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Irish Journal of Psychological Medicine May 2024It is widely acknowledged that personal therapy positively contributes to the continued personal well-being and ongoing professional development of mental health... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
It is widely acknowledged that personal therapy positively contributes to the continued personal well-being and ongoing professional development of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists. As a result, most training bodies continue to recommend personal therapy to their trainees. Given its reported value and benefits, one might hypothesize that a high proportion of psychiatrists avail of personal therapy. This systematic review seeks to investigate whether this is the case.
AIM
To identify and evaluate the findings derived from all available survey-based studies reporting quantitative data regarding psychiatrists' and psychiatry trainees' engagement in personal therapy.
METHOD
A systematic search for survey-based studies about the use of personal therapy by psychiatric practitioners was conducted in four databases and platforms (PubMed, Scopus, Embase and EbscoHost) from inception to May 2022 following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were assessed for quality using the quality assessment checklist for survey studies in psychology (Q-SSP) and findings summarized using narrative synthesis.
RESULTS
The proportion of trainees who engaged in personal therapy ranged from a low of 13.4% in a recent UK based study to a high of 65.3% among Israeli residents. The proportion of fully qualified psychiatrists who engaged in personal therapy varied from 32.1% in South Korea to 89% in New Zealand.
CONCLUSION
This review represents the first known attempt to collect and synthesize data aimed at providing insights into the past and current trends in psychiatrists' use of personal therapy across different geographic regions and career stages.
PubMed: 38774997
DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2024.14 -
Psychiatria Danubina Oct 2023The aim of this systematic review is to critically summarize current literature concerning ethical and legal issues related compulsory treatment (CT) in patients with...
BACKGROUND
The aim of this systematic review is to critically summarize current literature concerning ethical and legal issues related compulsory treatment (CT) in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN).
SUBJECTS AND METHODS
Relevant articles were identified following the PRISMA guidelines after performing title/abstract screening and full text screening. We built the search string using the following terms: "coercion", "compulsory/involuntary treatment", "eating disorders", "anorexia nervosa", "mental capacity", "ethical/legal issues". Research was conducted on original articles published from any time until June 2023.
RESULTS
Out of 302 articles retrieved, seven were included for the analysis, including five studies on mental health practitioners, and two on hospital records. The results show that mental health practitioners a) favor the use of CT, but the support is weaker in AN vs other psychiatric conditions (i.e., schizophrenia or depression); b) support of mental capacity is controversial and some variability was found between different categories of psychiatrists; in particular, both ED-treating and CT experienced mental health practitioners support higher use of CT and lack of capacity of AN patients vs. general psychiatrists; c) use of CT is more supported in the early vs. chronic AN, when chances of success are lower. The analysis of hospital records identified 1) comorbidities, previous admissions and current health risk as CT predictors in 96 Australian patients; 2) family conflicts association with longer hospitalizations in 70 UK patients.
CONCLUSION
CT is usually intended for patients with AN at the onset of disease, mainly to prevent risk of death and self-injury. However, there is some variability in the attitude to perform CT among psychiatrists working in different setting, also related to the concept of mental capacity. There are also cross-national variabilities regarding CT. We can conclude that forcing patients to treatment is a conceivable option, but the balance between protection respect for patient's autonomy should be evaluated on individual bases.
Topics: Humans; Anorexia Nervosa; Coercion; Australia; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Involuntary Treatment
PubMed: 37800229
DOI: No ID Found -
Journal of Eating Disorders Feb 2024The purpose of this meta-analysis was to provide a pooled prevalence estimate of self-reported disordered eating (SRDE) in athletes based on the available literature,...
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this meta-analysis was to provide a pooled prevalence estimate of self-reported disordered eating (SRDE) in athletes based on the available literature, and to identify risk factors for their occurrence.
METHODS
Across ten academic databases, an electronic search was conducted from inception to 7th January 2024. The proportion of athletes scoring at or above predetermined cutoffs on validated self-reporting screening measures was used to identify disordered eating (DE). Subgroup analysis per country, per culture, and per research measure were also conducted. Age, body mass index (BMI), and sex were considered as associated/correlated factors.
