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The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Dec 2015Zuclopenthixol is an older antipsychotic that has three distinct formulations (zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride, zuclopenthixol acetate or Acuphase and zuclopenthixol... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Zuclopenthixol is an older antipsychotic that has three distinct formulations (zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride, zuclopenthixol acetate or Acuphase and zuclopenthixol decanoate). Although it has been in common use for many years no previous systematic review of its efficacy compared to placebo in schizophrenia has been undertaken.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the effectiveness of all formulations of zuclopenthixol when compared with a placebo in schizophrenia.
SEARCH METHODS
On 6 November 2013 and 20 October 2015, we searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Trials Register, which is based on regular searches of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, BIOSIS, AMED, PubMed, PsycINFO, and registries of clinical trials. We also checked the references of all included studies and contacted authors of included studies for relevant studies and data.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included all randomised controlled trials comparing zuclopenthixol of any form with placebo for treatment of schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like psychoses.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We extracted and cross-checked data independently. We identified only a small number of studies so we cross checked all studies. We calculated fixed-effect relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous data. We analysed by intention-to-treat. Where possible we converted continuous outcomes into dichotomous outcomes. When this was not possible we used mean differences (MD) for continuous variables. We assessed risk of bias for included studies and used GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) to create a 'Summary of findings' table.
MAIN RESULTS
Only two studies, with a total of 65 participants, were eligible for inclusion in the review. Overall the quality of the two studies was low, with small study populations and significant sources of bias, so we were not able to use all the data in our comparisons. . The studies were old from 1968 and 1972, and would be unlikely to pass modern peer review standard. We were only able to find short-term data and only trials randomising zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride. We also hoped to identify data for zuclopenthixol acetate versus placebo and zuclopenthixol decanoate versus placebo comparisons. We were unable to identify any studies that included data on these two fairly widely used drugs.For our primary outcome of interest, clinically significant improvement, we found one study that provided useable data. Global state measured by clinical global impression scale (CGI) improvement showed different ratings when assessed by a psychiatrist or a nurse.The psychiatrist scores failed to achieve statistical significance, however when assessed by nursing staff, the difference favouring zuclopenthixol did reach statistical significance (1 RCT n = 29, RR 2.57 95% CI 1.06 to 6.20, very low quality data). There was also evidence of increased sedation with those treated with zuclopenthixol when compared with placebo (1 RCT n = 29, RR 4.67 95% CI 1.23 to 17.68, very low quality data). 'Leaving the study early' data were equivocal. No useable data were available for outcomes such as relapse, mental state, death, quality of life, service use or economic costs.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
For people with schizophrenia this review shows that zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride may help with the symptoms of schizophrenia. The review provides some trial evidence that, if taking zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride, people may experience some adverse effects and sedation compared with placebo. However this evidence is of very low quality and with some significant sources of bias. There are no data for zuclopenthixol decanoate or zuclopenthixol acetate.For clinicians, the available trial data on the absolute effectiveness of zuclopenthixol dihydrochloride do support its use but the limited nature of the data and significant sources of bias make conclusions hard to draw. Zuclopenthixol in all three forms is a commonly used antipsychotic and it is disappointing that there are so few data regarding its use.
Topics: Antipsychotic Agents; Clopenthixol; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Schizophrenia
PubMed: 26624987
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010598.pub2 -
Psycho-oncology Sep 2016Antidepressants are commonly used for the pharmacological treatment of depression. We aimed to summarise the prevalence of antidepressant prescription to cancer... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Antidepressants are commonly used for the pharmacological treatment of depression. We aimed to summarise the prevalence of antidepressant prescription to cancer patients, and differences by study or patient characteristics.
METHODS
PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus and psychINFO were searched using keywords 'psychotropic', 'antidepressants', 'prescription' and 'cancer'. Prevalence of antidepressants, type, dose and follow-up of antidepressants and prescriber details were extracted.
RESULTS
Overall, 1537 articles between 1979 and February 2015 were found, 38 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed according to PRISMA guidelines. The prevalence rate of prescribing antidepressants to cancer patients was 15.6% (95% CI = 13.3-18.3). Prescription was significantly less common in studies from Asia (7.4%; 95% CI = 4.3-12.5), more common in female (22.6%; 95% CI = 16.0-31.0) or breast cancer patients (22.6%; 95% CI = 16.0-30.9). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were the most frequently prescribed antidepressants. General practitioners and psychiatrists, followed by oncologists, were identified as the major providers of antidepressant prescriptions to cancer patients. Few studies reported the exact dose, length of time drugs were prescribed for or follow-up regimens.
