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Frontiers in Psychiatry 2022Somatic complaints are a frequent cause for consultation in primary care. In a transcultural context, somatic complaints are typically associated with psychological...
AIMS
Somatic complaints are a frequent cause for consultation in primary care. In a transcultural context, somatic complaints are typically associated with psychological distress. A recent review about somatic symptom disorders in adolescence showed some nosographic heterogeneity and outlined various etiological hypotheses (traumatic, environmental, or neurologic), separate from the cross-cultural considerations. Migrants' children encounter specific problems involving cultural mixing-issues of filiation (familial transmission) and affiliation (belonging to a group). This paper aims to provide a systematic review of somatization in transcultural contexts among teenagers and young adults, aged 13 to 24, over the past decade.
METHODS
This review adheres to the quality criteria set forth by the PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Two authors queried three English databases (Medline, PsycInfo, WebOfScience) about somatization in transcultural contexts (migrant or non-Western population) among teenagers (13-18), young adults (19-24), or both. The methodological process comprised articles selection, data extraction, and then the analysis of emerging themes. Setting selection criteria to limit the transcultural field was difficult.
RESULTS
The study analyzed 68 articles. We present a descriptive analysis of the results, centered on three main themes. First, the literature highlights a nosographic muddle reflected in the combination of anxious and depressive symptoms together with the highly variable symptomatology. Second, discrimination issues were prevalent among the migrant population. Lastly, the literature review points out possibilities for improving a care pathway and reducing the diagnostic delay induced by migrants' hesitancy about Western care and the recurrent use of inappropriate diagnostic criteria.
CONCLUSION
This review discusses the links between the nosographic muddle described here and the diagnostic delays these patients experience and raises concerns about rigid diagnostic compartmentalization. The work of the psychiatrist Frantz Fanon is here useful to understand externalized symptoms resulting from physical and psychological confinement. Discrimination issues raise questions about the cultural counter-transference health professionals experience in dealing with young migrants. Defining healthcare professionals' representations about somatic complaints in a transcultural context might be a fruitful path to explore in future research.
PROTOCOL PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42021294132. Available from: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021294132.
PubMed: 35958663
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.897002 -
Tijdschrift Voor Psychiatrie 2015From the second half of the 19th century eminent psychiatrists began referring to alcohol-induced psychotic disorder (AIPD) as a specific alcoholic psychosis. Over the... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
From the second half of the 19th century eminent psychiatrists began referring to alcohol-induced psychotic disorder (AIPD) as a specific alcoholic psychosis. Over the last decades interest in AIPD seems to have declined: the last review dates form 1989.
AIM
To review the recent literature on AIPD, revive interest in the disorder, evaluate the current scientific evidence and assess its clinical value.
METHOD
We performed a Medline search based on the following terms: 'Psychoses, Alcoholic' [Mesh] OR 'alcohol induced psychotic disorder' OR 'alcoholic hallucinosis' OR 'alcohol hallucinosis'. Our search was restricted to articles written in English or Dutch and published between 1-1-1988 and 31-1-2013.
RESULTS
We found 164 papers, from which we selected 21 for further discussion. The quality of the papers selected was variable, most of the papers being the result of clinical research. The most important findings referred to epidemiology: 0.4% lifetime prevalence in the general population, 4.0% in patients with alcohol dependence. We found only limited evidence of psychopathological differentiation between delirium and primary psychotic disorder. Correct diagnosis of AIPD is important because of the implications regarding the length and nature of the treatment: short or long course of antipsychotics, referral to a substance-abuse unit.
CONCLUSION
AIPD has survived as a clinical entity. However, scientific evidence of this is limited. Further research is needed because it is vitally important that the patient receives the most appropriate treatment.
Topics: Comorbidity; Delirium; Humans; Neuroimaging; Psychoses, Alcoholic; Schizophrenia
PubMed: 25856742
DOI: No ID Found -
BMC Psychiatry Aug 2017Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders. The prevalence of ASD in many South Asian countries is still unknown. The aim of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders. The prevalence of ASD in many South Asian countries is still unknown. The aim of this study was to systematically review available epidemiological studies of ASD in this region to identify gaps in our current knowledge.
METHODS
We searched, collected and evaluated articles published between January 1962 and July 2016 which reported the prevalence of ASD in eight South Asian countries. The search was conducted in line with the PRISMA guidelines.
