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Naveed S, Urrutia V, Kaur L, Marshall J, Malik S. Systemic Adverse Reactions to Psychotropic Medications: What Do We Need to Know? Psychiatr Ann 2021. [DOI: 10.3928/00485713-20210803-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Yang S, Xu Y, Peng W, Han D, Feng F, Wang Z, Gu C, Zhou X, He H. Chinese herbal medicine for symptoms of depression and anxiety in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2021; 45:101470. [PMID: 34375807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) on symptoms of depression and anxiety complicated by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS Literature from 8 electronic medical databases were searched for meta-analysis using RevMan (version 5.3) and Stata (version 12.0) software. The GRADE Pro Guideline Development Tool and TSA Viewer (version.0.9.5.10 beta) were adopted to evaluate the certainty and conclusiveness of the evidence. RESULTS 26 studies involving 2529 participants were identified. CHM demonstrated significant lower scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Self-Rating Depression Scale, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale compared to the control group without CHM. Moreover, CHM showed favorable safety. CONCLUSIONS The evidence verified the efficacy and safety of CHM on relieving depression and anxiety in COPD. However, further large-scale and rigorously designed studies are urgently warranted to strengthen the evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Yang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenpan Peng
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Di Han
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Fanchao Feng
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhichao Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Gu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xianmei Zhou
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Hailang He
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Breedvelt JJF, Warren FC, Segal Z, Kuyken W, Bockting CL. Continuation of Antidepressants vs Sequential Psychological Interventions to Prevent Relapse in Depression: An Individual Participant Data Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry 2021; 78:868-875. [PMID: 34009273 PMCID: PMC8135055 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2021.0823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Depression frequently recurs. To prevent relapse, antidepressant medication is often taken in the long term. Sequentially delivering a psychological intervention while undergoing tapering of antidepressant medication might be an alternative to long-term antidepressant use. However, evidence is lacking on which patients may benefit from tapering antidepressant medication while receiving a psychological intervention and which should continue the antidepressant therapy. A meta-analysis of individual patient data with more power and precision than individual randomized clinical trials or a standard meta-analysis is warranted. OBJECTIVES To compare the associations between use of a psychological intervention during and/or after antidepressant tapering vs antidepressant use alone on the risk of relapse of depression and estimate associations of individual clinical factors with relapse. DATA SOURCES PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, and PsycInfo were last searched on January 23, 2021. Requests for individual participant data from included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were sent. STUDY SELECTION Randomized clinical trials that compared use of a psychological intervention while tapering antidepressant medication with antidepressant monotherapy were included. Patients had to be in full or partial remission from depression. Two independent assessors conducted screening and study selection. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Of 15 792 screened studies, 236 full-text articles were retrieved, and 4 RCTs that provided individual participant data were included. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Time to relapse and relapse status over 15 months measured via a blinded assessor using a diagnostic clinical interview. RESULTS Individual data from 714 participants (mean [SD] age, 49.2 [11.5] years; 522 [73.1%] female) from 4 RCTs that compared preventive cognitive therapy or mindfulness-based cognitive therapy during and/or after antidepressant tapering vs antidepressant monotherapy were available. Two-stage random-effects meta-analysis found no significant difference in time to depressive relapse between use of a psychological intervention during tapering of antidepressant medication vs antidepressant therapy alone (hazard ratio [HR], 0.86; 95% CI, 0.60-1.23). Younger age at onset (HR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99), shorter duration of remission (HR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.98-1.00), and higher levels of residual depressive symptoms at baseline (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.04-1.10) were associated with a higher overall risk of relapse. None of the included moderators were associated with risk of relapse. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings of this individual participant data meta-analysis suggest that regardless of the clinical factors included in these studies, the sequential delivery of a psychological intervention during and/or after tapering may be an effective relapse prevention strategy instead of long-term use of antidepressants. These results could be used to inform shared decision-making in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefien J. F. Breedvelt
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Fiona C. Warren
- Institute of Health Research, College of Medicine and Health, University of Exeter, Exeter, United Kingdom
| | - Zindel Segal
- Department of Clinical Psychological Science, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Willem Kuyken
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Claudi L. Bockting
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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Cosci F, Chouinard G. Acute and Persistent Withdrawal Syndromes Following Discontinuation of Psychotropic Medications. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2021; 89:283-306. [PMID: 32259826 DOI: 10.1159/000506868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Studies on psychotropic medications decrease, discontinuation, or switch have uncovered withdrawal syndromes. The present overview aimed at analyzing the literature to illustrate withdrawal after decrease, discontinuation, or switch of psychotropic medications based on the drug class (i.e., benzodiazepines, nonbenzodiazepine benzodiazepine receptor agonists, antidepressants, ketamine, antipsychotics, lithium, mood stabilizers) according to the diagnostic criteria of Chouinard and Chouinard [Psychother Psychosom. 2015;84(2):63-71], which encompass new withdrawal symptoms, rebound symptoms, and persistent post-withdrawal disorders. All these drugs may induce withdrawal syndromes and rebound upon discontinuation, even with slow tapering. However, only selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors, and antipsychotics were consistently also associated with persistent post-withdrawal disorders and potential high severity of symptoms, including alterations of clinical course, whereas the distress associated with benzodiazepines discontinuation appears to be short-lived. As a result, the common belief that benzodiazepines should be substituted by medications that cause less dependence such as antidepressants and antipsychotics runs counter the available literature. Ketamine, and probably its derivatives, may be classified as at high risk for dependence and addiction. Because of the lag phase that has taken place between the introduction of a drug into the market and the description of withdrawal symptoms, caution is needed with the use of newer antidepressants and antipsychotics. Within medication classes, alprazolam, lorazepam, triazolam, paroxetine, venlafaxine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, clozapine, and quetiapine are more likely to induce withdrawal. The likelihood of withdrawal manifestations that may be severe and persistent should thus be taken into account in clinical practice and also in children and adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiammetta Cosci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy, .,Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands,
| | - Guy Chouinard
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Program, McGill University and Mental Health Institute of Montreal Fernand Seguin Research Centre, University of Montreal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Four research papers I wish my GP had read before prescribing antidepressants. Br J Gen Pract 2021; 71:316-317. [PMID: 34319885 DOI: 10.3399/bjgp21x716321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Beeker T, Mills C, Bhugra D, te Meerman S, Thoma S, Heinze M, von Peter S. Psychiatrization of Society: A Conceptual Framework and Call for Transdisciplinary Research. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:645556. [PMID: 34149474 PMCID: PMC8211773 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.645556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Worldwide, there have been consistently high or even rising incidences of diagnosed mental disorders and increasing mental healthcare service utilization over the last decades, causing a growing burden for healthcare systems and societies. While more individuals than ever are being diagnosed and treated as mentally ill, psychiatric knowledge, and practices affect the lives of a rising number of people, gain importance in society as a whole and shape more and more areas of life. This process can be described as the progressing psychiatrization of society. Methods: This article is a conceptual paper, focusing on theoretical considerations and theory development. As a starting point for further research, we suggest a basic model of psychiatrization, taking into account its main sub-processes as well as its major top-down and bottom-up drivers. Results: Psychiatrization is highly complex, diverse, and global. It involves various protagonists and its effects are potentially harmful to individuals, to societies and to public healthcare. To better understand, prevent or manage its negative aspects, there is a need for transdisciplinary research, that empirically assesses causes, mechanisms, and effects of psychiatrization. Conclusion: Although psychiatrization has highly ambivalent effects, its relevance mainly derives from its risks: While individuals with minor disturbances of well-being might be subjected to overdiagnosis and overtreatment, psychiatrization could also result in undermining mental healthcare provision for the most severely ill by promoting the adaption of services to the needs and desires of the rather mild cases. On a societal level, psychiatrization might boost medical interventions which incite individual coping with social problems, instead of encouraging long-term political solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Beeker
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Brandenburg Medical School, Immanuel Klinik Rüdersdorf, Rüdersdorf, Germany
| | - China Mills
- School of Health Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dinesh Bhugra
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sanne te Meerman
- School of Education, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Samuel Thoma
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Brandenburg Medical School, Immanuel Klinik Rüdersdorf, Rüdersdorf, Germany
| | - Martin Heinze
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Brandenburg Medical School, Immanuel Klinik Rüdersdorf, Rüdersdorf, Germany
| | - Sebastian von Peter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Brandenburg Medical School, Immanuel Klinik Rüdersdorf, Rüdersdorf, Germany
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Glanger MR, Peterson G, Abraham A. Examining antidepressant use in palliative care patients by risk of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Intern Med J 2021; 51:793-796. [PMID: 34047027 DOI: 10.1111/imj.15320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Antidepressant drugs, which are widely used in palliative care patients for both management of psychiatric disorders and non-psychiatric symptoms, may cause a cluster of distressing symptoms on discontinuation. In dying patients, cessation of oral intake may occur either temporarily or permanently for reasons related to disease or its treatment, as well as in the days before death. We examined antidepressant use in palliative care patients by risk of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADDS). Strategies for reducing the risk of ADDS, and for managing it that should occur, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory Peterson
- Division of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania Sandy Bay Campus, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Arun Abraham
- Division of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, University of Tasmania Sandy Bay Campus, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Demasi M, Gøtzsche PC. Presentation of benefits and harms of antidepressants on websites: A cross-sectional study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RISK & SAFETY IN MEDICINE 2021; 31:53-65. [PMID: 32144998 PMCID: PMC7369070 DOI: 10.3233/jrs-191023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Many people use the Internet for obtaining information about their medications. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether information about antidepressants on popular websites reflects the scientific evidence and enables people to make informed choices. METHODS: Cross-sectional study using a checklist with 14 predefined criteria of 39 websites from 10 countries. RESULTS: All 39 websites mentioned the benefits of antidepressants. Twenty-nine (74%) websites attributed depression to a “chemical imbalance” or claimed they could fix an imbalance. Sexual dysfunction was mentioned as a harmful effect on 23 (59%) websites while five (13%) mentioned emotional numbing. Twenty-five (64%) stated that antidepressants may cause increased suicidal ideation, but 23 (92%) of them contained incorrect information, and only two (5%) websites noted that the suicide risk is increased in people of all ages. Twenty-eight websites (72%) warned patients about withdrawal effects but only one stated that antidepressants can be addictive. CONCLUSIONS: None of the websites met our predefined criteria. The information was generally inaccurate and unhelpful and has potential to lead to inappropriate use and overuse of antidepressants and reduce the likelihood that people will seek better options for depression like psychotherapy.
