1
|
Martins-Correia J, Fernandes LA, Kenny R, Salas B, Karmani S, Inskip A, Pearson F, Watson S. Cariprazine in the acute treatment of unipolar and bipolar depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2024; 362:297-307. [PMID: 38942207 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.06.099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cariprazine has emerged as a promising augmenting treatment agent for unipolar depression and as a monotherapy option for bipolar depression. We evaluated cariprazine's efficacy in treating acute major depressive episodes in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder. METHODS A systematic review was conducted on MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov and ScanMedicine. Study quality was assessed using the RoB 2 tool. Pairwise and dose-response meta-analyses were conducted with RStudio. Evidence quality was assessed with GRADE. RESULTS Nine RCTs meeting inclusion criteria encompassed 4889 participants. Cariprazine, compared to placebo, significantly reduced the MADRS score (MD = -1.49, 95 % CI: -2.22 to -0.76) and demonstrated significantly higher response (RR = 1.21, 95 % CI: 1.12 to 1.30) and remission (RR = 1.19, 95 % CI: 1.06 to 1.34) rates. Subgroup analysis unveiled statistically significant reductions in MADRS score in MDD (MD = -1.15, 95 % CI: -2.04 to -0.26) and bipolar I disorder (BDI) (MD = -2.53, 95 % CI: -3.61 to -1.45), higher response rates for both MDD (RR = 1.19, 95 % CI: 1.08 to 1.31) and BDI (RR = 1.27, 95 % CI: 1.10 to 1.46), and higher remission rates only for BDI (RR = 1.41, 95 % CI: 1.24 to 1.60). A higher rate of treatment discontinuation due to adverse events was observed. LIMITATIONS Reliance solely on RCTs limits generalisability; strict criteria might not reflect real-world diversity. CONCLUSIONS Cariprazine demonstrates efficacy in treating major depressive episodes, although variations exist between MDD and BDI and tolerability may be an issue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- João Martins-Correia
- Department of Public Health and Forensic Sciences, Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Luís Afonso Fernandes
- Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, EPE, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Ryan Kenny
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; National Institute for Health Research Innovation Observatory, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Barbara Salas
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Sneha Karmani
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alex Inskip
- National Institute for Health Research Innovation Observatory, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona Pearson
- Evidence Synthesis Group, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; National Institute for Health Research Innovation Observatory, Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stuart Watson
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Strodl E, Bambling M, Parnam S, Ritchie G, Cramb S, Vitetta L. Probiotics and magnesium orotate for the treatment of major depressive disorder: a randomised double blind controlled trial. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20841. [PMID: 39242786 PMCID: PMC11379959 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-71093-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Following on from our pilot studies, this study aimed to test the efficacy of a combination of probiotics (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Streptococcus thermophilus), magnesium orotate and coenzyme 10 for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) through a double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial. The participants were 120 adults diagnosed with MDD randomised to daily oral administration, over 8 weeks, of either the intervention or placebo, with a 16-week follow-up period. Intent-to-treat analysis found a significantly lower frequency of the presence of a major depressive episode in the intervention group compared with placebo at the end of the 8-week treatment phase, with no difference between the two conditions at 8-week follow-up. Both the categorical and continuous measure of depressive symptoms showed a significant difference between the two conditions at 4 weeks, but not 8 and 16 weeks. The secondary end-point was demonstrated with an overall reduction in self-rated symptoms of anxiety and stress in the active treatment group compared with placebo. These findings suggest that the combination of probiotics, magnesium orotate and coenzyme 10 may be an effective treatment of MDD over an 8-week period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esben Strodl
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Matthew Bambling
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Sophie Parnam
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gabrielle Ritchie
- School of Psychology and Counselling, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Susanna Cramb
- Australian Centre for Health Services Innovation, School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Luis Vitetta
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Schwippel T, Pupillo F, Feldman Z, Walker C, Townsend L, Rubinow D, Frohlich F. Closed-Loop Transcranial Alternating Current Stimulation for the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder: An Open-Label Pilot Study. Am J Psychiatry 2024; 181:842-845. [PMID: 39108159 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20230838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Schwippel