RESULTS
We identified six articles from Bangladesh, India, and Sri Lanka which met our predefined inclusion criteria. The reported prevalence of ASD in South Asia ranged from 0.09% in India to 1.07% in Sri Lanka that indicates up to one in 93 children have ASD in this region. Alarmingly high prevalence (3%) was reported in Dhaka city. Study sample sizes ranged from 374 in Sri Lanka to 18,480 in India. The age range varied between 1 and 30 years. No studies were found which reported the prevalence of ASD in Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives and Afghanistan. This review identifies methodological differences in case definition, screening instruments and diagnostic criteria among reported three countries which make it very difficult to compare the studies.
CONCLUSIONS
Our study is an attempt at understanding the scale of the problem and scarcity of information regarding ASD in the South Asia. This study will contribute to the evidence base needed to design further research and make policy decisions on addressing this issue in this region. Knowing the prevalence of ASD in South Asia is vital to ensure the effective allocation of resources and services.
Topics: Asian People; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Bangladesh; Humans; India; Sri Lanka
PubMed: 28826398
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-017-1440-x -
BJPsych Open Jun 2015Antipsychotics can exacerbate motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease psychosis. (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Antipsychotics can exacerbate motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease psychosis.
AIMS
To systematically review the literature on the efficacy and acceptability of antipsychotics for Parkinson's disease psychosis.
METHOD
Randomised controlled trials comparing an antipsychotic with placebo were systematically reviewed.
RESULTS
The final selection list included nine studies using quetiapine (3), clozapine (2), olanzapine (3) and pimavanserin (1). A narrative synthesis and meta-analyses (where appropriate) were presented for each antipsychotic. Clozapine demonstrated superiority over placebo in reducing psychotic symptoms. Quetiapine and olanzapine did not significantly improve psychotic symptoms. All three antipsychotics may exacerbate motor symptoms. Quetiapine studies were associated with high drop-out rates due to adverse events. Pimavanserin is a novel treatment that warrants further investigation.
CONCLUSIONS
Further research is needed. Clozapine and pimavanserin appear to be a promising treatment for Parkinson's disease psychosis.
DECLARATION OF INTEREST
None.
COPYRIGHT AND USAGE
© The Royal College of Psychiatrists 2015. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Non-Commercial, No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND) licence.
PubMed: 27703720
DOI: 10.1192/bjpo.bp.115.000927 -
Acta Medica Portuguesa 2009The high prevalence of psychiatric disturbances in the context of medical illness and its association with worse prognostic of the last one, are the reasons for which it... (Review)
Review
The high prevalence of psychiatric disturbances in the context of medical illness and its association with worse prognostic of the last one, are the reasons for which it becomes essential that the doctor, not psychiatrist, has the skills in the use of psychopharmaceuticals. A systematic review of the literature published until January of 2006 was done, through MEDLINE, using as key-words psychiatric illness, renal illness, hepatic illness, cardiovascular illness, psychopharmacology. The reviewed studies include original articles, reviews and observational studies. 39 articles were selected for its adequacy and acquired for the accomplishment of this revision. The authors intend to review the use of the several classes of psychopharmaceuticals, its risks and benefits, according to the different medical illnesses. The first part of this article will have is focus in the area of cardiology, nephrology and hepatology.
Topics: Heart Diseases; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Liver Diseases; Mental Disorders; Psychotropic Drugs
PubMed: 20350464
DOI: No ID Found -
Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Revue... Jun 2015We conducted an expedited knowledge synthesis (EKS) to facilitate evidence-informed decision making concerning youth suicide prevention, specifically school-based... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
We conducted an expedited knowledge synthesis (EKS) to facilitate evidence-informed decision making concerning youth suicide prevention, specifically school-based strategies and nonschool-based interventions designed to prevent repeat attempts.
METHODS
Systematic review of review methods were applied. Inclusion criteria were as follows: systematic review or meta-analysis; prevention in youth 0 to 24 years; peer-reviewed English literature. Review quality was determined with AMSTAR (a measurement tool to assess systematic reviews). Nominal group methods quantified consensus on recommendations derived from the findings.
RESULTS
No included review addressing school-based prevention (n = 7) reported decreased suicide death rates based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or controlled cohort studies (CCSs), but reduced suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, and proxy measures of suicide risk were reported (based on RCTs and CCSs). Included reviews addressing prevention of repeat suicide attempts (n = 14) found the following: emergency department transition programs may reduce suicide deaths, hospitalizations, and treatment nonadherence (based on RCTs and CCSs); training primary care providers in depression treatment may reduce repeated attempts (based on one RCT); antidepressants may increase short-term suicide risk in some patients (based on RCTs and meta-analyses); this increase is offset by overall population-based reductions in suicide associated with antidepressant treatment of youth depression (based on observational studies); and prevention with psychosocial interventions requires further evaluation. No review addressed sex or gender differences systematically, Aboriginal youth as a special population, harm, or cost-effectiveness. Consensus on 6 recommendations ranged from 73% to 100%.