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Siwek M, Chrobak AA, Gorostowicz A, Krupa AJ, Dudek D. Withdrawal Symptoms Following Discontinuation of Vortioxetine-Retrospective Chart Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14050451. [PMID: 34064611 PMCID: PMC8151377 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of vortioxetine has been proven in many studies, but data concerning discontinuation symptoms (DS) after vortioxetine withdrawal is scarce. The aim of our study is to systematically evaluate the prevalence, determinants, and clinical features of vortioxetine DS in a retrospective chart review. Data were obtained from medical records of 263 adult patients with depressive disorders who discontinued former vortioxetine treatment. DS were observed in eight (3%) patients after 71-375 days (median 272) of treatment. DS emerged after median three days following vortioxetine withdrawal and lasted for median seven days. The clinical presentation of DS involved: emotional lability (100% of patients), irritability (75%), sudden worsening of mood (75%), nervousness (37.5%), and agitation (37.5%). Median DESS score was four (range of four to six). DS were significantly more prevalent after accidental vs. planned discontinuation (adjusted p = 0.011) and were less frequent after switching to a different antidepressant vs. ceasing pharmacotherapy (adjusted p = 0.0165). DS appeared more often if patients discontinued therapy without medical consultation (adjusted p = 0.033). The occurrence of DS was not associated with the dose and way of drug discontinuation (sudden vs. gradual). In sum, our results show that clinicians should be aware that vortioxetine withdrawal is associated with the possibility of DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Siwek
- Department of Affective Disorders, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika Street 21a, 31-501 Kraków, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-12-424-87-00
| | - Adrian Andrzej Chrobak
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika Street 21a, 31-501 Kraków, Poland; (A.A.C.); (D.D.)
| | - Aleksandra Gorostowicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika Street 21a, 31-501 Kraków, Poland; (A.G.); (A.J.K.)
| | - Anna Julia Krupa
- Department of Psychiatry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika Street 21a, 31-501 Kraków, Poland; (A.G.); (A.J.K.)
| | - Dominika Dudek
- Department of Adult Psychiatry, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kopernika Street 21a, 31-501 Kraków, Poland; (A.A.C.); (D.D.)
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Van Leeuwen E, van Driel ML, Horowitz MA, Kendrick T, Donald M, De Sutter AI, Robertson L, Christiaens T. Approaches for discontinuation versus continuation of long-term antidepressant use for depressive and anxiety disorders in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2021; 4:CD013495. [PMID: 33886130 PMCID: PMC8092632 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013495.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression and anxiety are the most frequent indication for which antidepressants are prescribed. Long-term antidepressant use is driving much of the internationally observed rise in antidepressant consumption. Surveys of antidepressant users suggest that 30% to 50% of long-term antidepressant prescriptions had no evidence-based indication. Unnecessary use of antidepressants puts people at risk of adverse events. However, high-certainty evidence is lacking regarding the effectiveness and safety of approaches to discontinuing long-term antidepressants. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of approaches for discontinuation versus continuation of long-term antidepressant use for depressive and anxiety disorders in adults. SEARCH METHODS We searched all databases for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) until January 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA We included RCTs comparing approaches to discontinuation with continuation of antidepressants (or usual care) for people with depression or anxiety who are prescribed antidepressants for at least six months. Interventions included discontinuation alone (abrupt or taper), discontinuation with psychological therapy support, and discontinuation with minimal intervention. Primary outcomes were successful discontinuation rate, relapse (as defined by authors of the original study), withdrawal symptoms, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, quality of life, social and occupational functioning, and severity of illness. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures as expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS We included 33 studies involving 4995 participants. Nearly all studies were conducted in a specialist mental healthcare service and included participants with recurrent depression (i.e. two or more episodes of depression prior to discontinuation). All included trials were at high risk of bias. The main limitation of the review is bias due to confounding withdrawal symptoms with symptoms of relapse of depression. Withdrawal symptoms (such as low mood, dizziness) may have an effect on almost every outcome including adverse events, quality of life, social functioning, and severity of illness. Abrupt discontinuation Thirteen studies reported abrupt discontinuation of antidepressant. Very low-certainty evidence suggests that abrupt discontinuation without psychological support may increase risk of relapse (hazard ratio (HR) 2.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.59 to 2.74; 1373 participants, 10 studies) and there is insufficient evidence of its effect on adverse events (odds ratio (OR) 1.11, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.99; 1012 participants, 7 studies; I² = 37%) compared to continuation of antidepressants, without specific assessment of withdrawal symptoms. Evidence about the effects of abrupt discontinuation on withdrawal symptoms (1 study) is very uncertain. None of these studies included successful discontinuation rate as a primary endpoint. Discontinuation by "taper" Eighteen studies examined discontinuation by "tapering" (one week or longer). Most tapering regimens lasted four weeks or less. Very low-certainty evidence suggests that "tapered" discontinuation may lead to higher risk of relapse (HR 2.97, 95% CI 2.24 to 3.93; 1546 participants, 13 studies) with no or little difference in adverse events (OR 1.06, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.38; 1479 participants, 7 studies; I² = 0%) compared to continuation of antidepressants, without specific assessment of withdrawal symptoms. Evidence about the effects of discontinuation on withdrawal symptoms (1 study) is very uncertain. Discontinuation with psychological support Four studies reported discontinuation with psychological support. Very low-certainty evidence suggests that initiation of preventive cognitive therapy (PCT), or MBCT, combined with "tapering" may result in successful discontinuation rates of 40% to 75% in the discontinuation group (690 participants, 3 studies). Data from control groups in these studies were requested but are not yet available. Low-certainty evidence suggests that discontinuation combined with psychological intervention may result in no or little effect on relapse (HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.66 to 1.19; 690 participants, 3 studies) compared to continuation of antidepressants. Withdrawal symptoms were not measured. Pooling data on adverse events was not possible due to insufficient information (3 studies). Discontinuation with minimal intervention Low-certainty evidence from one study suggests that a letter to the general practitioner (GP) to review antidepressant treatment may result in no or little effect on successful discontinuation rate compared to usual care (6% versus 8%; 146 participants, 1 study) or on relapse (relapse rate 26% vs 13%; 146 participants, 1 study). No data on withdrawal symptoms nor adverse events were provided. None of the studies used low-intensity psychological interventions such as online support or a changed pharmaceutical formulation that allows tapering with low doses over several months. Insufficient data were available for the majority of people taking antidepressants in the community (i.e. those with only one or no prior episode of depression), for people aged 65 years and older, and for people taking antidepressants for anxiety. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Currently, relatively few studies have focused on approaches to discontinuation of long-term antidepressants. We cannot make any firm conclusions about effects and safety of the approaches studied to date. The true effect and safety are likely to be substantially different from the data presented due to assessment of relapse of depression that is confounded by withdrawal symptoms. All other outcomes are confounded with withdrawal symptoms. Most tapering regimens were limited to four weeks or less. In the studies with rapid tapering schemes the risk of withdrawal symptoms may be similar to studies using abrupt discontinuation which may influence the effectiveness of the interventions. Nearly all data come from people with recurrent depression. There is an urgent need for trials that adequately address withdrawal confounding bias, and carefully distinguish relapse from withdrawal symptoms. Future studies should report key outcomes such as successful discontinuation rate and should include populations with one or no prior depression episodes in primary care, older people, and people taking antidepressants for anxiety and use tapering schemes longer than 4 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Van Leeuwen
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Mark A Horowitz
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tony Kendrick
- Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, Aldermoor Health Centre, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Maria Donald
- Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - An Im De Sutter
- Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsay Robertson
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, University of York, York, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Thierry Christiaens
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Well-being Therapy in Depressive Disorders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1305:351-374. [PMID: 33834409 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-33-6044-0_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
A specific brief psychotherapeutic intervention aimed at empowering psychological well-being, the so-called Well-Being Therapy (WBT), has been manualized in 2016 by Giovanni Fava and has shown to be effective in randomized controlled trials. WBT is based on the multidimensional model of psychological well-being developed by Marie Jahoda which encompasses environmental mastery, personal growth, purpose in life, autonomy, self-acceptance, positive relations with others, and balance of psychic forces. WBT aims at promoting the achievement of an optimal-balanced functioning between the dimensions of psychological well-being, and such a balance is subsumed under the rubric of euthymia. There are evidences that WBT may be a suited clinical approach for second- or third-line treatment of depressive disorders with particular reference to decreasing vulnerability to relapse and modulating psychological well-being and mood. It has been also proposed a role of WBT in depressive disorders in clinical conditions such as treatment resistance, loss of antidepressant clinical efficacy, persistent post-withdrawal disorders, trauma exposure, and medical disease comorbidity. The present chapter provides an overview of the possible applications of WBT as treatment of depressive disorders.