RESULTS
The mean prevalence of SRDE among 70,957 athletes in 177 studies (132 publications) was 19.23% (17.04%; 21.62%), I = 97.4%, τ = 0.8990, Cochran's Q p value = 0. Australia had the highest percentage of SRDE athletes with a mean of 57.1% (36.0%-75.8%), while Iceland had the lowest, with a mean of 4.9% (1.2%-17.7%). The SRDE prevalence in Eastern countries was higher than in Western countries with 29.1% versus 18.5%. Anaerobic sports had almost double the prevalence of SRDE 37.9% (27.0%-50.2%) compared to aerobic sports 19.6% (15.2%-25%). Gymnastics sports had the highest SRDE prevalence rate, with 41.5% (30.4%-53.6%) while outdoor sports showed the lowest at 15.4% (11.6%-20.2%). Among various tools used to assess SRDE, the three-factor eating questionnaire yielded the highest SRDE rate 73.0% (60.1%-82.8%). Meta-regression analyses showed that female sex, older age, and higher BMI (all p < 0.01) are associated with higher prevalence rates of SRDE.
CONCLUSION
The outcome of this review suggests that factors specific to the sport affect eating behaviors throughout an athlete's life. As a result, one in five athletes run the risk of developing an eating disorder. Culture-specific and sport-specific diagnostic tools need to be developed and increased attention paid to nutritional deficiencies in athletes.
PubMed: 38326925
DOI: 10.1186/s40337-024-00982-5 -
Psychological Medicine May 2024Autistic children and young people (CYP) experience mental health difficulties but face many barriers to accessing and benefiting from mental health care. There is a... (Review)
Review
Autistic children and young people (CYP) experience mental health difficulties but face many barriers to accessing and benefiting from mental health care. There is a need to explore strategies in mental health care for autistic CYP to guide clinical practice and future research and support their mental health needs. Our aim was to identify strategies used to improve mental health care for autistic CYP and examine evidence on their acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness. A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out. All study designs reporting acceptability/feasibility outcomes and empirical quantitative studies reporting effectiveness outcomes for strategies tested within mental health care were eligible. We conducted a narrative synthesis and separate meta-analyses by informant (self, parent, and clinician). Fifty-seven papers were included, with most investigating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based interventions for anxiety and several exploring service-level strategies, such as autism screening tools, clinician training, and adaptations regarding organization of services. Most papers described caregiver involvement in therapy and reported adaptations to communication and intervention content; a few reported environmental adjustments. In the meta-analyses, parent- and clinician-reported outcomes, but not self-reported outcomes, showed with moderate certainty that CBT for anxiety was an effective treatment compared to any comparison condition in reducing anxiety symptoms in autistic individuals. The certainty of evidence for effectiveness, synthesized narratively, ranged from low to moderate. Evidence for feasibility and acceptability tended to be positive. Many identified strategies are simple, reasonable adjustments that can be implemented in services to enhance mental health care for autistic individuals. Notable research gaps persist, however.
PubMed: 38757186
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291724001089 -
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Jul 2023The first documented pediatric use of Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) occurred in Europe in 1941. Since then, predominantly successful treatments and reasonable side... (Review)
Review
The first documented pediatric use of Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) occurred in Europe in 1941. Since then, predominantly successful treatments and reasonable side effects have been reported in severely ill minors. Nevertheless, a shy reluctance determines the controversy about ECT in young patients. This study describes the use of ECT in children and adolescents in Europe. We systematically searched the literature concerning the practice of ECT in minors in all 53 European countries. In addition, we surveyed European experts about national practices and compared guidelines for ECT in minors. The search yielded 79 publications from 18 European countries, mainly from Western Europe, Israel, and Turkey. National data were available from eight countries. These showed an interestingly high relationship between the number of minors treated with ECT and the general use of ECT. No persistent deficits or deaths were reported. On the other hand, no randomized clinical trial was found, and many publications lacked relevant information. Accordingly, the appraisal of the evidence in the guidelines varies considerably. Experts from 13 European countries consistently reported infrequent and unsystematic use of ECT in minors. ECT has been used successfully in minors in Europe with reasonable complications and side effects. Adverse effects on the developing brain, as often suspected, have not been scientifically supported in eight decades. Nevertheless, the use of ECT in Europe is sparse and dependent on accidental circumstances. High-quality evidence is needed, as well as improved knowledge and training of child and adolescent psychiatrists.