CONCLUSIONS
There is considerable variation in the prescribing patterns of antidepressants across the world, with few studies reporting robust data on exact dose or follow-up regimens. Prospective studies that monitor antidepressant prescribing, including details of reasons for prescribing and the healthcare providers involved, dose, change in dose or type of medication and follow-up are needed to ascertain whether patients are being treated optimally and if side effects or drug-drug interactions are identified and managed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Topics: Adult; Antidepressive Agents; Depression; Depressive Disorder; Drug Prescriptions; Humans; Neoplasms; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Prospective Studies; Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
PubMed: 26775715
DOI: 10.1002/pon.4048 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Feb 2021Mental health problems are becoming increasingly prevalent among students and adequate support should be provided to prevent and treat mental health disorders in those... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Mental health problems are becoming increasingly prevalent among students and adequate support should be provided to prevent and treat mental health disorders in those at risk.
METHODS
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the efficacy of psychological interventions for students, with consideration of how adaptions to intervention content and delivery could improve outcomes. We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of interventions in students with or at risk of mental health problems and extracted data for study characteristics, symptom severity, wellbeing, educational outcomes, and attrition. Eighty-four studies were included.
RESULTS
Promising effects were found for indicated and selective interventions to treat anxiety disorders, depression and eating disorders. PTSD and self-harm data was limited, and did not demonstrate significant effects. Relatively few trials adapted intervention delivery to student-specific concerns, and overall adapted interventions showed no benefit over non-adapted interventions. There was some suggestion that adaptions based on empirical evidence and provision of additional sessions, and transdiagnostic models may yield some benefits.
LIMITATIONS
The review is limited by the often poor quality of the literature and exclusion of non-published data.
CONCLUSIONS
Interventions for students show benefit though uncertainty remains around how best to optimise treatment delivery and content for students. Additional research into content targeting specific underlying mechanisms of problems and transdiagnostic approaches to provision could be promising avenues for further research.
Topics: Anxiety Disorders; Humans; Mental Health; Psychosocial Intervention; Students; Universities
PubMed: 33227669
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.10.060 -
Journal of Psychiatric and Mental... Dec 2023WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: International guidelines for trans-and-gender-non-conforming (TGNC) exists in outpatient settings. Compared to cisgender and heterosexual... (Review)
Review
UNLABELLED
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: International guidelines for trans-and-gender-non-conforming (TGNC) exists in outpatient settings. Compared to cisgender and heterosexual people, TGNC individuals are at a higher risk of mental health difficulties and have higher rates of inpatient mental health treatment. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: An international scoping review identifying the lack of guidelines existing for TGNC individuals in inpatient mental health settings. Compared to psychiatrists and psychologists, mental health nursing has the most contact with patients admitted for inpatient psychiatric treatment. The study identifies unaddressed needs in gender affirming policies and outlines preliminary policy recommendations to assist mental health staff in improving TGNC patient quality of care within the United States. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: Reforming existing guidelines or creating new guidelines based on the identified themes and gaps to improve the well-being and treatment outcomes of TGNC individuals in inpatient psychiatric settings within the United States.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Access to culturally sensitive care is critical for addressing known mental health disparities among trans-and gender-non-conforming (TGNC) individuals. Although there has been a proliferation of TGNC healthcare guidelines from accrediting bodies, policies have failed to address the needs of TGNC patients in inpatient psychiatric settings.
AIM
To identify unaddressed needs in policies and policy recommendations for the care of TGNC patients to inform recommendations for change.
METHOD
A scoping review protocol was developed following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 850 articles were reduced to seven relevant articles with six themes identified via thematic analysis.
RESULTS
Six themes were identified: lack of consistency in preferred and pronoun use, lack of communication among providers, lack of training in TGNC healthcare, personal bias, lack of formal policies, and housing segregation by sex rather than gender.
DISCUSSION
The creation of new guidelines or bolstering of existing guidelines to specifically address identified themes and gaps may improve the well-being and treatment outcomes of TGNC individuals in inpatient psychiatric settings.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE
To provide a foundation for future studies to integrate these identified gaps and inform the future development of comprehensive formal policies that generalize TGNC care in inpatient settings.
Topics: Humans; Mental Health; Inpatients; Organizational Policy; Delivery of Health Care; Culturally Competent Care
PubMed: 37202857
DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12933 -
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Jun 2021Lilliputian hallucinations concern hallucinated human, animal or fantasy entities of minute size. Having been famously described by the French psychiatrist Raoul Leroy... (Review)
Review
Lilliputian hallucinations concern hallucinated human, animal or fantasy entities of minute size. Having been famously described by the French psychiatrist Raoul Leroy in 1909, who wrote from personal experience, to date they are mentioned almost routinely in textbooks of psychiatry, albeit with little in-depth knowledge. I therefore systematically reviewed 145 case reports and case series comprising 226 case descriptions, concluding that lilliputian hallucinations are visual (61 %) or multimodal (39 %) in nature. In 97 % of the cases, they are perceived as grounded in the actual environment, thus indicating involvement of higher-level regions of the perceptual network subserving the fusion of sensory and hallucinatory content. Perceptual release and deafferentiation are the most likely underlying mechanisms. Etiology is extremely diverse, with schizophrenia spectrum disorder, alcohol use disorder and loss of vision accounting for 50 % of the cases and neurological disease for 36 %. Recovery was obtained in 62 % of the cases, whereas 18 % of the cases ended in chronicity and 8 % in death. Recommendations are made for clinical practice and future research.