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Framer A. What I have learnt from helping thousands of people taper off antidepressants and other psychotropic medications. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2021; 11:2045125321991274. [PMID: 33796265 PMCID: PMC7970174 DOI: 10.1177/2045125321991274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although psychiatric drug withdrawal syndromes have been recognized since the 1950s - recent studies confirm antidepressant withdrawal syndrome incidence upwards of 40% - medical information about how to safely go off the drugs has been lacking. To fill this gap, over the last 25 years, patients have developed a robust Internet-based subculture of peer support for tapering off psychiatric drugs and recovering from withdrawal syndrome. This account from the founder of such an online community covers lessons learned from thousands of patients regarding common experiences with medical providers, identification of adverse drug reactions, risk factors for withdrawal, tapering techniques, withdrawal symptoms, protracted withdrawal syndrome, and strategies to cope with symptoms, in the context of the existing scientific literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Framer
- SurvivingAntidepressants.org, San Francisco,
California, USA
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63
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Massabki I, Abi-Jaoude E. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor 'discontinuation syndrome' or withdrawal. Br J Psychiatry 2021; 218:168-171. [PMID: 31902371 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2019.269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Attempts to define selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) withdrawal with the term 'discontinuation syndrome' are not supported by evidence. Acknowledging that SSRI use can result in dependence and withdrawal allows patients to be better informed around decisions related to these drugs, and helps inform strategies for safe tapering as appropriate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Massabki
- undergraduate student, Arts & Science Program, McMaster University, Canada
| | - Elia Abi-Jaoude
- Staff Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto; and Department of Psychiatry, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Canada
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Guidi J, Fava GA. Sequential Combination of Pharmacotherapy and Psychotherapy in Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Psychiatry 2021; 78:261-269. [PMID: 33237285 PMCID: PMC7689568 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.3650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The sequential model emerged from the awareness that the persistence of residual symptoms and the frequent occurrence of psychiatric comorbidity were both associated with poor long-term outcome of major depressive disorder (MDD). OBJECTIVE To conduct an updated meta-analysis to examine the association of the sequential combination of pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy with reduced risk of relapse and recurrence in MDD. DATA SOURCES Keyword searches were conducted in PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library from inception of each database through November 2019. Reference lists from relevant studies were examined using the following keywords: sequential treatment, drugs and psychotherapy, combined treatment, continuation or maintenance, relapse or recurrence and prevention, and depress* or major depress*, selecting adults and randomized controlled trials as additional limits. Authors of selected articles were contacted if needed. STUDY SELECTION Randomized clinical trials examining the effectiveness of the sequential use of psychotherapy following response to acute-phase pharmacotherapy in the treatment of adult remitted patients with MDD were selected independently by 2 reviewers. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS The methods used fulfilled the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) reporting guideline. Data extraction and methodologic quality assessment were conducted independently by the reviewers. Examination of the pooled results was performed based on the random-effects model. Heterogeneity between study results and likelihood of significant publication bias were assessed. Sensitivity analyses and meta-regressions were also run. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome measures were relapse or recurrence rates of MDD, as defined by study investigators, at the longest available follow-up. RESULTS Seventeen randomized clinical trials met criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis, with 1 study yielding 2 comparisons (2283 patients overall, with 1208 patients in a sequential treatment arm and 1075 in a control arm). The pooled risk ratio for relapse/recurrence of MDD was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.74-0.94), suggesting a relative advantage in preventing relapse/recurrence for the sequential combination of treatments compared with control conditions. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that the sequential integration of psychotherapy following response to acute-phase pharmacotherapy, alone or combined with antidepressant medication, was associated with reduced risk of relapse and recurrence in MDD. The preventive value of the sequential strategy relies on abatement of residual symptoms and/or increase in psychological well-being. The steps for implementing the sequential approach in remitted patients with recurrent MDD are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Guidi
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni A. Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo
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White E, Read J, Julo S. The role of Facebook groups in the management and raising of awareness of antidepressant withdrawal: is social media filling the void left by health services? Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2021; 11:2045125320981174. [PMID: 33520155 PMCID: PMC7816538 DOI: 10.1177/2045125320981174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antidepressant withdrawal is experienced by about half of people who try to reduce or come off their medication. It can be a debilitating, long lasting process. Many clinicians misdiagnose or minimise symptoms, inadvertently prolonging suffering. Most are unable to help patients safely taper off. There has been little research into the peer support communities that are playing an increasingly important role in helping people withdraw from psychiatric medications. METHODS To illustrate the growth and activities of Facebook withdrawal groups, we examined 13 such groups. All were raising awareness of, and supporting individuals tapering off, antidepressants and were followed for 13 months. A further three groups were added for the last 5 months of the study. RESULTS In June 2020, the groups had a total membership of 67,125, of which, 60,261 were in private groups. The increase in membership for the 13 groups over the study period was 28.4%. One group was examined in greater detail. Group membership was 82.5% female, as were 80% of the Administrators and Moderators, all of whom are lay volunteers. Membership was international but dominated (51.2%) by the United States (US). The most common reason for seeking out this group was failed clinician-led tapers. DISCUSSION The results are discussed in the context of research on the prevalence, duration and severity of antidepressant withdrawal. We question why so many patients seek help in peer-led Facebook groups, rather than relying on the clinicians that prescribed the medications. The withdrawal experiences of tens of thousands of people remain hidden in these groups where they receive support to taper when healthcare services should be responsible. Further research should focus on the methods of support and tapering protocols used in these groups to enable improved, more informed support by clinicians. Support from Governments and healthcare agencies is also needed, internationally, to address this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward White
- Independent Researcher, Knapp House, 66 North Street, Pewsey, SN95NX UK
| | - John Read
- University of East London, Water Lane, London, E15 4LZ, UK
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Strayhorn JM. Virtual controls as an alternative to randomized controlled trials for assessing efficacy of interventions. BMC Med Res Methodol 2021; 21:3. [PMID: 33402097 PMCID: PMC7783489 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-020-01191-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Randomized controlled trials are ubiquitously spoken of as the "gold standard" for testing interventions and establishing causal relations. This article presents evidence for two premises. First: there are often major problems with randomized designs; it is by no means true that the only good design is a randomized design. Second: the method of virtual controls in some circumstances can and should replace randomized designs.Randomized trials can present problems with external validity or generalizability; they can be unethical; they typically involve much time, effort, and expense; their assignments to treatment conditions often can be maintained only for limited time periods; examination of their track record reveals problems with reproducibility on the one hand, and lack of overwhelming superiority to observational methods on the other hand.The method of virtual controls involves ongoing efforts to refine statistical models for prediction of outcomes from measurable variables, under conditions of no treatment or current standard of care. Research participants then join a single-arm study of a new intervention. Each participant's data, together with the formulas previously generated, predict that participant's outcome without the new intervention. These outcomes are the "virtual controls." The actual outcomes with intervention are compared with the virtual control outcomes to estimate effect sizes. Part of the research product is the prediction equations themselves, so that in clinical practice, individual treatment decisions may be aided by quantitative answers to the questions, "What is estimated to happen to this particular patient with and without this treatment?"The method of virtual controls is especially indicated when rapid results are of high priority, when withholding intervention is likely harmful, when adequate data exist for prediction of untreated or standard of care outcomes, when we want to let people choose the treatment they prefer, when tailoring treatment decisions to individuals is desirable, and when real-world clinical information can be harnessed for analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph M Strayhorn
- Organization for Psychoeducational Tutoring, 205 Willard Way, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
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68
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Richardson L, Brahmbhatt A. Depression in Primary Care. J Nurse Pract 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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69
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Alsheikh MY. Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome: The Major Cause of Relapse among Psychoactive Substances Addicted Users. ARCHIVES OF PHARMACY PRACTICE 2021. [DOI: 10.51847/ioicfujpnm] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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Hengartner MP, Plöderl M. Prophylactic effects or withdrawal reactions? An analysis of time-to-event data from antidepressant relapse prevention trials submitted to the FDA. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2021; 11:20451253211032051. [PMID: 34394912 PMCID: PMC8361519 DOI: 10.1177/20451253211032051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relapse prevention trials build the scientific foundation for recommendation of antidepressant continuation and maintenance therapy. However, the validity of the evidence is disputed and may be biased due to withdrawal confounding. METHODS We analysed survival curves from all antidepressant relapse prevention trials submitted to the United States (US) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) between 1987 and 2012 for 13 approved drugs. The main outcome was the percent of the drug effect (placebo-antidepressant difference in relapse events) at any week of the maintenance phase in relation to the total drug effect at the endpoint of the randomised maintenance phase. RESULTS Altogether, 14 studies with a mean observation period of 38.9 weeks (Kaplan-Meier estimators) were analysed. At week 3, a mean of 20.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 10.9-30.3%] of the total drug effect was achieved. At weeks 6 and 12, the corresponding figures were 50.3% (37.3-63.3%) and 69.0% (55.1-82.8%). No further antidepressant-placebo separation was observed as of week 24 [101.0% of total drug effect (94.6-107.3%)]. This means that censoring relapse events that occurred in the first 3, 6, 12 and 24 weeks would reduce the total drug effect at study endpoint by 20.6%, 50.3%, 69.0% and 101.0%, respectively. Assuming antidepressants had a constant prophylactic effect over 38.9 weeks, we further showed that, around week 6, the antidepressant-placebo separation was about three times larger than expected. CONCLUSION The placebo-antidepressant separation was disproportionally large between weeks 3 and 6 of the randomised maintenance phase. The benefits of continuing antidepressants relative to abrupt/rapid discontinuation declined sharply after week 6. This indicates an excess of relapse events in the placebo arms during the early maintenance phase that may be due to withdrawal reactions caused by abrupt/rapid discontinuation of active treatment. If these early relapse events are due to a direct pharmacological effect, then antidepressants' true prophylactic long-term effects are substantially overestimated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Hengartner
- Department of Applied Psychology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), PO Box 707, Zurich, CH-8037, Switzerland