PubMed: 37458849
DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02248-y -
Journal of the American Academy of... Apr 2024Historically providing specialized advocacy training to Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists (CAP) beyond traditional medical education has been ambiguous at best. This is...
Historically providing specialized advocacy training to Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists (CAP) beyond traditional medical education has been ambiguous at best. This is alarming particularly in light of the National Emergency in Child and Adolescent Mental Health and the increasing concern about health inequities resulting from social determinants of health (SDH). While Graduate Medical Education (GME) programs are adopting advocacy curricula, the authors argue that the shortage of trained CAPs and the growing need for advocacy makes it essential to focus on advocacy training that targets patients, organizations, or entire populations. The authors performed a systematic literature review across all medical specialties, highlighting the inadequacy of current advocacy training for CAPs, particularly in comparison to pediatrics, and the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) requirements. The article suggests that advocacy training should be more emphasized in CAP training to address health inequities and promote better outcomes for children and adolescents. The training focused on medical-legal partnerships (MLP) is particularly crucial in addressing the social causes of health disparities and addressing unmet needs such as food, housing, and income that drive disparities, especially amongst vulnerable populations. The article concludes that providing an informed and evidence-based representation of current practices and methodologies used to train residents around advocacy is essential to ensure that CAPs are prepared to advocate for their patients and address health disparities resulting from SDH. Given the growing demand for mental health services and the unprecedented need for advocacy, specialized training for CAPs can no longer be ignored.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; Child; Internship and Residency; Adolescent Psychiatry; Education, Medical, Graduate; Curriculum; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 37992855
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2023.11.004 -
CNS & Neurological Disorders Drug... Mar 2024Multiple illnesses commonly involve both the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Gastrointestinal Tract (GI) simultaneously. Consistent evidence suggests that...
INTRODUCTION
Multiple illnesses commonly involve both the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Gastrointestinal Tract (GI) simultaneously. Consistent evidence suggests that neurological disorders impair GI tract function and worsen the symptomatology and pathophysiology of digestive disorders. On the other hand, it has been proposed that early functional changes in the GI tract contribute to the genesis of several CNS illnesses. Additionally, the role played by the gut in these diseases can be seen as a paradigm for how the gut and the brain interact.
METHODS
We mentioned significant GI symptoms and discussed how the GI tract affects central nervous system illnesses, including depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease in this study. We also explored potential pathophysiological underpinnings and novel targets for the creation of future therapies targeted at gut-brain connections.
RESULTS & DISCUSSION
In this situation, modulating the gut microbiota through the administration of fecal microbiota transplants or probiotics may represent a new therapeutic option for this population, not only to treat GI problems but also behavioral problems, given the role that dysbiosis and leaky gut play in many neurological disorders.
CONCLUSION
Accurate diagnosis and treatment of co-existing illnesses also require coordination between psychiatrists, neurologists, gastroenterologists, and other specialties, as well as a thorough history and thorough physical examination.
PubMed: 38500273
DOI: 10.2174/0118715273289138240306050532 -
Bipolar Disorders Jun 2024Lithium has an irreplaceable role in the treatment of severe mood disorders, but declining renal function associated with its use leads to clinical dilemmas. Although... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Lithium has an irreplaceable role in the treatment of severe mood disorders, but declining renal function associated with its use leads to clinical dilemmas. Although not often applied, and requiring close monitoring and multidisciplinary actions, concurrent lithium and haemodialysis treatment (CLHT) is a feasible option. To our knowledge, however, there are no detailed consensus- or evidence-based treatment guidelines or directives on its delivery.
METHODS
To fill this gap, we reviewed the literature and surveyed psychiatrists and nephrologists with experience in CLHT using a self-designed questionnaire. Our goal was to form an integrated picture of the current knowledge and clinical practices of CLHT and formulate practical recommendations for colleagues being confronted with patients with renal dysfunction requiring lithium to help manage their mood disorder.
