
Results: Although the time to all-cause discontinuation was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve with log-rank tests to compare treatment groups, no difference was found (p=0.317). The Cox proportional hazard model revealed that only the presence of adverse events (AEs) is associated with increased treatment discontinuation (p<0.0001). The most common AEs were akathisia for LUR (17.7%) and somnolence for QUE-ER (34.7%). In other Cox models divided by LUR or QUE-ER, the presence of akathisia or somnolence was associated with increased LUR (p=0.0205) or QUE-ER (p<0.0001) discontinuation, respectively.
Discussion: The acceptability of both antipsychotics to bipolar depression in clinical practice may be similar. However, specific AEs for each antipsychotic (LUR: akathisia and QUE-ER: somnolence) were associated with high treatment discontinuation.
{"title":"Discontinuation Rate of Lurasidone and Quetiapine Extended Release in Bipolar Depression.","authors":"Taro Kishi, Kenji Sakuma, Shun Hamanaka, Yasufumi Nishii, Nakao Iwata","doi":"10.1055/a-2331-2300","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2331-2300","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Lurasidone (LUR) was compared with quetiapine extended release (QUE-ER) regarding 1-year discontinuation in patients with bipolar depression (n=317).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a retrospective cohort study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Although the time to all-cause discontinuation was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier survival curve with log-rank tests to compare treatment groups, no difference was found (p=0.317). The Cox proportional hazard model revealed that only the presence of adverse events (AEs) is associated with increased treatment discontinuation (p<0.0001). The most common AEs were akathisia for LUR (17.7%) and somnolence for QUE-ER (34.7%). In other Cox models divided by LUR or QUE-ER, the presence of akathisia or somnolence was associated with increased LUR (p=0.0205) or QUE-ER (p<0.0001) discontinuation, respectively.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The acceptability of both antipsychotics to bipolar depression in clinical practice may be similar. However, specific AEs for each antipsychotic (LUR: akathisia and QUE-ER: somnolence) were associated with high treatment discontinuation.</p>","PeriodicalId":19783,"journal":{"name":"Pharmacopsychiatry","volume":" ","pages":"245-248"},"PeriodicalIF":3.6,"publicationDate":"2024-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141427309","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}