| | - Martin Plöderl
- Department of Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention, University Clinic for Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Christian Doppler Clinic, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, Austria
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71
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Guidi J, Fava GA. The emerging role of euthymia in psychotherapy research and practice. Clin Psychol Rev 2020; 82:101941. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2020.101941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Guy A, Brown M, Lewis S, Horowitz M. The 'patient voice': patients who experience antidepressant withdrawal symptoms are often dismissed, or misdiagnosed with relapse, or a new medical condition. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2020; 10:2045125320967183. [PMID: 33224468 PMCID: PMC7659022 DOI: 10.1177/2045125320967183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stopping antidepressants commonly causes withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe and long-lasting. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance has been recently updated to reflect this; however, for many years withdrawal (discontinuation) symptoms were characterised as 'usually mild and self-limiting over a week'. Consequently, withdrawal symptoms might have been misdiagnosed as relapse of an underlying condition, or new onset of another medical illness, but this has never been studied. METHOD This paper outlines the themes emerging from 158 respondents to an open invitation to describe the experience of prescribed psychotropic medication withdrawal for petitions sent to British parliaments. The accounts include polypharmacy (mostly antidepressants and benzodiazepines) but we focus on antidepressants because of the relative lack of awareness about their withdrawal effects compared with benzodiazepines. Mixed method analysis was used, including a 'lean thinking' approach to evaluate common failure points. RESULTS The themes identified include: a lack of information given to patients about the risk of antidepressant withdrawal; doctors failing to recognise the symptoms of withdrawal; doctors being poorly informed about the best method of tapering prescribed medications; patients being diagnosed with relapse of the underlying condition or medical illnesses other than withdrawal; patients seeking advice outside of mainstream healthcare, including from online forums; and significant effects on functioning for those experiencing withdrawal. DISCUSSION Several points for improvement emerge: the need for updating of guidelines to help prescribers recognise antidepressant withdrawal symptoms and to improve informed consent processes; greater availability of non-pharmacological options for managing distress; greater availability of best practice for tapering medications such as antidepressants; and the vital importance of patient feedback. Although the patients captured in this analysis might represent medication withdrawal experiences that are more severe than average, they highlight the current inadequacy of health care systems to recognise and manage prescribed drug withdrawal, and patient feedback in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Guy
- Psychotherapist, Secretariat Co-ordinator for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Prescribed Drug Dependence, Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK
| | - Marion Brown
- Retired Psychotherapist and Co-Founder of a Patient Support Group ‘Recovery and Renewal’, Helensburgh, UK
| | - Stevie Lewis
- Lived Experience of Prescribed Drug Dependence, Cardiff, UK
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Cosci F, Mansueto G, Fava GA. Relapse prevention in recurrent major depressive disorder. A comparison of different treatment options based on clinical experience and a critical review of the literature. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2020; 24:341-348. [PMID: 32716222 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2020.1779308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reducing the risk of relapses is a critical component of major depressive disorders treatment. Guidelines suggest maintenance with antidepressant drugs in recurrent depression, but this solution has recently been questioned. OBJECTIVE The aim of this article is to provide a critical review of the literature of the main treatment options currently available to prevent relapse and recurrence in depression. METHODS We compared long-term antidepressant therapy (i.e., indefinite maintenance of antidepressant), intermittent antidepressant therapy (i.e., use of antidepressants mainly limited to the acute phases), use of psychotherapy in the sequential model (i.e., pharmacotherapy in the acute phase and psychotherapy in the residual phase). RESULTS We argue that the same solution may not apply to all patients and question the feasibility of a single course of treatment in the setting of complex disorders that are encountered in practice. The clinician should weigh advantages and disadvantages in the individual case. CONCLUSIONS The sequential model appears to be particularly indicated in recurrent depression. KEY POINTS Relapse is a major challenge of depressive disorders treatment Treatment options currently available include long-term antidepressants, intermittent antidepressants, addition of psychotherapy to pharmacotherapy in the sequential model Maintenance with antidepressants in recurrent depression has recently been questioned The sequential model appears to be particularly indicated in recurrent depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiammetta Cosci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Giovanni Mansueto
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Andrea Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Schifano F. Coming Off Prescribed Psychotropic Medications: Insights from Their Use as Recreational Drugs. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2020; 89:274-282. [PMID: 32615566 DOI: 10.1159/000507897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse, and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, United Kingdom,
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Ormel J, Bosker FJ, Hollon SD, Ruhe HG. Can loss of agency and oppositional perturbation associated with antidepressant monotherapy and low-fidelity psychological treatment dilute the benefits of guideline-consistent depression treatment at the population level? Eur Psychiatry 2020; 63:e89. [PMID: 32951616 PMCID: PMC7576525 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2020.86] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite major expansions of evidence-based treatments of common mental disorders in recent decades, especially antidepressant medication, the point prevalence of depression has not decreased; instead it probably increased in young adults. We question whether antidepressants (AD)-monotherapy and low-fidelity-to-guideline psychological treatment (PT) might have no effect or even adverse effects in some patients and contexts that dilute the benefits of treatment at the population level, making it harder for population-based studies to detect treatment-driven prevalence reductions. Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT)s have not identified these effects because AD-monotherapy and low-fidelity PT are uncommon in RCTs where treatment protocols are specified and carefully monitored, unlike treatment in real-world settings. Second, RCTs may have missed the bigger picture of ultimate outcomes due to too short follow-ups. We elaborate two mechanisms through which AD-monotherapy and low-fidelity PT could produce adverse effects on long-term illness course. Both mechanisms are speculative and we outline how to test.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Ormel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Fokko J Bosker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Steven D Hollon
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Henricus G Ruhe
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Adamo D, Pecoraro G, Coppola N, Calabria E, Aria M, Mignogna M. Vortioxetine versus other antidepressants in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: An open-label randomized trial. Oral Dis 2020; 27:1022-1041. [PMID: 32790904 DOI: 10.1111/odi.13602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This randomized open-label trial compared the efficacy and tolerability of vortioxetine (15 mg/daily) with different antidepressants in the treatment of patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS). METHODS One and hundred fifty BMS patients were randomized into five groups and treated with either vortioxetine, paroxetine (20 mg/daily), sertraline (50 mg/daily), escitalopram (10 mg/daily) or duloxetine (60 mg/daily). The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Total Pain Rating Index (T-PRI), Hamilton Rating Scales for Depression (HAM-D) and Anxiety (HAM-A), and Clinical Global Impression Improvement (CGI-I) and Efficacy scales (CGI-E) were performed at baseline and after 2, 4, 6, and 12 months of treatment. Any adverse events (AEs) were tabulated for each group. Descriptive statistics, including the Kruskal-Wallis non-parametric test and the Friedman non-parametric test for median comparisons between different times, were used. RESULTS All the antidepressants (AD) were associated with a significant decrease in the VAS, T-PRI, HAM-A, HAM-D, CGI-I, and CGI-E scores in the long-term (p < .001). However, the response rate of the vortioxetine group showed a significant reduction after six months. The medians, after 6 months, were as follows: VAS 0.0; T-PRI 2.0; HAM-A 7.0; HAM-D 7.0; CGI-I 1.0; and CGI-E 1.0 with a lower incidence of AEs (p < .019). CONCLUSION Vortioxetine was efficacious with a shorter latency of action and fewer AEs compared with other ADs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Adamo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pecoraro
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Noemi Coppola
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Elena Calabria
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Massimo Aria
- Department of Economics and Statistics, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Mignogna
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University Federico II of Naples, Naples, Italy
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Cosci F, Guidi J, Mansueto G, Fava GA. Psychotherapy in recurrent depression: efficacy, pitfalls, and recommendations. Expert Rev Neurother 2020; 20:1169-1175. [DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2020.1804870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fiammetta Cosci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jenny Guidi
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Mansueto
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni A. Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder is estimated by the WHO to affect more than 300 million people globally, making depression the leading cause of disability worldwide. Antidepressants are commonly used to treat depression. OBJECTIVE The study aimed to provide an update on the evidence on the effects of antidepressants compared with placebo. Should antidepressants be used for adults with major depressive disorder? STUDY SELECTION We searched the Cochrane Library, BMJ Best Practice and PubMed up to June 2019 with the search terms 'depression' and 'antidepressants' targeting reviews published in English since 1990. FINDINGS Several reviews have assessed the effects of antidepressants compared with placebo for depression. Generally, all the previous reviews show that antidepressants seem to have statistically significant effects on depressive symptoms, but the size of the effect has questionable importance to most patients. Antidepressants seem to have minimal beneficial effects on depressive symptoms and increase the risk of both serious and non-serious adverse events. CONCLUSIONS The benefits of antidepressants seem to be minimal and possibly without any importance to the average patient with major depressive disorder. Antidepressants should not be used for adults with major depressive disorder before valid evidence has shown that the potential beneficial effects outweigh the harmful effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janus Christian Jakobsen
- The Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Holbaek Hospital, Holbaek, Denmark
- Department of Regional Health Research, The Faculty of Heath Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
| | - Christian Gluud
- The Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Irving Kirsch
- Program in Placebo Studies, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Kendrick T. Strategies to reduce use of antidepressants. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 87:23-33. [PMID: 32656861 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Antidepressant prescribing has increased year on year since the introduction of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the 1980s. More than 10% of adults in England are now taking antidepressants for depression/anxiety, with a median length of treatment of more than 2 years, but antidepressants can cause side effects and withdrawal symptoms which increase with longer use. Surveys of antidepressant users suggest 30-50% have no evidence-based indication to continue, but coming off antidepressants is often difficult due to fears of relapse, withdrawal symptoms and a lack of psychological treatments to replace maintenance treatment and prevent relapse. GPs should not prescribe antidepressants routinely for mild depressive/anxiety symptoms. Patients starting antidepressants should be advised that they are to be taken for a limited period only, and that there is a risk of withdrawal problems on stopping them. Prescribers should actively review long-term antidepressant use and suggest coming off them slowly to patients who are well. The relationship between SSRI dose and serotonin transporter receptor occupancy suggests that hyperbolic tapering regimes may be helpful for patients with troubling withdrawal symptoms who cannot stop treatment within 4-8 weeks, and tapering strips can allow carefully titrated slower dose reduction over some months. Internet and telephone support to patients wanting to reduce their antidepressants is being trialled in the REDUCE programme. More research is needed to establish the incidence of withdrawal symptoms in representative samples of patients coming off antidepressants, and large randomised controlled trials are needed to test different tapering strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Kendrick