CONCLUSIONS
Our EKS facilitates decision maker access to what is known about effective youth suicide prevention interventions. A national research-to-practice network that links researchers and decision makers is recommended to implement and evaluate promising interventions; to eliminate the use of ineffective or harmful interventions; and to clarify prevention intervention effects on death by suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation. Such a network could position Canada as a leader in youth suicide prevention.
Topics: Adolescent; Canada; Humans; Mental Health Services; School Health Services; Suicide; Suicide Prevention
PubMed: 26175322
DOI: 10.1177/070674371506000603 -
BMC Medical Education Feb 2021The increasing prevalence of mental health difficulties among children and young people (CYP) suggests that early intervention is vital. A comprehensive system of care...
BACKGROUND
The increasing prevalence of mental health difficulties among children and young people (CYP) suggests that early intervention is vital. A comprehensive system of care and support requires the involvement of mental health professionals, including psychologists and psychiatrists, and allied professionals, including teachers, police, and youth workers. A critical starting point is the provision of effective training, in order that these professionals can better support the mental health needs of the CYP that they encounter.
OBJECTIVES
Given the primacy of training in the CYP mental health support system, understanding the factors that maximise potential gains and facilitate uptake is pertinent. The current review therefore located and explored qualitative research evidence, to identify the barriers and facilitators underpinning successful delivery and implementation of training focussed on the mental health of CYP, for both mental health and allied professionals.
METHODS
A systematic review and qualitative meta-aggregation were conducted. Systematic searches were carried out using ASSIA, EMBASE, MEDLINE, NICE Evidence, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases, for papers published between 2000 and 2020. Twelve thousand four hundred forty-eight records were identified, of which 39 were eligible for review. The records were appraised for quality using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research, and synthesised using the qualitative meta-aggregation method.
RESULTS
One hundred eighty-two raw findings were extracted from the 39 papers, which were condensed into 47 sub-categories, 19 categories, and finally 5 synthesis statements. These synthesis statements reflected the barriers and facilitators influencing the training delivery process ("support"; "content, design, and planning"), and the implementation of training into the workplace ("context"; "perceived value"; "organisational factors").
CONCLUSIONS
The synthesis statements and underlying categories provide practical recommendations for those designing, delivering, or implementing CYP mental health training. Recommendations ranged from facilitating peer support during training, to the idea that training will be better implemented when perceived need is high. The review provides a robust evidence-based foundation to "common-sense" principles, drawing them into a coherent and organised framework using a synthesis method grounded in pragmatism.
PROTOCOL REGISTRATION NUMBER
PROSPERO reference ID: CRD42020162876.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Health Personnel; Humans; Mental Health; Qualitative Research; Workplace
PubMed: 33588821
DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02530-0 -
Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences 2023Many people with Schizophrenia lack the resources and access to mental health services especially in low and middle income countries. Integration of mental health into... (Review)
Review
Many people with Schizophrenia lack the resources and access to mental health services especially in low and middle income countries. Integration of mental health into primary care services can be a cost effective way of reducing the disability associated with Schizophrenia. Our aim was to review the studies conducted on role of Primary care physicians in management of Schizophrenia in low and middle income countries. PRISMA guidelines were followed and we registered the study protocol at PROSPERO. Four Electronic Databases (Medline, Psycinfo, CINAHL and Embase) were searched in May 2022. Relevant articles after search were 504 of which 61 full text were examined. A total of 20 studies were included in the final review comprising of observational, experimental and qualitative studies. Most studies reported on abilities of Primary care physicians including their knowledge, perceptions, skills and competencies in identifying and management of Schizophrenia and related Psychosis. Findings suggest that there is considerable amount of stigma, lack of awareness and social support about people diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Significant improvement was observed in diagnosis and management of schizophrenia by Primary care physicians who received appropriate training by experts in the field. This review suggests that appropriate training of General practitioners in diagnosing and treating schizophrenia can help in reduction of huge Treatment Gap in Schizophrenia. They can also be utilised in delivering psycho social interventions to improve overall quality of patient care.
PubMed: 37492315
DOI: 10.12669/pjms.39.4.7286 -
Journal of Migration and Health 2023Refugees and asylum seekers often experience traumatic events resulting in a high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Undiagnosed PTSD can have...
