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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 -
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 -
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 Clinical PsychopharmacologyClozapine is a very effective therapeutic option for schizophrenic disorders that have been refractory to most other therapies. This extremely positive aspect clashes...
BACKGROUND
Clozapine is a very effective therapeutic option for schizophrenic disorders that have been refractory to most other therapies. This extremely positive aspect clashes easily with an adverse effect of the drug that is deemed to be a very dangerous one: agranulocytosis. We asked whether the mandatory strict hematological follow-up prescribed in the black box warning of clozapine's label is proportioned to the actual incidence of agranulocytosis, considering that is the main reason that such a drug is often used only late in the treatment course.
METHODS
We carried out a systematic review of reports examining clozapine administration and agranulocytosis incidence. We specifically selected those where mild and moderate neutropenia was not used as a trigger to stop administration of clozapine, to better estimate the sheer incidence of agranulocytosis when clozapine was continued even with mild hematological effect, where detected. We used PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, and ScienceDirect databases to identify clinical studies conducted between January 1975 and April 2023.
RESULTS
We included 14 studies, mostly retrospective ones, that examined the incidence of hematological adverse effects in patients using clozapine. A total of 2354 subjects were included. The mean age of the subjects was 33.5 years. The mean duration of observation of subjects who took clozapine was 800 days, with a mean daily dose of 319.5 mg per day. Of the 2354 subjects examined, we found that 11 of them experienced agranulocytosis (0.47%).
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest the evidence of a lower incidence of agranulocytosis than previously estimated and are in line with more recent meta-analyses. We may therefore think that clinical practice may demand a revision of the approach that both psychiatrists and supervising organizations often take when talking about clozapine.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Clozapine; Antipsychotic Agents; Retrospective Studies; Agranulocytosis; Neutropenia; Schizophrenia
PubMed: 37930206
DOI: 10.1097/JCP.0000000000001765 -
Journal of the Academy of... 2024Othello syndrome (OS) is a condition characterized by a delusion of jealousy that one's spouse is having extramarital affairs. As in the eponymous Shakespearean tragedy,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Othello syndrome (OS) is a condition characterized by a delusion of jealousy that one's spouse is having extramarital affairs. As in the eponymous Shakespearean tragedy, there is an unfortunate risk of violence. For patients with these symptoms, consultation-liaison psychiatrists may be asked to assist with evaluating the differential diagnosis, assessing safety, and developing treatment options.
OBJECTIVE
This study's objective was to solidify current knowledge of the clinical presentations and management of OS through a systematic review of the literature and description of 2 new cases.
METHODS
We conducted a literature search from the start of relevant databases through August 2023 to identify English language case reports of adults (≥18 years) with OS that described clinical evaluations, biological treatments, and outcomes. We extracted demographics, proposed etiologies, treatment choices and responses, duration of delusions, comorbid psychiatric symptoms, neuro-radiographic findings, and presence of physical violence. We reported clinical findings for 2 new cases.
RESULTS
Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, we screened 705 abstracts and conducted full-text reviews of 118 articles to identify 73 cases published from 1983 to 2023 meeting inclusion criteria. The mean age was 58.2 years with male predominance (M:F = 1.88). Etiologies included primary psychiatric disorders (16, 22%), other medical conditions (38, 52%), and medications or other substances (19, 26%). Delusional disorder, cerebrovascular accident, and dopaminergic agonists were the most common etiologies, respectively, in these groups. Antipsychotics were the most common treatment (57, 78%). Symptom remission was reported in 51 (70%) cases. The average duration of OS was 39.5 months. Of 32 cases reporting brain imaging insults, 12 of 20 (60%) showed right-sided lesions, and 8 of 20 (40%) showed left-sided lesions, with 9 of 32 (28%) located in the frontal lobes. The most commonly co-existing psychiatric symptom was depression (14, 19%). Violence was reported in 25 cases (34%). Our 2 new cases were consistent with these findings.