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, N.C. (Schwippel, Pupillo, Feldman, Rubinow, Frohlich); Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C. (Schwippel, Pupillo, Feldman, Frohlich); Electromedical Products International, Inc., Mineral Wells, Tex. (Townsend); Pulvinar Neuro, LLC., Durham, N.C. (Townsend, Walker)
| | - Francesca Pupillo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, N.C. (Schwippel, Pupillo, Feldman, Rubinow, Frohlich); Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C. (Schwippel, Pupillo, Feldman, Frohlich); Electromedical Products International, Inc., Mineral Wells, Tex. (Townsend); Pulvinar Neuro, LLC., Durham, N.C. (Townsend, Walker)
| | - Zachary Feldman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, N.C. (Schwippel, Pupillo, Feldman, Rubinow, Frohlich); Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C. (Schwippel, Pupillo, Feldman, Frohlich); Electromedical Products International, Inc., Mineral Wells, Tex. (Townsend); Pulvinar Neuro, LLC., Durham, N.C. (Townsend, Walker)
| | - Christopher Walker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, N.C. (Schwippel, Pupillo, Feldman, Rubinow, Frohlich); Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C. (Schwippel, Pupillo, Feldman, Frohlich); Electromedical Products International, Inc., Mineral Wells, Tex. (Townsend); Pulvinar Neuro, LLC., Durham, N.C. (Townsend, Walker)
| | - Leah Townsend
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, N.C. (Schwippel, Pupillo, Feldman, Rubinow, Frohlich); Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C. (Schwippel, Pupillo, Feldman, Frohlich); Electromedical Products International, Inc., Mineral Wells, Tex. (Townsend); Pulvinar Neuro, LLC., Durham, N.C. (Townsend, Walker)
| | - David Rubinow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, N.C. (Schwippel, Pupillo, Feldman, Rubinow, Frohlich); Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C. (Schwippel, Pupillo, Feldman, Frohlich); Electromedical Products International, Inc., Mineral Wells, Tex. (Townsend); Pulvinar Neuro, LLC., Durham, N.C. (Townsend, Walker)
| | - Flavio Frohlich
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, N.C. (Schwippel, Pupillo, Feldman, Rubinow, Frohlich); Carolina Center for Neurostimulation, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, N.C. (Schwippel, Pupillo, Feldman, Frohlich); Electromedical Products International, Inc., Mineral Wells, Tex. (Townsend); Pulvinar Neuro, LLC., Durham, N.C. (Townsend, Walker)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Verma A, Inslicht SS, Bhargava A. Gut-Brain Axis: Role of Microbiome, Metabolomics, Hormones, and Stress in Mental Health Disorders. Cells 2024; 13:1436. [PMID: 39273008 PMCID: PMC11394554 DOI: 10.3390/cells13171436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The influence of gut microbiome, metabolites, omics, hormones, and stress on general and mental health is increasingly being recognized. Ancient cultures recognized the importance of diet and gut health on the overall health of an individual. Western science and modern scientific methods are beginning to unravel the foundations and mechanisms behind some of the ancient beliefs and customs. The gut microbiome, an organ itself, is now thought to influence almost all other organs, ranging from the brain to the reproductive systems. Gut microbiome, metabolites, hormones, and biological sex also influence a myriad of health conditions that range from mental health disorders, obesity, gastrointestinal disorders, and cardiovascular diseases to reproductive health. Here, we review the history and current understanding of the gut-brain axis bidirectional talk in various mental health disorders with special emphasis on anxiety and depressive disorders, whose prevalence has increased by over 50% in the past three decades with COVID-19 pandemic being the biggest risk factor in the last few years. The vagal nerve is an important contributor to this bidirectional talk, but other pathways also contribute, and most remain understudied. Probiotics containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium species seem to have the most impact on improvement in mental health symptoms, but the challenge appears to be maintaining sustained levels, especially since neither Lactobacillus nor Bifidobacterium can permanently colonize the gut. Ancient endogenous retroviral DNA in the human genome is also linked to several psychiatric disorders, including depression. These discoveries reveal the complex and intricately intertwined nature of gut health with mental health disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Verma
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sabra S Inslicht
- San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Aditi Bhargava