BACKGROUND
Refugees and asylum seekers often experience traumatic events resulting in a high prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Undiagnosed PTSD can have detrimental effects on resettlement outcomes. Immigration medical exams provide an opportunity to screen for mental health conditions in refugee and asylum seeker populations and provide links to timely mental health care.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the diagnostic accuracy of screening tools for PTSD in refugee and asylum seeker populations.
METHODS
We systematically searched Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CENTRAL and CINAHL up to 29 September 2022. We included cohort-selection or cross-sectional study designs that assessed PTSD screening tools in refugee or asylum seeker populations of all ages. All reference standards were eligible for inclusion, with a clinical interview considered the gold standard. We selected studies and extracted diagnostic test accuracy data in duplicate. Risk of bias and applicability concerns were addressed using QUADAS-2. We meta-analyzed findings using a bivariate random-effects model. We partnered with a patient representative and a clinical psychiatrist to inform review development and conduct.
RESULTS
Our review includes 28 studies (4,373 participants) capturing 16 different screening tools. Nine of the 16 tools were developed specifically for refugee populations. Most studies assessed PTSD in adult populations, but three included studies focused on detecting PTSD in children. Nine studies looked at the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire (HTQ) with diagnostic cut-off points ranging from 1.17 to 2.5. Meta-analyses revealed a summary point sensitivity of 86.6% (95%CI 0.791; 0.917) and specificity of 78.9% (95%CI 0.639; 0.888) for these studies. After evaluation, we found it appropriate to pool other screening tools (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist, the Impact of Event Scale, and the Posttraumatic Diagnostic Scale) with the HTQ. The area under the curve for this model was 79.4%, with a pooled sensitivity of 86.2% (95%CI 0.759; 0.925) and a specificity of 72.2% (95%CI 0.616; 0.808).
CONCLUSIONS
Our review identified several screening tools that perform well among refugees and asylum seekers, but no single tool was identified as being superior. The Refugee Health Screener holds promise as a practical instrument for use in immigration medical examinations because it supports the identification of PTSD, depression, and anxiety across diverse populations. Future research should consider tool characteristics beyond sensitivity and specificity to facilitate implementation in immigration medical exams.
REGISTRATION
Open Science Framework: 10.17605/OSF.IO/PHNJV.
PubMed: 36568829
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmh.2022.100144 -
BMC Psychiatry Jan 2023Quality of care and access to effective interventions have been widely criticised as limited for people diagnosed with 'personality disorder' or who have comparable... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Quality of care and access to effective interventions have been widely criticised as limited for people diagnosed with 'personality disorder' or who have comparable needs (described in some recent papers as "Complex Emotional Needs" (CEN). It is important to identify effective interventions and the optimal context and mode of delivery for people with CEN. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions delivered in community and outpatient settings in treating symptoms associated with 'personality disorder', and the moderating effects of treatment-related variables.
METHODS
We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, HMIC, ASSIA for articles published in English, from inception to November 23, 2020. We included randomized controlled trials examining interventions provided in community or outpatient settings for CEN. The primary outcome was 'personality disorder' symptoms, while secondary outcomes included anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and global psychiatric symptoms. Random-effects meta-analysis was conducted for each outcome, and meta-regression analysis was performed to assess the moderating effects of treatment characteristics. The quality of the studies and the degree of publication bias was assessed.
RESULTS
We included 54 trials (n = 3716 participants) in the meta-analysis. We found a large effect size (g = 0.78, 95% CI: 0.56 to 1.01, p < 0.0001) favoring interventions for 'borderline personality disorder' (BPD) symptoms over Treatment as Usual or Waitlist (TAU/WL), and the efficacy was maintained at follow-up (g = 1.01, 95% CI: 0.37 to 1.65, p = 0.002). Interventions effectively reduced anxiety symptoms (g = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.21 to 0.95, p = 0.002), depressive symptoms (g = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.32 to 0.83, p < 0.0001), and global psychiatric symptoms (g = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.35 to 0.66, p < 0.0001) compared to TAU/WL. The intervention types were equally effective in treating all symptom categories assessed. Treatment duration and treatment intensity did not moderate the effectiveness of the interventions for any outcome.
CONCLUSIONS
People with a 'personality disorder' diagnosis benefited from psychological and psychosocial interventions delivered in community or outpatient settings, with all therapeutic approaches showing similar effectiveness. Mental health services should provide people with CEN with specialised treatments in accordance with the availability and the patients' preferences.
Topics: Humans; Psychotherapy; Outpatients; Personality Disorders; Anxiety; Personality
PubMed: 36681805
DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-04483-0