- Primary Care, Population Sciences & Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
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Kuhlmann SL, Arolt V, Haverkamp W, Martus P, Ströhle A, Waltenberger J, Rieckmann N, Müller-Nordhorn J. Prevalence, 12-Month Prognosis, and Clinical Management Need of Depression in Coronary Heart Disease Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2020; 88:300-311. [PMID: 31450228 DOI: 10.1159/000501502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screening for depression in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) remains controversial. There is limited data on the actual depression management need in routine care. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence, treatment rates, prognosis, and management need of clinical and subclinical depression in CHD patients according to the American Heart Association recommendations and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline "Depression in Adults with a Chronic Physical Health Problem". METHODS Patients were recruited at 2 German university clinics between 2012 and 2014. Depressive disorders were assessed according to the DSM-IV and depressive symptom severity at baseline and during follow-up was evaluated with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Depression management need was determined by the severity and longitudinal course of depression symptoms. RESULTS Of 1,024 patients (19% women), 12% had clinical depression (depressive disorder) and 45% had subclinical depression (PHQ-9 score ≥5) at baseline. Among those with clinical depression, 46% were in treatment at least once during 12 months; 26% were continuously in treatment during follow-up. Depressive disorder and depressive symptoms were significant risk factor-adjusted predictors of the 12-months mortality (adjusted HR = 3.19; 95% CI 1.32-7.69, and adjusted HR = 1.09; 95% CI 1.02-1.16, respectively). Depressive symptoms persisted in 85% of the clinically depressed and in 47% of the subclinically depressed patients. According to current recommendations, 29% of all CHD patients would require depression management within 1 year. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for enhanced recognition, referral, and continuous and improved clinical management of depression in CHD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella L Kuhlmann
- Institute of Public Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of the Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany, .,Division of Emergency and Acute Medicine (CVK, CCM), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of the Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany,
| | - Volker Arolt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Haverkamp
- Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of the Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Martus
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biostatistics, Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Ströhle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of the Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johannes Waltenberger
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nina Rieckmann
- Institute of Public Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of the Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jacqueline Müller-Nordhorn
- Institute of Public Health, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of the Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and the Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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Lagerberg T, Fazel S, Molero Y, Franko MA, Chen Q, Hellner C, Lichtenstein P, Chang Z. Associations between selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and violent crime in adolescents, young, and older adults - a Swedish register-based study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2020; 36:1-9. [PMID: 32475742 PMCID: PMC7347007 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2020.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This study identified individuals ever dispensed a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) aged 15-60 years during 2006-2013, using Swedish national registers. The outcome was violent crime conviction. The main statistical analyses assessed risks of violent crime during periods on compared to off SSRI treatment within individuals. Further analyses investigated risk over time in relation to treatment initiation and discontinuation. The study identified 785,337 individuals (64.2% female), experiencing 32,203 violent crimes in 5,707,293 person-years. Between-individual analyses found statistically significantly elevated Hazard Ratios (HRs) overall (HR = 1.10), and in 15-24 and 25-34 year-olds (HR = 1.19 and 1.16), but non-significant HRs in 35-44 and 45-60-year-olds (HR = 1.02 and 1.04). In within-individual analyses, where 2.6% of SSRI users were informative, hazards were elevated overall (HR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.19, 1.34), and across age groups (HR of 1.35 [95% CI = 1.19, 1.54] in 25-34-year-olds to 1.15 [95% CI = 0.99, 1.33] in 35-44-year-olds). In the overall cohort, the within-individual HRs were significantly elevated throughout treatment (HRs of 1.24 to 1.35) and for up to 12 weeks post-discontinuation (HRs of 1.37 and 1.20). While questions on causality remain, these results indicate that there may be an increased risk of violent crime during SSRI treatment in a small group of individuals. It may persist throughout medicated periods, across age groups, and after treatment discontinuation. Further confirmation is needed from studies with different designs, and clinical focus should be on high-risk individuals, as a majority of SSRI-users (around 97% in our cohort) will not commit violent crimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyra Lagerberg
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 12A, 17165 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Seena Fazel
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yasmina Molero
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 12A, 17165 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mikael Andersson Franko
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 12A, 17165 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 12A, 17165 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Clara Hellner
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Sweden
| | - Paul Lichtenstein
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 12A, 17165 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Zheng Chang
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Nobels väg 12A, 17165 Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
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McCabe J, Wilcock M, Atkinson K, Laugharne R, Shankar R. General practitioners' and psychiatrists' attitudes towards antidepressant withdrawal. BJPsych Open 2020; 6:e64. [PMID: 32552920 PMCID: PMC7345735 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2020.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a recent rise in antidepressant prescriptions. After the episode for which it was prescribed, the patient should ideally be supported in withdrawing the medication. There is increasing evidence for withdrawal symptoms (sometimes called discontinuation symptoms) occurring on ceasing treatment, sometimes having severe or prolonged effects. AIMS To identify and compare current knowledge, attitudes and practices of general practitioners (GPs) and psychiatrists in Cornwall, UK, concerning antidepressant withdrawal symptoms. METHOD Questions about withdrawal symptoms and management were asked of GPs and psychiatrists in a multiple-choice cross-sectional study co-designed with a lived experience expert. RESULTS Psychiatrists thought that withdrawal symptoms were more severe than GPs did (P = 0.003); 53% (22/42) of GPs and 69% (18/26) of psychiatrists thought that withdrawal symptoms typically last between 1 and 4 weeks, although there was a wide range of answers given; 35% (9/26) of psychiatrists but no GPs identified a pharmacist as someone they may use to help manage antidepressant withdrawal. About three-quarters of respondents claimed they usually or always informed patients of potential withdrawal symptoms when they started a patient on antidepressants, but patient surveys say only 1% are warned. CONCLUSIONS Psychiatrists and GPs need to effectively warn patients of potential withdrawal effects. Community pharmacists might be useful in supporting GP-managed antidepressant withdrawal. The wide variation in responses to most questions posed to participants reflects the variation in results of research on the topic. This highlights a need for more reproducible studies to be carried out on antidepressant withdrawal, which could inform future guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne McCabe
- University of Exeter Medical School Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro, UK
| | - Mike Wilcock
- Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust, Treliske, Truro, UK
| | - Kate Atkinson
- Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Truro, UK
| | - Richard Laugharne
- University of Exeter Medical School Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro; and Caradon CMHT, Trevillis House, Lodge Hill, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Truro, UK
| | - Rohit Shankar
- University of Exeter Medical School Knowledge Spa, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro; and Adult ID, Neurodevelopmental services Truro, Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Truro, UK
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Henssler J, Heinz A, Brandt L, Bschor T. Antidepressant Withdrawal and Rebound Phenomena. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 116:355-361. [PMID: 31288917 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2019.0355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antidepressants are among the most commonly prescribed drugs worldwide. They are often discontinued, frequently without the knowledge of the prescribing physician. It is, therefore, important for physicians to be aware of the withdrawal and rebound phenomena that may arise, in order to prevent these phenomena, treat them when necessary, and counsel patients appropriately. METHODS This review is based on a comprehensive, structured literature search on antidepressant withdrawal phenomena that we carried out in the CENTRAL, PubMed (Medline), and Embase databases. We classified the relevant publications and reports by their methodological quality. RESULTS Out of a total of 2287 hits, there were 40 controlled trials, 38 cohort studies and retrospective analyses, and 271 case reports that met the inclusion criteria. Withdrawal manifestations are usually mild and self-limiting; common ones include dizziness, headache, sleep disturbances, and mood swings. More serious or pro- longed manifestations rarely arise. There is an increased risk with MAO inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, venlafaxine, and paroxetine; on the other hand, for agome- latine and fluoxetine, abrupt discontinuation seems to be unproblematic. There is also some evidence of rebound phenomena, i.e., of higher relapse rates or especially severe relapses of depression after the discontinuation of an anti- depressant. CONCLUSION A robust evidence base now indicates that there can be acute with- drawal phenomena when antidepressants are discontinued. Putative rebound phenomena have not been adequately studied to date. It is recommended that antidepressants should be tapered off over a period of more than four weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Henssler
- Psychiatric University Hospital Charité at St. Hedwig Hospital, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin; Department of Psychiatry, Schlosspark-Klinik, Berlin; University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin
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Kious BM, Bakian AV. Evidence of new-onset depression among persons with migraine after discontinuing antidepressants. Psychiatry Res 2020; 288:112990. [PMID: 32353695 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2020.112990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Antidepressants have been hypothesized to cause tardive dysphoria-the delayed development of negative emotional symptoms. We assessed the risk of tardive dysphoria in a cohort of persons with migraine taking anti-migraine antidepressants with no known diagnosis of any mood or anxiety disorder. We included all outpatient encounters in a university hospital system for migraine from January 2008 through October 2018, excluding subjects with prior psychiatric diagnoses. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses were conducted. 13,048 subjects were included; 1191 took an antidepressant; 402 discontinued an antidepressant. In multivariable analyses examining the first year after exposure, antidepressant use was not significantly associated with risk of a depression, any mood disorder (including depression, mania, and other mood disorders), or anxiety. Antidepressant discontinuation was significantly associated with increased risk of depression, but not any mood disorder or anxiety. Among persons with migraine with no known psychiatric diagnosis, antidepressants did not appear to be associated with indicators of tardive dysphoria. Antidepressant discontinuation, however, was associated with increased risk of a depression diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent M Kious
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.