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Sciences, University of California at San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bschor T, Nagel L, Unger J, Schwarzer G, Baethge C. Differential Outcomes of Placebo Treatment Across 9 Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Psychiatry 2024; 81:757-768. [PMID: 38809560 PMCID: PMC11137661 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.0994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Importance Placebo is the only substance systematically evaluated across common psychiatric diagnoses, but comprehensive cross-diagnostic comparisons are lacking. Objective To compare changes in placebo groups in recent high-quality randomized clinical trials (RCTs) across a broad spectrum of psychiatric disorders in adult patients. Data Sources MEDLINE and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were systematically searched in March 2022 for the latest systematic reviews meeting predetermined high-quality criteria for 9 major psychiatric diagnoses. Study Selection Using these reviews, the top 10 highest-quality (ie, lowest risk of bias, according to the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool) and most recent placebo-controlled RCTs per diagnosis (totaling 90 RCTs) were selected, adhering to predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data Extraction and Synthesis Following the Cochrane Handbook, 2 authors independently carried out the study search, selection, and data extraction. Cross-diagnosis comparisons were based on standardized pre-post effect sizes (mean change divided by its SD) for each placebo group. This study is reported following the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guideline. Main Outcome and Measure The primary outcome, pooled pre-post placebo effect sizes (dav) with 95% CIs per diagnosis, was determined using random-effects meta-analyses. A Q test assessed statistical significance of differences across diagnoses. Heterogeneity and small-study effects were evaluated as appropriate. Results A total of 90 RCTs with 9985 placebo-treated participants were included. Symptom severity improved with placebo in all diagnoses. Pooled pre-post placebo effect sizes differed across diagnoses (Q = 88.5; df = 8; P < .001), with major depressive disorder (dav = 1.40; 95% CI, 1.24-1.56) and generalized anxiety disorder (dav = 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06-1.41) exhibiting the largest dav. Panic disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, social phobia, and mania showed dav between 0.68 and 0.92, followed by OCD (dav = 0.65; 95% CI, 0.51-0.78) and schizophrenia (dav = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.41-0.76). Conclusion and Relevance This systematic review and meta-analysis found that symptom improvement with placebo treatment was substantial in all conditions but varied across the 9 included diagnoses. These findings may help in assessing the necessity and ethical justification of placebo controls, in evaluating treatment effects in uncontrolled studies, and in guiding patients in treatment decisions. These findings likely encompass the true placebo effect, natural disease course, and nonspecific effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom Bschor
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Government Commission for Modern and Needs-Based Hospital Care, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lea Nagel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Federal Joint Committee (G-BA), Berlin, Germany
| | - Josephine Unger
- Social Psychiatric Service, Berlin district of Reinickendorf, Berlin, Germany
| | - Guido Schwarzer
- Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics, Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Baethge
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Poulin JM, Bigford GE, Lanctôt KL, Giacobbe P, Schaffer A, Sinyor M, Rabin JS, Masellis M, Singnurkar A, Pople CB, Lipsman N, Husain MI, Rosenblat JD, Cao X, MacIntosh BJ, Nestor SM. Engaging Mood Brain Circuits with Psilocybin (EMBRACE): a study protocol for a randomized, placebo-controlled and delayed-start, neuroimaging trial in depression. Trials 2024; 25:441. [PMID: 38956594 PMCID: PMC11221029 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08268-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disability worldwide across domains of health and cognition, affecting overall quality of life. Approximately one third of individuals with depression do not fully respond to treatments (e.g., conventional antidepressants, psychotherapy) and alternative strategies are needed. Recent early phase trials suggest psilocybin may be a safe and efficacious intervention with rapid-acting antidepressant properties. Psilocybin is thought to exert therapeutic benefits by altering brain network connectivity and inducing neuroplastic changes that endure for weeks post-treatment. Although early clinical results are encouraging, psilocybin's acute neurobiological effects on neuroplasticity have not been fully investigated. We aim to examine for the first time how psilocybin acutely (intraday) and subacutely (weeks) alters functional brain networks implicated in depression. METHODS Fifty participants diagnosed with MDD or persistent depressive disorder (PDD) will be recruited from a tertiary mood disorders clinic and undergo 1:1 randomization into either an experimental or control arm. Participants will be given either 25 mg psilocybin or 25 mg microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) placebo for the first treatment. Three weeks later, those in the control arm will transition to receiving 25 mg psilocybin. We will investigate whether treatments are associated with changes in arterial spin labelling and blood oxygenation