CONCLUSIONS
OS may be a manifestation of several neuropsychiatric conditions, primarily delusional disorder, cerebrovascular accident, Alzheimer's dementia, and the use of dopaminergic agonists. One-third of cases include violent behaviors. It appears to respond to antipsychotic medications, but treatment is delayed more than 3 years on average. Available data have not localized OS to a specific brain region.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Female; Schizophrenia, Paranoid; Delusions; Dopamine Agonists; Antipsychotic Agents; Stroke
PubMed: 37832650
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaclp.2023.09.006 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Oct 2023Pharmacological interventions are frequently used for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to manage behaviours of concern, including irritability, aggression, and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Pharmacological interventions are frequently used for people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to manage behaviours of concern, including irritability, aggression, and self-injury. Some pharmacological interventions might help treat some behaviours of concern, but can also have adverse effects (AEs).
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effectiveness and AEs of pharmacological interventions for managing the behaviours of irritability, aggression, and self-injury in ASD.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, 11 other databases and two trials registers up to June 2022. We also searched reference lists of relevant studies, and contacted study authors, experts and pharmaceutical companies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials of participants of any age with a clinical diagnosis of ASD, that compared any pharmacological intervention to an alternative drug, standard care, placebo, or wait-list control.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard Cochrane methods. Primary outcomes were behaviours of concern in ASD, (irritability, aggression and self-injury); and AEs. Secondary outcomes were quality of life, and tolerability and acceptability. Two review authors independently assessed each study for risk of bias, and used GRADE to judge the certainty of the evidence for each outcome.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 131 studies involving 7014 participants in this review. We identified 26 studies as awaiting classification and 25 as ongoing. Most studies involved children (53 studies involved only children under 13 years), children and adolescents (37 studies), adolescents only (2 studies) children and adults (16 studies), or adults only (23 studies). All included studies compared a pharmacological intervention to a placebo or to another pharmacological intervention. Atypical antipsychotics versus placebo At short-term follow-up (up to 6 months), atypical antipsychotics probably reduce irritability compared to placebo (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.25 to -0.55, 12 studies, 973 participants; moderate-certainty evidence), which may indicate a large effect. However, there was no clear evidence of a difference in aggression between groups (SMD -0.44, 95% CI -0.89 to 0.01; 1 study, 77 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Atypical antipsychotics may also reduce self-injury (SMD -1.43, 95% CI -2.24 to -0.61; 1 study, 30 participants; low-certainty evidence), possibly indicating a large effect. There may be higher rates of neurological AEs (dizziness, fatigue, sedation, somnolence, and tremor) in the intervention group (low-certainty evidence), but there was no clear evidence of an effect on other neurological AEs. Increased appetite may be higher in the intervention group (low-certainty evidence), but we found no clear evidence of an effect on other metabolic AEs. There was no clear evidence of differences between groups in musculoskeletal or psychological AEs. Neurohormones versus placebo At short-term follow-up, neurohormones may have minimal to no clear effect on irritability when compared to placebo (SMD -0.18, 95% CI -0.37 to -0.00; 8 studies; 466 participants; very low-certainty evidence), although the evidence is very uncertain. No data were reported for aggression or self -injury. Neurohormones may reduce the risk of headaches slightly in the intervention group, although the evidence is very uncertain. There was no clear evidence of an effect of neurohormones on any other neurological AEs, nor on any psychological, metabolic, or musculoskeletal AEs (low- and very low-certainty evidence). Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)-related medications versus placebo At short-term follow-up, ADHD-related medications may reduce irritability slightly (SMD -0.20, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.01; 10 studies, 400 participants; low-certainty evidence), which may indicate a small effect. However, there was no clear evidence that ADHD-related medications have an effect on self-injury (SMD -0.62, 95% CI -1.63 to 0.39; 1 study, 16 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No data were reported for aggression. Rates of neurological AEs (drowsiness, emotional AEs, fatigue, headache, insomnia, and irritability), metabolic AEs (decreased appetite) and psychological AEs (depression) may be higher in the intervention group, although the evidence is very uncertain (very low-certainty evidence). There was no evidence of a difference between groups for any other metabolic, neurological, or psychological AEs (very low-certainty evidence). No data were reported for musculoskeletal AEs. Antidepressants versus placebo At short-term follow-up, there was no clear evidence that antidepressants have an effect on irritability (SMD -0.06, 95% CI -0.30 to 0.18; 3 studies, 267 participants; low-certainty evidence). No data for aggression or self-injury were reported or could be included in the analysis. Rates of metabolic AEs (decreased energy) may be higher in participants receiving antidepressants (very low-certainty evidence), although no other metabolic AEs showed clear evidence of a difference. Rates of neurological AEs (decreased attention) and psychological AEs (impulsive behaviour and stereotypy) may also be higher in the intervention group (very low-certainty evidence) although the evidence is very uncertain. There was no clear evidence of any difference in the other metabolic, neurological, or psychological AEs (very low-certainty evidence), nor between groups in musculoskeletal AEs (very low-certainty evidence). Risk of bias We rated most of the studies across the four comparisons at unclear overall risk of bias due to having multiple domains rated as unclear, very few rated as low across all domains, and most having at least one domain rated as high risk of bias.