| | - Amanda V Bakian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
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Kendrick T, Geraghty AWA, Bowers H, Stuart B, Leydon G, May C, Yao G, O'Brien W, Glowacka M, Holley S, Williams S, Zhu S, Dewar-Haggart R, Palmer B, Bell M, Collinson S, Fry I, Lewis G, Griffiths G, Gilbody S, Moncrieff J, Moore M, Macleod U, Little P, Dowrick C. REDUCE (Reviewing long-term antidepressant use by careful monitoring in everyday practice) internet and telephone support to people coming off long-term antidepressants: protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials 2020; 21:419. [PMID: 32448374 PMCID: PMC7245840 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-020-04338-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Around one in ten adults take antidepressants for depression in England, and their long-term use is increasing. Some need them to prevent relapse, but 30-50% could possibly stop them without relapsing and avoid adverse effects and complications of long-term use. However, stopping is not always easy due to withdrawal symptoms and a fear of relapse of depression. When general practitioners review patients on long-term antidepressants and recommend to those who are suitable to stop the medication, only 6-8% are able to stop. The Reviewing long-term antidepressant use by careful monitoring in everyday practice (REDUCE) research programme aims to identify safe and cost-effective ways of helping patients taking long-term antidepressants taper off treatment when appropriate. METHODS Design: REDUCE is a two-arm, 1:1 parallel group randomised controlled trial, with randomisation clustered by participating family practices. SETTING England and north Wales. POPULATION patients taking antidepressants for longer than 1 year for a first episode of depression or longer than 2 years for repeated episodes of depression who are no longer depressed and want to try to taper off their antidepressant use. INTERVENTION provision of 'ADvisor' internet programmes to general practitioners or nurse practitioners and to patients designed to support antidepressant withdrawal, plus three patient telephone calls from a psychological wellbeing practitioner. The control arm receives usual care. Blinding of patients, practitioners and researchers is not possible in an open pragmatic trial, but statistical and health economic data analysts will remain blind to allocation. OUTCOME MEASURES the primary outcome is self-reported nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire at 6 months for depressive symptoms. SECONDARY OUTCOMES depressive symptoms at other follow-up time points, anxiety, discontinuation of antidepressants, social functioning, wellbeing, enablement, quality of life, satisfaction, and use of health services for costs. SAMPLE SIZE 402 patients (201 intervention and 201 controls) from 134 general practices recruited over 15-18 months, and followed-up at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. A qualitative process evaluation will be conducted through interviews with 15-20 patients and 15-20 practitioners in each arm to explore why the interventions were effective or not, depending on the results. DISCUSSION Helping patients reduce and stop antidepressants is often challenging for practitioners and time-consuming for very busy primary care practices. If REDUCE provides evidence showing that access to internet and telephone support enables more patients to stop treatment without increasing depression we will try to implement the intervention throughout the National Health Service, publishing practical guidance for professionals and advice for patients to follow, publicised through patient support groups. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN:12417565. Registered on 7 October 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Kendrick
- Primary Care, Population Sciences, and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK.
| | - Adam W A Geraghty
- Primary Care, Population Sciences, and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Hannah Bowers
- Primary Care, Population Sciences, and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Beth Stuart
- Primary Care, Population Sciences, and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Geraldine Leydon
- Primary Care, Population Sciences, and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Carl May
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Guiqing Yao
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, George Davies Centre, Leicester, UK
| | - Wendy O'Brien
- Primary Care, Population Sciences, and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Marta Glowacka
- Department for Rehabilitation and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Simone Holley
- School of Psychology, Building 44 Highfield Campus, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Samantha Williams
- Primary Care, Population Sciences, and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Shihua Zhu
- Primary Care, Population Sciences, and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Rachel Dewar-Haggart
- Primary Care, Population Sciences, and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Bryan Palmer
- Primary Care, Population Sciences, and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Margaret Bell
- Primary Care, Population Sciences, and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Sue Collinson
- Primary Care, Population Sciences, and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Imogen Fry
- School of Psychology, Building 44 Highfield Campus, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Glyn Lewis
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gareth Griffiths
- Southampton Clinical Trials Unit, University of Southampton and University Hospitals Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Simon Gilbody
- Department of Health Sciences, Seebohm Rowntree Building, University of York, York, UK
| | - Joanna Moncrieff
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, UK
| | - Michael Moore
- Primary Care, Population Sciences, and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Una Macleod
- Hull York Medical School, Allam Medical Building, University of Hull, Hull, UK
| | - Paul Little
- Primary Care, Population Sciences, and Medical Education, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton, UK
| | - Christopher Dowrick
- Institute of Psychology Health and Society, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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Hengartner MP. How effective are antidepressants for depression over the long term? A critical review of relapse prevention trials and the issue of withdrawal confounding. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2020; 10:2045125320921694. [PMID: 32435449 PMCID: PMC7225779 DOI: 10.1177/2045125320921694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this article is to discuss the validity of relapse prevention trials and the issue of withdrawal confounding in these trials. Recommendations for long-term antidepressant treatment are based almost exclusively on discontinuation trials. In these relapse prevention trials, participants with remitted depression are randomised either to have the antidepressant abruptly discontinued and replaced by inert placebo or to continue active treatment. The drug-placebo difference in relapse rates at the end of the maintenance phase is then interpreted as a prophylactic drug effect. These trials consistently produce remarkable benefits for maintenance treatment. However, the internal validity of this trial protocol is compromised, as research has shown that abruptly stopping antidepressants can cause severe withdrawal reactions that lead to (or manifest as) depression relapses. That is, there is substantial withdrawal confounding in discontinuation trials, which renders their findings uninterpretable. It is not clear to what degree the drug-placebo separation in relapse prevention (discontinuation) trials is due to withdrawal reactions, but various estimations suggest that it is presumably the majority. A review of findings based on other methodologies, including real-world long-term effectiveness trials like STAR*D and various naturalistic cohort studies, do not indicate that antidepressants have considerable prophylactic effects. As absence of evidence does not imply evidence of absence, no definitive conclusions can be drawn from the literature. To enable a thorough risk-benefit evaluation, real-world effectiveness trials should not only focus on relapse prevention, but also assess antidepressants' long-term effects on social functioning and quality of life. Thus far, reliable long-term data on these outcome domains are lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P. Hengartner
- Department of Applied Psychology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), PO Box 707, Zurich, CH-8037, Switzerland
- Medical Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Javelot H, Llorca PM, Drapier D, Fakra E, Hingray C, Meyer G, Dizet S, Egron A, Straczek C, Roser M, Masson M, Gaillard R, Fossati P, Haffen E. [Informations on psychotropics and their adaptations for patients suffering from mental disorders in France during the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic]. Encephale 2020; 46:S14-S34. [PMID: 32376004 PMCID: PMC7196532 DOI: 10.1016/j.encep.2020.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The 2019-20 coronavirus pandemic (SARS-CoV-2; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) has dramatic consequences on populations in terms of morbidity and mortality and in social terms, the general confinement of almost half of the world's population being a situation unprecedented in history, which is difficult today to measure the impact at the individual and collective levels. More specifically, it affects people with various risk factors, which are more frequent in patients suffering from psychiatric disorders. Psychiatrists need to know: (i) how to identify, the risks associated with the prescription of psychotropic drugs and which can prove to be counterproductive in their association with COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), (ii) how to assess in terms of benefit/risk ratio, the implication of any hasty and brutal modification on psychotropic drugs that can induce confusion for a differential diagnosis with the evolution of COVID-19. We carried out a review of the literature aimed at assessing the specific benefit/risk ratio of psychotropic treatments in patients suffering from COVID-19. Clinically, symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 (fever, cough, dyspnea, digestive signs) can be caused by various psychotropic drugs and require vigilance to avoid false negatives and false positives. In infected patients, psychotropic drugs should be used with caution, especially in the elderly, considering the pulmonary risk. Lithium and Clozapine, which are the reference drugs in bipolar disorder and resistant schizophrenia, warrant specific attention. For these two treatments the possibility of a reduction in the dosage - in case of minimal infectious signs and in a situation, which does not allow rapid control - should ideally be considered taking into account the clinical response (even biological; plasma concentrations) observed in the face of previous dose reductions. Tobacco is well identified for its effects as an inducer of CYP1A2 enzyme. In a COVID+ patient, the consequences of an abrupt cessation of smoking, particularly related with the appearance of respiratory symptoms (cough, dyspnea), must therefore be anticipated for patients receiving psychotropics metabolized by CYP1A2. Plasma concentrations of these drugs are expected to decrease and can be related to an increase risk of relapse. The symptomatic treatments used in COVID-19 have frequent interactions with the most used psychotropics. If there is no curative treatment for infection to SARS-CoV-2, the interactions of the various molecules currently tested with several classes of psychotropic drugs (antidepressants, antipsychotics) are important to consider because of the risk of changes in cardiac conduction. Specific knowledge on COVID-19 remains poor today, but we must recommend rigor in this context in the use of psychotropic drugs, to avoid adding, in patients suffering from psychiatric disorders, potentially vulnerable in the epidemic context, an iatrogenic risk or loss of efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Javelot
- Établissement Public de Santé Alsace Nord, Brumath, France; Laboratoire de toxicologie et pharmacologie neuro-cardiovasculaire, université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
| | - P-M Llorca
- CHU de Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France; Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - D Drapier
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie adulte, centre hospitalier Guillaume-Régnier, Rennes, France; EA 4712, comportements et noyaux gris centraux, université de Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | - E Fakra