level-dependent contrast neuroimaging assessments at acute and subacute timepoints. Primary outcomes include testing whether psilocybin demonstrates acute changes in (1) cerebral blood flow and (2) functional brain activity in networks associated with mood regulation and depression when compared to placebo, along with changes in MADRS score over time compared to placebo. Secondary outcomes include changes across complementary clinical psychiatric, cognitive, and functional scales from baseline to final follow-up. Serum peripheral neurotrophic and inflammatory biomarkers will be collected at baseline and follow-up to examine relationships with clinical response, and neuroimaging measures. DISCUSSION This study will investigate the acute and additive subacute neuroplastic effects of psilocybin on brain networks affected by depression using advanced serial neuroimaging methods. Results will improve our understanding of psilocybin's antidepressant mechanisms versus placebo response and whether biological measures of brain function can provide early predictors of treatment response. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT06072898. Registered on 6 October 2023.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M Poulin
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gregory E Bigford
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Krista L Lanctôt
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Giacobbe
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ayal Schaffer
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark Sinyor
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer S Rabin
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mario Masellis
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amit Singnurkar
- Department of Medical Imaging, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher B Pople
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nir Lipsman
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Muhammad I Husain
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Joshua D Rosenblat
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, Poul Hansen Family Centre for Depression, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Xingshan Cao
- Research Design and Biostatistics, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Bradley J MacIntosh
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Dr. Sandra Black Centre for Brain Resilience and Recovery, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sean M Nestor
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Mollica A, Ng E, Burke MJ, Nestor SM, Lee H, Rabin JS, Hamani C, Lipsman N, Giacobbe P. Treatment expectations and clinical outcomes following repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment-resistant depression. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:752-759. [PMID: 38901565 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient expectations, including both positive (placebo) and negative (nocebo) effects, influence treatment outcomes, yet their impact on acute repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is unclear. METHODS In this single-center retrospective chart review, 208 TRD patients completed the Stanford Expectation of Treatment Scale (SETS) before starting open-label rTMS treatment. Patients were offered two excitatory rTMS protocols (deep TMS or intermittent theta-burst stimulation), which stimulated the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. A minimum of 20 once daily treatments were provided, delivered over 4-6 weeks. Primary outcomes were 1) remission, measured by a post-treatment score of <8 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17), and 2) premature discontinuation. The change in HAMD-17 scores over time was used as a secondary outcome. Physicians were blinded to SETS scores. Logistic and linear regression, adjusting for covariates, assessed SETS and HAMD-17 relationships. RESULTS Of 208 patients, 177 had baseline and covariate data available. The mean positivity bias score (positive expectancy minus negative expectancy subscale averages) was 0.48 ± 2.21, indicating the cohort was neutral regarding the expectations of their treatment on average. Higher positive expectancy scores were significantly associated with greater odds of remission (OR = 1.90, p = 0.003) and greater reduction in HAMD-17 scores (β = 1.30, p = 0.005) at the end of acute treatment, after adjusting for covariates. Negative expectancy was not associated with decreased odds of remission (p = 0.2) or treatment discontinuation (p = 0.8). CONCLUSIONS Higher pre-treatment positive expectations were associated with greater remission rates with open-label rTMS in a naturalistic cohort of patients with TRD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Mollica
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Enoch Ng
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Matthew J Burke
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sean M Nestor
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Hyewon Lee
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer S Rabin
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Rehabilitation Sciences Institute, University of Toronto, Canada
| | - Clement Hamani
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nir Lipsman
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Division of Neurosurgery, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Peter Giacobbe
- Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation and Hurvitz Brain Sciences Program, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Prompiengchai S, Dunlop K. Breakthroughs and challenges for generating brain network-based biomarkers of treatment response in depression. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024:10.1038/s41386-024-01907-1. [PMID: 38951585 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-024-01907-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024]
Abstract
Treatment outcomes widely vary for individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder, implicating a need for deeper understanding of the biological mechanisms conferring a greater likelihood of response to a particular treatment. Our improved understanding of intrinsic brain networks underlying depression psychopathology via magnetic resonance imaging and other neuroimaging modalities has helped reveal novel and potentially clinically meaningful biological markers of response. And while we have made considerable progress in identifying such biomarkers over the last decade, particularly with larger, multisite trials, there are significant methodological and practical obstacles that need to be overcome to translate these markers into the clinic. The aim of this review is to review current literature on brain network structural and functional biomarkers of treatment response or selection in depression, with a specific focus on recent large, multisite trials reporting predictive accuracy of candidate biomarkers. Regarding pharmaco- and psychotherapy, we discuss candidate biomarkers, reporting that while we have identified candidate biomarkers of response to a single intervention, we need more trials that distinguish biomarkers between first-line treatments. Further, we discuss the ways prognostic neuroimaging may help to improve treatment outcomes to neuromodulation-based therapies, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation and deep brain stimulation. Lastly, we highlight obstacles and technical developments that may help to address the knowledge gaps in this area of research. Ultimately, integrating neuroimaging-derived biomarkers into clinical practice holds promise for enhancing treatment outcomes and advancing precision psychiatry strategies for depression management. By elucidating the neural predictors of treatment response and selection, we can move towards more individualized and effective depression interventions, ultimately improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Katharine Dunlop
- Centre for Depression and Suicide Studies, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Huneke NTM, Amin J, Baldwin DS, Bellato A, Brandt V, Chamberlain SR, Correll CU, Eudave L, Garner M, Gosling CJ, Hill CM, Hou R, Howes OD, Ioannidis K, Köhler-Forsberg O, Marzulli L, Reed C, Sinclair JMA, Singh S, Solmi M, Cortese S. Placebo effects in randomized trials of pharmacological and neurostimulation interventions for mental disorders: An umbrella review. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02638-x. [PMID: 38914807 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02638-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
There is a growing literature exploring the placebo response within specific mental disorders, but no overarching quantitative synthesis of this research has analyzed evidence across mental disorders. We carried out an umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of biological treatments (pharmacotherapy or neurostimulation) for mental disorders. We explored whether placebo effect size differs across distinct disorders, and the correlates of increased placebo effects. Based on a pre-registered protocol, we searched Medline, PsycInfo, EMBASE, and Web of Knowledge up to 23.10.2022 for systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses reporting placebo effect sizes in psychopharmacological or neurostimulation RCTs. Twenty meta-analyses, summarising 1,691 RCTs involving 261,730 patients, were included. Placebo effect size varied, and was large in alcohol use disorder (g = 0.90, 95% CI [0.70, 1.09]), depression (g = 1.10, 95% CI [1.06, 1.15]), restless legs syndrome (g = 1.41, 95% CI [1.25, 1.56]), and generalized anxiety disorder (d = 1.85, 95% CI [1.61, 2.09]). Placebo effect size was small-to-medium in obsessive-compulsive disorder (d = 0.32, 95% CI [0.22, 0.41]), primary insomnia (g = 0.35, 95% CI [0.28, 0.42]), and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (standardized mean change = 0.33, 95% CI [0.22, 0.44]). Correlates of larger placebo response in multiple mental disorders included later publication year (opposite finding for ADHD), younger age, more trial sites, larger sample size, increased baseline severity, and larger active treatment effect size. Most (18 of 20) meta-analyses were judged 'low' quality as per AMSTAR-2. Placebo effect sizes varied substantially across mental disorders. Future research should explore the sources of this variation. We identified important gaps in the literature, with no eligible systematic reviews/meta-analyses of placebo response in stress-related disorders, eating disorders, behavioural addictions, or bipolar mania.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan T M Huneke
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK.