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Evidence suggests that atypical antipsychotics probably reduce irritability, ADHD-related medications may reduce irritability slightly, and neurohormones may have little to no effect on irritability in the short term in people with ASD. There was some evidence that atypical antipsychotics may reduce self-injury in the short term, although the evidence is uncertain. There was no clear evidence that antidepressants had an effect on irritability. There was also little to no difference in aggression between atypical antipsychotics and placebo, or self-injury between ADHD-related medications and placebo. However, there was some evidence that atypical antipsychotics may result in a large reduction in self-injury, although the evidence is uncertain. No data were reported (or could be used) for self-injury or aggression for neurohormones versus placebo. Studies reported a wide range of potential AEs. Atypical antipsychotics and ADHD-related medications in particular were associated with an increased risk of metabolic and neurological AEs, although the evidence is uncertain for atypical antipsychotics and very uncertain for ADHD-related medications. The other drug classes had minimal or no associated AEs.
Topics: Child; Adult; Adolescent; Humans; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Quality of Life; Antipsychotic Agents; Antidepressive Agents; Aggression; Self-Injurious Behavior; Fatigue; Neurotransmitter Agents
PubMed: 37811711
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011769.pub2 -
Journal of Psychiatric and Mental... Jun 2024WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: The principles of personal recovery are primarily applied in outpatient and community settings as these settings provide continuity of... (Review)
Review
WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: The principles of personal recovery are primarily applied in outpatient and community settings as these settings provide continuity of care and recovery-based community programs supporting consumers' recovery journey. A range of healthcare professionals are involved in the care of people within mental health in-patient units, including nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists and social workers. The integration of recovery-oriented care in mental health inpatient units may be impaired by a lack of confidence among mental health professionals. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Developing hope and a safe place is an integral part of recovery-oriented practice within mental health inpatient units. Instilling connectedness is a relevant recovery principle; however, there may be greater barriers in mental health settings which traditionally prioritise safety and risk mitigation practices to prevent perceived harmful behaviours. Staff workload and inadequate understanding of recovery concepts present challenges to promoting recovery-oriented care in everyday practice. Using strength-based practice is critical in promoting a safe space for consumers by providing psychosocial interventions and person-centred care. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: The provision of recovery-oriented practice requires adopting a collaborative approach that places a strong emphasis on the involvement of consumers and their families. Empowering mental health professionals to believe that recovery-oriented practice is possible in mental health inpatient units is crucial. Mental health professionals need to create a safe environment and positive relationships through respect and empathy for consumers and their family members. ABSTRACT: Introduction Recovery-oriented practice underpins an individual's personal recovery. Mental health nurses are required to adopt a recovery-oriented approach. Globally, a paucity of literature exists on mental health professionals' experience of recovery-oriented practice in mental health inpatient units. Aim The aim of this synthesis was to explore the experiences of healthcare professionals regarding recovery-oriented care in mental health inpatient units by appraising and synthesising existing qualitative research. Method Three databases, including MEDLINE, PsycINFO and CINAHL were searched between 2000 and 2021. Data were extracted and synthesised using thematic integrative analysis. The quality of included studies was assessed with the CASP Critical Appraisal Checklist. Results Ten qualitative research projects met the inclusion criteria. Four themes were identified (i) developing a safe and hopeful space, (ii) promoting a healing space, (iii) instilling connectedness and (iv) challenges to realising recovery-oriented care. Discussion Mental healthcare professionals perceived the principles of recovery-oriented care to be positive and include: therapeutic space, holistic care and person-centred care. Nevertheless, findings revealed limited knowledge and uncertainty of the recovery concept to be key barriers that may hinder implementation into practice. Implications for Practice Recovery-oriented practice must underpin consumer and family engagement, treatment choices and continuity of care to facilitate consumer's personal recovery.