Topics: Hallucinations; Humans; Schizophrenia; Vision Disorders
PubMed: 33676962
DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.002 -
Zeitschrift Fur Kinder- Und... 2016Pharmacotherapy of children and adolescents with psychotropic medication ongoing public debate in Germany. Increasing use of psychotropic medication was sometimes... (Review)
Review
Pharmacotherapy of children and adolescents with psychotropic medication ongoing public debate in Germany. Increasing use of psychotropic medication was sometimes interpreted as overprescribing. In this systematic review prescribing patterns of stimulants, antidepressants and antipsychotics for children and adolescents and its development from 2000 to 2012 have been analyzed. An increase of prescriptions was observed in stimulants, antidepressants and antipsychotics. Compared with international data frequency of prescribed medication cannot be considered as overprescribing in general. Antipsychotics seem to be used mainly in behavioral use with an increasing frequency. Data indicates a trend towards more prescribing based on guidelines and evidence based treatments. Next to child and adolescent psychiatrists, pediatricians are most important prescribers.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Drug Therapy, Combination; Drug Utilization; Germany; Humans; Inappropriate Prescribing; Mental Disorders; Off-Label Use; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Psychotropic Drugs
PubMed: 27058834
DOI: 10.1024/1422-4917/a000417 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2023Anorexia nervosa is a psychological condition characterised by self-starvation and fear or wait gain or other body image disturbance. The first line of treatment is... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Anorexia nervosa is a psychological condition characterised by self-starvation and fear or wait gain or other body image disturbance. The first line of treatment is specific psychological therapy; however, there is no consensus on best practice for treating people who develop severe and enduring anorexia nervosa (SEAN). Notably, there is no universal definition of SEAN.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the benefits and harms of specific psychological therapies for severe and enduring anorexia nervosa compared with other specific therapies, non-specific therapies, no treatment/waiting list, antidepressant medication, dietary counselling alone, or treatment as usual.
SEARCH METHODS
We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The last search date was 22 July 2022.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included parallel randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of people (any age) with anorexia nervosa of at least three years' duration. Eligible experimental interventions were any specific psychological therapy for improved physical and psychological health in anorexia nervosa, conducted in any treatment setting with no restrictions in terms of number of sessions, modality, or duration of therapy. Eligible comparator interventions included any other specific psychological therapy for anorexia nervosa, non-specific psychological therapy for mental health disorders, no treatment or waiting list, antipsychotic treatment (with or without psychological therapy), antidepressant treatment (with or without psychological therapy), dietary counselling, and treatment as usual as defined by the individual trials.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were clinical improvement (weight restoration to within the normal weight range for participant sample) and treatment non-completion. Results were presented using the GRADE appraisal tool.
MAIN RESULTS
We found two eligible studies, but only one study provided usable data. This was a parallel-group RCT of 63 adults with SEAN who had an illness duration of at least seven years. The trial compared outpatient cognitive behaviour therapy for SEAN (CBT-SEAN) with specialist supportive clinical management for SEAN (SSCM-SE) over eight months. It is unclear if there is any difference between the effect of CBT-SEAN versus SSCM-SE on clinical improvement at 12 months (risk ratio (RR) 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.66 to 3.05) or treatment non-completion (RR 1.72, 95% CI 0.45 to 6.59). There were no reported data on adverse effects. The trial was at high risk of performance and detection bias. We rated the GRADE level of evidence as very low-certainty for both primary outcomes, downgrading for imprecision and risk of bias concerns.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
This review reports evidence from one trial that evaluated CBT-SEAN versus SSCM-SE. There was very low-certainty evidence of little or no difference in clinical improvement and treatment non-completion between the two therapies. There is a need for larger high-quality trials to determine the benefits of specific psychological therapies for people with SEAN. These should take into account the duration of illness as well as participants' previous experience with evidence-based psychological therapy for anorexia nervosa.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Child, Preschool; Anorexia Nervosa; Antipsychotic Agents; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Drug-Related Side Effects and Adverse Reactions; Fear
PubMed: 37610143
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011570.pub2 -
Tijdschrift Voor Psychiatrie 2018An N-of-1 trial is a clinical trial studying the response of an individual to a particular intervention or different interventions in an objective, systematic way. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
An N-of-1 trial is a clinical trial studying the response of an individual to a particular intervention or different interventions in an objective, systematic way.