| | - Jay Amin
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - David S Baldwin
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- University Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Alessio Bellato
- School of Psychology, University of Nottingham Malaysia, Semenyih, Malaysia
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Valerie Brandt
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Clinic of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
| | - Samuel R Chamberlain
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Luis Eudave
- Faculty of Education and Psychology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Matthew Garner
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Corentin J Gosling
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Université Paris Nanterre, DysCo Lab, F-92000, Nanterre, France
- Université de Paris, Laboratoire de Psychopathologie et Processus de Santé, F-92100, Boulogne-Billancourt, France
| | - Catherine M Hill
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Sleep Medicine, Southampton Children's Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Ruihua Hou
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Oliver D Howes
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- H Lundbeck A/s, Iveco House, Watford, UK
- Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Konstantinos Ioannidis
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Ole Köhler-Forsberg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital-Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lucia Marzulli
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DIBRAIN), University of Studies of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Claire Reed
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Julia M A Sinclair
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Satneet Singh
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Marco Solmi
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Mental Health, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) Clinical Epidemiology Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
- DiMePRe-J-Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine-Jonic Area, University "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
- Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Velichkov M, Bezur Z, van Reekum CM, Williams CM. A biphasic response to blueberry supplementation on depressive symptoms in emerging adults: a double-blind randomized controlled trial. Eur J Nutr 2024; 63:1071-1088. [PMID: 38300292 PMCID: PMC11139700 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-023-03311-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of the present study was to examine the acute and chronic effects of wild blueberry supplementation on mood, executive function, and serum biomarkers of neuroplasticity, inflammation, and oxidative stress in emerging adults with moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms. METHODS In this double-blind trial, 60 emerging adults (Mage = 20.0 years, 32% male) with self-reported depressive symptoms were randomly assigned to receive a single blueberry drink (acute phase), followed by 6 weeks of daily blueberry supplementation (chronic phase), or a matched placebo drink. The primary outcome was Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) scores at 6-week follow-up. Further measures included momentary affect (PANAS-X) and accuracy on an executive function task. The data were analyzed using ANCOVAs adjusted for baseline values, sex, and habitual fruit and vegetable intake. Estimated marginal means were calculated to compare the treatment arms. RESULTS The blueberry drink significantly improved positive affect (p = 0.026) and executive function (p = 0.025) at 2 h post-ingestion, with change scores being positively correlated in the blueberry group (r = 0.424, p = 0.017). However, after six weeks of supplementation the reduction in BDI-II scores was greater in the placebo group by 5.8 points (95% CI: 0.8-10.7, p = 0.023). Generalized anxiety and anhedonia also decreased significantly more in the placebo group. No significant differences were found for any of the biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS Six weeks of wild blueberry supplementation were inferior to placebo in reducing depressive symptoms. Nevertheless, the correlated improvements in positive affect and executive function after a single dose of blueberries point to a beneficial, albeit transient, psychological effect. These contrasting results suggest a biphasic, hormetic-like response that warrants further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04647019, dated 30 November, 2020.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Velichkov
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Zsofia Bezur
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Carien M van Reekum
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Claire M Williams