- Pôle universitaire de psychiatrie, CHU de Saint-Étienne, Saint-Étienne, France
| | - C Hingray
- Pôle hospitalo-universitaire de psychiatrie d'adultes du Grand Nancy, centre psychothérapique de Nancy, Laxou, France; Département de neurologie, CHU de Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - G Meyer
- Service de pharmacie, Établissement Public de Santé Alsace Nord, Brumath, France; Service de pharmacie, CHU de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - S Dizet
- Service de pharmacie, CHS de Sevrey, Chalon-sur-Saône, France
| | - A Egron
- Service de pharmacie, centre hospitalier de Cadillac, Cadillac, France
| | - C Straczek
- Département de pharmacie, CHU Henri-Mondor, Créteil, France; Institut Mondor de recherche biomédical, Inserm U955, équipe 15 neuropsychiatrie translationnelle, Créteil, France
| | - M Roser
- Institut Mondor de recherche biomédical, Inserm U955, équipe 15 neuropsychiatrie translationnelle, Créteil, France; Service de psychiatrie sectorisée, hôpital Albert-Chenevier, Créteil, France
| | - M Masson
- Nightingale Hospitals-Paris, clinique du Château de Garches, Garches, France; SHU, GHU psychiatrie et neurosciences, Paris, France
| | - R Gaillard
- GHU psychiatrie et neurosciences, université de Paris, Paris, France; Sous-section 49-03, Conseil national des universités (CNU), Paris, France
| | - P Fossati
- Inserm U1127, service de psychiatrie adultes, ICM, groupe hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Sorbonne université, AP-HP, Paris, France
| | - E Haffen
- CIC-1431 Inserm, service de psychiatrie, CHU de Besançon, Besançon, France; Laboratoire de neurosciences, université de Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
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Read J. How common and severe are six withdrawal effects from, and addiction to, antidepressants? The experiences of a large international sample of patients. Addict Behav 2020; 102:106157. [PMID: 31841871 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.106157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Revised: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The incidence and severity of withdrawal effects when coming off antidepressants (ADs) have recently received considerable attention. National guidelines on the topic have proven to be inaccurate. This paper reports the largest direct-to-patient international survey on these issues. METHODS Data generated by an online survey from 867 people from 31 countries, who had taken ADs continuously for at least one month, and had tried to come off (successfully or not) was analysed. RESULTS The majority (59%) had taken ADs for more than three years. Of those who were still taking them, 29% had been doing so for at least 20 years. 61% reported some degree of withdrawal effects, and 44% of these described the effects as 'severe'. The most common of six listed withdrawal effects were anxiety/panic (66%) and irritability (62%). The most common spontaneously reported 'other' withdrawal effect was suicidality (2%). 40% reported that they felt addicted, with 39% of these describing their addiction as 'severe'. Over half (55%) reported some degree of difficulty coming off, with 27% ticking 'very difficult', and 11% 'very easy'. Duration of treatment was related to withdrawal, addiction and difficulty coming off. Younger people experienced more frequent withdrawal effects. Only six people (0.7%) recalled being told anything about withdrawal, dependence or addiction by the initial prescriber. CONCLUSIONS These findings confirm previous studies, using a range of methodologies, finding high incidences of withdrawal effects, frequently at severe levels. National guidelines, and those of professional organisations, urgently need to be updated to reflect this evidence.
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Mikocka-Walus A, Ford AC, Drossman DA. Antidepressants in inflammatory bowel disease. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 17:184-192. [PMID: 32071420 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-019-0259-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gut-brain dysregulation has been recognized by the scientific community as being crucial to the understanding of chronic gastrointestinal conditions, and this has translated into the practice of a newly established discipline, psychogastroenterology. Along with psychotherapy, antidepressants (a subtype of central neuromodulators) have been proposed as treatments for gut-brain disorders that might benefit both psychological and gastrointestinal health. Antidepressants have been found to be effective for the treatment of comorbid anxiety and depression, pain and impaired sleep. Although the efficacy of antidepressants is well established in disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), evidence is only now emerging in IBD. This Perspective discusses the use of antidepressants in DGBI and IBD, focusing on how what we have learnt about the role of antidepressants in DGBI could be applied to help optimize the management of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander C Ford
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.,Leeds Gastroenterology Institute, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Douglas A Drossman
- Center for Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.,Center for Education and Practice of Biopsychosocial Care and Drossman Gastroenterology, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Antidepressant Withdrawal: A Guide for Primary Care Clinicians. J Nurse Pract 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nurpra.2019.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Heinz A, Daedelow LS, Wackerhagen C, Di Chiara G. Addiction theory matters-Why there is no dependence on caffeine or antidepressant medication. Addict Biol 2020; 25:e12735. [PMID: 30896084 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
With the development of the ICD-11, the debate about classifying certain psychoactive substances such as antidepressant medication and caffeine as drugs of dependence is ignited again. We argue that any coherent theory of addiction needs to identify the neurobiological processes elicited by a potentially addictive substance and to clearly define the clinical symptoms associated with these processes, which can then be used to guide diagnosis. Tolerance development and withdrawal symptoms can occur with any pharmacologically active agent, and their presence is not a sufficient criterion for the clinical diagnosis of an addictive disorder. Drug craving, drug seeking, and drug consumption in spite of harmful consequences are further key criteria for the diagnosis of substance dependence. Even though these symptoms have been associated with dopamine release in the ventral striatum, ventral striatal dopamine release alone is not a sufficient criterion of the addictive property of a drug. For example, common reinforcers such as food and sex increase dopamine transmission in the nucleus accumbens, but unlike in addictive substances, their effect is regulated by reward predictability and habituation. We emphasize the importance to integrate neurobiological as well as behavioral and clinical effects of a substance to assess its addictive liability. We provide a number of widely discussed examples and a list of key criteria as a conceptual guideline for addiction research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Heinz
- Department of Psychiatry and PsychotherapyCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health Berlin Germany
| | - Laura S. Daedelow
- Department of Psychiatry and PsychotherapyCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health Berlin Germany
| | - Carolin Wackerhagen
- Department of Psychiatry and PsychotherapyCharité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt‐Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health Berlin Germany
| | - Gaetano Di Chiara
- Department of Biomedical ScienceUniversità degli studi di Cagliari Cagliari Italy
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92
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Freeman MP. Relapse Prevention After Recovery in Patients With Persistent Major Depressive Disorder-An Active Pursuit. JAMA Psychiatry 2020; 77:231-232. [PMID: 31799999 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.3637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marlene P Freeman
- Ammon-Pinizzotto Center for Women's Mental Health, Clinical Trials Network and Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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93
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Abstract
Interruption of ongoing treatment with benzodiazepines, antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilisers including lithium can be followed by clinically significant withdrawal reactions within hours or days, as well as later increases in relapses or recurrences of the illness being treated. Such observations support the view that stopping treatment is not equivalent to being untreated. With lithium, antipsychotics and antidepressants, there is consistent evidence that abrupt or rapid discontinuation is followed by earlier clinical worsening than with more gradual removal of treatment. Moreover, treatment discontinuation can complicate interpretation of responses to changes in treatment, including in clinical practice and in experimental treatment trials. Notably, terminating preceding treatments can lead to both discontinuation and carry-over effects that can have an impact on the interpretation of observed outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Tondo
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical SchoolUSA; International Consortium for Mood & Psychotic Disorders Research, McLean Hospital, USA; Director, Lucio Bini Mood Disorder Center, Italy
| | - Ross J Baldessarini
- Professor of Psychiatry (Neuroscience), Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School; and International Consortium for Mood & Psychotic Disorders Research, McLean Hospital, USA
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94
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Fava GA, Rafanelli C. Iatrogenic Factors in Psychopathology. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2020; 88:129-140. [PMID: 31085917 DOI: 10.1159/000500151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni A Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Chiara Rafanelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy,
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95
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Chiappini S, Schifano F, Corkery JM, Guirguis A. Focus on Clozapine Withdrawal- and Misuse-Related Cases as Reported to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) Pharmacovigilance Database. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10020105. [PMID: 32079135 PMCID: PMC7071448 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10020105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Clozapine is of high clinical relevance for the management of both treatment-resistant schizophrenia and psychotic disturbances with concurrent drug misuse. Although the molecule presents with a range of well-known side-effects, its discontinuation/withdrawal syndrome has been only anecdotally described. Aims: the 2005–2018 European Medicines Agency (EMA) dataset of Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs) was analyzed to identify and describe possible clozapine withdrawal- and misuse-/abuse-/dependence-related issues. Method: A descriptive analysis of clozapine-related ADRs was performed when available, data on ADRs’ outcome, dosage, and possible concomitant drug(s) were considered. Results: Out of 11,847 clozapine-related ADRs, some 599 (5.05%) were related to misuse/abuse/dependence/withdrawal issues, including 258 withdrawal-related (43.1%); 241 abuse-related (40.2%); and 80 intentional product misuse-related (13.3%) ADRs. A small number of overdose- and suicide-related ADRs were reported as well. Clozapine was typically (69.2%) identified alone, and most (84.7%) fatalities/high-dosage intake instances were reported in association with a history of substance abuse. Conclusions: Previous suggestions about the possibility of a clozapine discontinuation/withdrawal occurrence are here supported, but further studies are needed. However, the misuse/abuse cases here identified might be difficult to interpret, given the lack of studies highlighting the possible recreational use of clozapine. The high-dosage intake, fatal outcomes and clozapine/polydrug abuse issues reported here may, however, be a reason for concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Chiappini
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse, and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9AB, UK; (S.C.); (J.M.C.)