AIM
To evaluate both the applications and the methodology of N-of-1 trials in child and adolescent psychiatry.
METHOD
A systematic review using PubMed and Embase assessing N-of-1 trials published during the period 1986 - July 2016 with the following key-word: 'N-of-1'.
RESULTS
20 articles were included. All articles used N-of-1 trials to evaluate the effect of stimulant medications in children and adolescents with ADHD. Most articles recommended the use of the N-of-1 methodology in clinical practice, despite the large variation in methodology and in outcome interpretation of N-of-1 trials. The 20 articles didn't meet the current quality standards for N-of-1 trials.
CONCLUSION
Despite the advantages of N-of-1 trials, the applications in child and adolescent psychiatry turn out to be rather limited and specific. N-of-1 trials have more to offer regarding both clinical practice and research in child and adolescent psychiatry. If the methodological recommendations are sufficiently met, N-of-1 trials could provide a useful and applicable tool for the child- and adolescent psychiatrist to offer individual patient care.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Psychiatry; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Central Nervous System Stimulants; Child; Child Psychiatry; Humans; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 29766479
DOI: No ID Found -
BJPsych Open Mar 2016Light therapy is a known treatment for patients with seasonal affective disorder. However, the efficacy of light therapy in treating patients with non-seasonal... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Light therapy is a known treatment for patients with seasonal affective disorder. However, the efficacy of light therapy in treating patients with non-seasonal depression remains inconclusive.
AIMS
To provide the current state of evidence for efficacy of light therapy in non-seasonal depressive disorders.
METHOD
Systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was conducted by searching MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and CENTRAL from their inception to September 2015. Study selection, data abstraction and risk of bias assessment were independently conducted in duplicate. Meta-analyses were performed to provide a summary statistic for the included RCTs. The reporting of this systematic review follows the PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
A meta-analysis including 881 participants from 20 RCTs demonstrated a beneficial effect of light therapy in non-seasonal depression (standardised mean difference in depression score -0.41 (95% CI -0.64 to -0.18)). This estimate was associated with significant heterogeneity (=60%, =0.0003) that was not sufficiently explained by subgroup analyses. There was also high risk of bias in the included trials limiting the study interpretation.
CONCLUSIONS
The overall quality of evidence is poor due to high risk of bias and inconsistency. However, considering that light therapy has minimal side-effects and our meta-analysis demonstrated that a significant proportion of patients achieved a clinically significant response, light therapy may be effective for patients with non-seasonal depression and can be a helpful additional therapeutic intervention for depression.
DECLARATION OF INTEREST
None.
COPYRIGHT AND USAGE
© The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2016. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Non-Commercial, No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) licence.
PubMed: 27703764
DOI: 10.1192/bjpo.bp.115.001610 -
PloS One 2015Studies report contrasting results regarding the efficacy and safety of pharmacological, psychological, and combined interventions in psychosis and schizophrenia in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Efficacy and safety of pharmacological and psychological interventions for the treatment of psychosis and schizophrenia in children, adolescents and young adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Studies report contrasting results regarding the efficacy and safety of pharmacological, psychological, and combined interventions in psychosis and schizophrenia in children, adolescents and young adults.
METHODS
Systematic review and meta-analysis. Embase, Medline, PreMedline, PsycINFO, and CENTRAL were searched to July 2013 without restriction to publication status. Randomised trials comparing any pharmacological, psychological, or combined intervention for psychosis and schizophrenia in children, adolescents and young adults were included. Studies were assessed for bias, and GRADE criteria were used to describe the quality of the results.
RESULTS
Twenty-seven trials including 3067 participants were identified. Meta-analyses were performed for 12 comparisons: symptoms, relapse, global state, psychosocial functioning, depression, weight and discontinuation. Low quality evidence demonstrated that antipsychotics have small beneficial effects on psychotic symptoms (SMD = -0.42, 95% CI -0.58 to -0.26), and a medium adverse effect on weight gain (WMD = 1.61, 95% CI 0.61 to 2.60) and discontinuation due to side effects (RR = 2.44, 95% CI, 1.12 to 5.31). There were no trials of psychological treatments in under-18 year olds. There was no evidence of an effect of psychological interventions on psychotic symptoms in an acute episode, or relapse rate, but low quality evidence of a large effect for family plus individual CBT on the number of days to relapse (WMD = 32.25, 95% CI -36.52 to -27.98).
CONCLUSIONS
For children, adolescents and young adults, the balance of risk and benefit of antipsychotics appears less favourable than in adults. Research is needed to establish the potential for psychological treatments, alone and in combination with antipsychotics, in this population.
Topics: Adolescent; Antipsychotic Agents; Child; Humans; Psychotherapy; Psychotic Disorders; Safety; Schizophrenia; Young Adult
PubMed: 25671707
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117166