Topics: Humans; Health Personnel; Inpatients; Mental Disorders; Mental Health Services; Psychiatric Department, Hospital; Psychiatric Nursing; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 37807633
DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12985 -
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 -
The Lancet. Psychiatry Nov 2023Self-binding directives (SBDs) are an ethically controversial type of advance decision making involving advance requests for involuntary treatment. This study... (Review)
Review
Self-binding directives (SBDs) are an ethically controversial type of advance decision making involving advance requests for involuntary treatment. This study systematically reviewed the academic literature on psychiatric SBDs to elucidate reasons for and against their use in psychiatric practice. Full-text articles were thematically analysed within the international, interdisciplinary authorship team to produce a hierarchy of reasons. We found 50 eligible articles. Reasons for SBD use were promoting service user autonomy, promoting wellbeing and reducing harm, improving relationships, justifying coercion, stakeholder support, and reducing coercion. Reasons against SBD use were diminishing service user autonomy, unmanageable implementation problems, difficulties with assessing mental capacity, challenging personal identity, legislative issues, and causing harm. A secondary finding was a clarified concept of capacity-sensitive SBDs. Future pilot implementation projects that operationalise the clarified definition of capacity-sensitive SBDs with safeguards around informed consent, capacity assessment, support for drafting, and independent review are required.
PubMed: 37714174
DOI: 10.1016/S2215-0366(23)00221-3 -
The International Journal of Social... Dec 2023Psychosis is a mental disorder that, despite its low prevalence, causes high disease and economic burden. Inadequate knowledge, lack of confidence and stigmatising... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Psychosis is a mental disorder that, despite its low prevalence, causes high disease and economic burden. Inadequate knowledge, lack of confidence and stigmatising attitudes of healthcare professionals (HCPs) may lead to suboptimal care.
AIM
To review the literature exploring HCPs' knowledge, confidence and attitudes in relation to psychosis care.
METHOD
A systematic search was undertaken across three databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO) using a search strategy encompassing the concepts: 'healthcare professionals', 'knowledge, attitude, and confidence in care' and 'psychotic illnesses and symptoms' to identify relevant records published from 1st January 2002 to 18th March 2022. Results were screened against predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria by title and abstract, followed by full text. Data were extracted into tables and synthesised narratively.
RESULTS
Initially, 7,397 studies were identified. Following two-stage screening, 24 studies were eligible for inclusion. Of these studies, 16 explored attitudes, four explored knowledge and attitudes, one explored knowledge, one explored confidence, one explored attitudes and confidence in care and one explored all three constructs. Most HCPs in the included studies demonstrated stigmatising attitudes towards people with psychosis. Furthermore, certain HCPs, including nurses and general practitioners, demonstrated low levels of knowledge, while psychiatrists, occupational therapists, psychologists and nurses had low levels of confidence in caring for people with psychosis. Conversely, positive attitudes were also observed in some HCPs resulting from having acquaintances with lived experience of psychosis. The need for additional education and training to improve HCPs' knowledge and confidence in relation to caring for people living with psychosis was identified.
CONCLUSIONS
Most attitudes identified were negative and stemmed from stigma, while some were positive due to HCPs' compassion and familiarity with psychosis. The level of knowledge and confidence identified were mostly suboptimal, and so further research is required to develop and evaluate tailored interventions to address this gap.
Topics: Humans; Health Personnel; Attitude of Health Personnel; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Psychotic Disorders; Social Stigma; General Practitioners
PubMed: 37691420
DOI: 10.1177/00207640231194490