| | - Fabrizio Schifano
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse, and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9AB, UK; (S.C.); (J.M.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - John Martin Corkery
- Psychopharmacology, Drug Misuse, and Novel Psychoactive Substances Research Unit, School of Life and Medical Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, Hertfordshire AL10 9AB, UK; (S.C.); (J.M.C.)
| | - Amira Guirguis
- Swansea University Medical School, Institute of Life Sciences 2, Swansea University, Singleton Park, Swansea SA2 8PP, UK;
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96
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Van Leeuwen E, van Driel ML, De Sutter AIM, Anderson K, Robertson L, Christiaens T. Discontinuation of long-term antidepressant use for depressive and anxiety disorders in adults. Hippokratia 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Van Leeuwen
- Ghent University; Clinical Pharmacology Unit of the Department of Pharmacology; Ghent Belgium 9000
- Ghent University; Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care; Ghent Belgium
| | - Mieke L van Driel
- The University of Queensland; Primary Care Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine; Brisbane Queensland Australia 4029
| | - An IM De Sutter
- Ghent University; Department of Family Medicine and Primary Health Care; Ghent Belgium
| | - Kristen Anderson
- The University of Queensland; School of Pharmacy; Brisbane Australia
| | - Lindsay Robertson
- University of York; Cochrane Common Mental Disorders; Heslington York UK YO10 5DD
| | - Thierry Christiaens
- Ghent University; Clinical Pharmacology Unit of the Department of Pharmacology; Ghent Belgium 9000
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97
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Strayhorn J. Editorial: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Versus Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2020; 59:219-221. [PMID: 30904480 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
How should treatment be initiated for children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)? This editorial comments on an article by Melin and colleagues,1 published in this issue, from the NordLOTS study, which reports excellent outcomes from cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for children with OCD. Children continued to improve after CBT was discontinued; at 3 year follow-up, they enjoyed a 90% response rate. Such continuing improvement contrasts markedly with other studies finding, among patients treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), high relapse rates upon discontinuation. Evidence has accumulated that upon discontinuation of SSRIs, there is often not simply a return to baseline, but a withdrawal state for which opposites of the therapeutic effects can be prominent symptoms-these may include anxiety, dysphoria, irritability, and insomnia. The duration of such symptoms is highly variable, and the possibility of permanent deleterious effects has not been ruled out. Embarking upon lifelong treatment with medication, especially with children, is not a good solution to the withdrawal problem, given findings of antidepressant tachyphylaxis after chronic administration. The long-term dependency and tolerance risks to children started on serotonin reuptake inhibitors are largely unquantified. The NordLOTS study strengthens prior conclusions that cognitive behavior therapy without medication should usually be the initial treatment for children with OCD. Nonetheless, economic influences, which have spurred an exodus of psychiatrists from the psychotherapy workforce, continue to foster treatment with medication alone rather than with cognitive behavior therapy alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Strayhorn
- private practice in Ithaca, NY, and is director of the Organization for Psychoeducational Tutoring, Inc., Ithaca, NY.
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98
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Well-Being Therapy in Anxiety Disorders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020. [PMID: 32002942 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-32-9705-0_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
In almost all treatments for prevalent psychiatric conditions, particular attention has been devoted to stress and its consequences; this has led to an involuntary and unavoidable reinforcement of negative aspects of life. Because of the important influence of individual and cultural influences on positive health, well-being is a challenge from a clinical and scientific perspective and interventions aimed at enhancing it represent an area of growing interest for the future of clinical practice and research. Well-being therapy (WBT) is a short-term psychotherapeutic strategy aimed at enhancing well-being based on the model originally developed in 1958 by Marie Jahoda. It emphasizes self-observation, with the use of a structured diary, interaction between patients and therapists, and homework. WBT may be used as the only therapeutic strategy or in sequential combination with other psychotherapeutic strategies, mainly cognitive behavioral therapy. WBT can be differentiated from positive interventions based on several features which are described in detail in the present chapter. We also report the clinical use of WBT in the treatment of anxiety disorders, mainly generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and agoraphobia. Potential further clinical application of WBT is withdrawal after antidepressants discontinuation and side effects during long-term antidepressant treatment.
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99
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Abstract
Psychiatrists often consider the positive characteristics displayed by a patient in their clinical judgment, yet current assessment and treatment strategies are shifted on the side of psychological dysfunction. Euthymia is a transdiagnostic construct referring to the presence of positive affects and psychological well-being, i.e., balance and integration of psychic forces (flexibility), a unifying outlook on life which guides actions and feelings for shaping future accordingly (consistency), and resistance to stress (resilience and tolerance to anxiety or frustration). There is increasing evidence that the evaluation of euthymia and its components has major clinical implications. Specific instruments (clinical interviews and questionnaires) may be included in a clinimetric assessment strategy encompassing macro-analysis and staging. The pursuit of euthymia cannot be conceived as a therapeutic intervention for specific mental disorders, but as a transdiagnostic strategy to be incorporated in an individualized therapeutic plan. A number of psychotherapeutic techniques aiming to enhance positive affects and psychological well-being (such as well-being therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy) have been developed and validated in randomized controlled clinical trials. The findings indicate that flourishing and resilience can be promoted by specific interventions leading to a positive evaluation of one's self, a sense of continuing growth and development, the belief that life is purposeful and meaningful, satisfaction with one's relations with others, the capacity to manage effectively one's life, and a sense of self-determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni A Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jenny Guidi
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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100
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Aroke EN, Robinson AN, Wilbanks BA. Perioperative Considerations for Patients With Major Depressive Disorder Undergoing Surgery. J Perianesth Nurs 2020; 35:112-119. [PMID: 31955898 DOI: 10.1016/j.jopan.2019.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, approximately 15% of adults suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD), which results in an annual cost of over $200 billion per year. In the perioperative setting, MDD is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The exact causes of the increase in adverse outcomes are unknown. Major depression affects virtually all major systems in the human body, and most antidepressants affect dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin levels or alter their target receptors. Unfortunately, anesthesia and medications used in the perioperative period affect the same neurotransmitters. As a result, patients with MDD are at an increased risk for cardiovascular effects, altered thermoregulation, and postoperative cognitive dysfunction. To determine when to continue or hold antidepressants preoperatively and avoid potential drug interactions, perioperative providers must understand the pharmacological action of antidepressants. This article reviews the pathophysiology of MDD, mechanism of action of antidepressants, and perioperative considerations for patients on antidepressant medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin N Aroke
- Nurse Anesthesia Track, School of Nursing, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL.
| | | | - Bryan A Wilbanks
- Nurse Anesthesia Track, School of Nursing, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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