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gao M, Kirk M, Lash E, Knight H, Michalopoulou M, Guess N, Browning M, Weich S, Burnet P, Jebb SA, Stevens R, Aveyard P. Evaluating the efficacy and mechanisms of a ketogenic diet as adjunctive treatment for people with treatment-resistant depression: A protocol for a randomised controlled trial. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 174:230-236. [PMID: 38653031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND One-third of people with depression do not respond to antidepressants, and, after two adequate courses of antidepressants, are classified as having treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Some case reports suggest that ketogenic diets (KDs) may improve some mental illnesses, and preclinical data indicate that KDs can influence brain reward signalling, anhedonia, cortisol, and gut microbiome which are associated with depression. To date, no trials have examined the clinical effect of a KD on TRD. METHODS This is a proof-of-concept randomised controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of a six-week programme of weekly dietitian counselling plus provision of KD meals, compared with an intervention involving similar dietetic contact time and promoting a healthy diet with increased vegetable consumption and reduction in saturated fat, plus food vouchers to purchase healthier items. At 12 weeks we will assess whether participants have continued to follow the assigned diet. The primary outcome is the difference between groups in the change in Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score from baseline to 6 weeks. PHQ-9 will be measured at weeks 2, 4, 6 and 12. The secondary outcomes are the differences between groups in the change in remission of depression, change in anxiety score, functioning ability, quality of life, cognitive performance, reward sensitivity, and anhedonia from baseline to 6 and 12 weeks. We will also assess whether changes in reward sensitivity, anhedonia, cortisol awakening response and gut microbiome may explain any changes in depression severity. DISCUSSION This study will test whether a ketogenic diet is an effective intervention to reduce the severity of depression, anxiety and improve quality of life and functioning ability for people with treatment-resistant depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min Gao
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK.
| | - Megan Kirk
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Eva Lash
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Heather Knight
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Moscho Michalopoulou
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nicola Guess
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael Browning
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Scott Weich
- School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Philip Burnet
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Susan A Jebb
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard Stevens
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Aveyard
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK; NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Remore LG, Tolossa M, Wei W, Karnib M, Tsolaki E, Rifi Z, Bari AA. Deep Brain Stimulation of the Medial Forebrain Bundle for Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Systematic Review Focused on the Long-Term Antidepressive Effect. Neuromodulation 2024; 27:690-700. [PMID: 37115122 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurom.2023.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Major depression affects millions of people worldwide and has important social and economic consequences. Since up to 30% of patients do not respond to several lines of antidepressive drugs, deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been evaluated for the management of treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The superolateral branch of the medial forebrain bundle (slMFB) appears as a "hypothesis-driven target" because of its role in the reward-seeking system, which is dysfunctional in depression. Although initial results of slMFB-DBS from open-label studies were promising and characterized by a rapid clinical response, long-term outcomes of neurostimulation for TRD deserve particular attention. Therefore, we performed a systematic review focused on the long-term outcome of slMFB-DBS. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses criteria was conducted to identify all studies reporting changes in depression scores after one-year follow-up and beyond. Patient, disease, surgical, and outcome data were extracted for statistical analysis. The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (ΔMADRS) was used as the clinical outcome, defined as percentage reduction from baseline to follow-up evaluation. Responders' and remitters' rates were also calculated. RESULTS From 56 studies screened for review, six studies comprising 34 patients met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed. After one year of active stimulation, ΔMADRS was 60.7% ± 4%; responders' and remitters' rates were 83.8% and 61.5%, respectively. At the last follow-up, four to five years after the implantation, ΔMADRS reached 74.7% ± 4.6%. The most common side effects were stimulation related and reversible with parameter adjustments. CONCLUSIONS slMFB-DBS appears to have a strong antidepressive effect that increases over the years. Nevertheless, to date, the overall number of patients receiving implantations is limited, and the slMFB-DBS surgical technique seems to have an important impact on the clinical outcome. Further multicentric studies in a larger population are needed to confirm slMFB-DBS clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luigi Gianmaria Remore
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; University of Milan "La Statale," Milan, Italy.