RESULTS
We identified 14 case reports and case series describing CLHT and one systematic review concluding CLHT to be effective. Ten nephrologists and six psychiatrists practising in the Netherlands completed our questionnaire, providing details on collaboration, lithium dosing regimens, serum level evaluations and additional amenities and services they deemed necessary during CLHT delivery.
DISCUSSION
We found that CLHT appears to be safe and effective and argue that delivery is a shared responsibility and needs continuous multidisciplinary finetuning. To facilitate delivery, we provide a flowchart for the initiation or reinstatement of lithium therapy in haemodialysis patients and a practical guide for CLHT, including an easy-to-use rule of thumb for calculating the lithium target dose.
Topics: Humans; Renal Dialysis; Surveys and Questionnaires; Antimanic Agents; Female; Male; Lithium Compounds; Lithium; Mood Disorders
PubMed: 37968245
DOI: 10.1111/bdi.13390 -
Journal of Psychopharmacology (Oxford,... Jun 2024Delirium is a neuropsychiatric condition that commonly occurs in medical settings, especially among older individuals. Despite the lack of strong evidence in the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Delirium is a neuropsychiatric condition that commonly occurs in medical settings, especially among older individuals. Despite the lack of strong evidence in the literature, haloperidol is considered the first-line pharmacological intervention. Unfortunately, its adverse effects can be severe, and psychiatrists are considering the use of alternative drugs targeting dopamine and serotonin domains (atypical antipsychotics). Among them, aripiprazole is considered to have one of the safest pharmacological profiles.
AIMS
The purpose of this study is to examine the studies on aripiprazole as a pharmacological treatment of delirium present in today's literature.
METHODS
We carried out systematic research of MedLine, PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and ScienceDirect examining articles written between January 2002 and September 2023, including experimental studies published in peer-reviewed journals.
RESULTS
The 6 final included studies examined a total of 130 patients, showing a delirium resolution in a 7-day span of 73.8% of patients treated with aripiprazole.
CONCLUSIONS
Considering the limited data currently available, we can assert that aripiprazole is at least as efficient as haloperidol, the true point is that it has a far better tolerability and safety profile. Nonetheless, further studies are necessary to provide more compelling data, together with a more precise indication regarding minimum efficient dose, as the main limitations of our review are the very small sample size, the small percentage of subjects with preexisting dementia, and the fact that most studies used scales with low specificity for the examined condition.
Topics: Aripiprazole; Humans; Delirium; Antipsychotic Agents; Haloperidol
PubMed: 38686649
DOI: 10.1177/02698811241249648 -
The Primary Care Companion For CNS... Nov 2023To investigate the effectiveness of acute short-stay hospital admissions in psychiatric observation units for improving the flow of patients with mental health...
To investigate the effectiveness of acute short-stay hospital admissions in psychiatric observation units for improving the flow of patients with mental health presentations through the emergency department (ED). CINAHL, MEDLINE, OVID, PsycINFO, PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched for English-language studies from 1990 onward. Descriptors used to describe psychiatric observation units were identified, and in databases with MESH term availability, the terms "mental disorder" and "emergency services, psychiatric" were also utilized to further enhance the search. A total of 6,571 studies were screened. The PICOS framework was used to determine the inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the process of study selection followed PRISMA guidelines. Articles were included if the unit studied had a length of stay (LOS) < 72 hours and if patients suffered from a mental health condition and were treated as hospital inpatients. Reviewers performed data extraction and quality assessment of the included studies following the review protocol. A total of 14 psychiatric observation unit studies were included in the review: 5 in North America and 9 in Australia. Most of these units were in large urban general hospitals. There appears to be some improvement in ED LOS for patients with mainly crisis mental health presentations. Seven of the 14 studies specifically discussed ED LOS, and 6 of these studies showed mild to moderate improvement in ED LOS, ranging from 17 minutes to > 11 hours. Psychiatric observation units were mainly located in North American and Australian settings. These units may reduce ED LOS based on limited, poor-quality evidence. Further research is required to determine whether psychiatric observation units have ongoing effects on ED LOS and alleviate access block. .
Topics: Humans; Clinical Observation Units; Australia; Hospitalization; Length of Stay; Emergency Service, Hospital; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 37976230
DOI: 10.4088/PCC.22r03468