| | - Meskerem Tolossa
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Wexin Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Evangelia Tsolaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ziad Rifi
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ausaf Ahmad Bari
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Goli F. Biosemiotic medicines: Symbolic formulations for placebo enhancements. JOURNAL OF EDUCATION AND HEALTH PROMOTION 2024; 13:156. [PMID: 38784294 PMCID: PMC11114581 DOI: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_1888_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The healing response is a complex and multiform procedure that involves many physical and symbolic interactions and synchronizations. In the clinical research model, certain factors are abstracted during which contextual elements, such as placebo responses and communicative factors, are excluded to reveal the pieces of evidence that are necessary for the mass production of clinical materials and methods. On the other side, clinical practice is a singular and chaotic communicative action in which we should include contextual and discursive factors for prompting proper biological as well as behavioral responses. Placebo responses, personal history and attitudes, and clinical relationships and communication are some of the contextual and individual factors that can be changed effectively if we can communicate with the symbolic and reflective matrices of clinical practice. In this article, the author introduces a biosemiotic formula for healing responses that include symbolic and reflective factors of healing response aligned with the related biological procedures. Not only are psychological interventions beneficial in mental health problems and symptom control but they could also be used as co-treatments to reinforce placebo responses and improve illness behavior and treatment narratives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Goli
- Faculty Bios, Energy Medicine University, California, USA
- Department for Education, Bioethics and Philosophy of Medicine, Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences, Head of Danesh-e Tandorosti Institute, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wolters FJ, Labrecque JA. Potential impact of unblinding on observed treatment effects in Alzheimer's disease trials. Alzheimers Dement 2024; 20:3119-3125. [PMID: 38380503 PMCID: PMC11032516 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adverse effects of monoclonal antibodies against amyloid beta are common, and may affect validity of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) through unblinding of participants. METHODS We used observations from published phase 3 RCTs in Alzheimer's disease to calculate the magnitude of unblinding effects on cognition that would be required to explain observed cognitive benefits in RCTs. RESULTS In trials of lecanemab, aducanumab, and donanemab, incidence of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities with active treatment ranged from 22% to 44%, the vast majority of which presumably led to unblinding. Effects of unblinding on the Clinical Dementia Rating Sum of Boxes required to fully explain observed drug effects ranged from 1.1 point (95% confidence interval: 0.2-2.0) with aducanumab, to 3.3 points (2.1-4.4) with donanemab and 3.7 points (2.0-5.6) with lecanemab. Infusion-related reactions were common, with potential unblinding effects particularly for lecanemab. Similar patterns were observed for the Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale Cognitive subscale. DISCUSSION Psychological treatment effects due to unblinding may explain a substantial share of observed treatment effects in RCTs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank J. Wolters
- Department of EpidemiologyErasmus MC – University Medical Centre RotterdamRotterdamthe Netherlands
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear MedicineErasmus MC – University Medical Centre RotterdamRotterdamthe Netherlands
| | - Jeremy A. Labrecque
- Department of EpidemiologyErasmus MC – University Medical Centre RotterdamRotterdamthe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Matsingos A, Wilhelm M, Noor L, Yildiz C, Rief W, Hofmann SG, Falkenberg I, Kircher T. Hype or hope? High placebo response in major depression treatment with ketamine and esketamine: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1346697. [PMID: 38525254 PMCID: PMC10957753 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1346697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Ketamine and esketamine offer a novel approach in the pharmacological treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). This meta-analysis aimed to investigate the placebo response in double-blind, randomized controlled studies (RCTs) on patients with MDD receiving ketamine or esketamine. Methods For this systematic review and meta-analysis Medline (PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PsycInfo and Embase databases were systematically searched for citations published up to March 17, 2023. A total number of 5017 abstracts was identified. Quality of the included trials was assessed with the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The meta-analysis was performed using a restricted maximum likelihood model. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42022377591. Results A total number of 14 studies and 1100 participants (593 in the medication group and 507 in the placebo group) meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. We estimated the pooled effect sizes of the overall placebo (d pl = -1.85 [CI 95%: -2.9 to -0.79] and overall treatment (dtr = -2.57; [CI 95% -3.36 to -1.78]) response. The overall placebo response accounts for up to 72% of the overall treatment response. Furthermore, we performed subgroup analysis of 8 studies for the for the 7 days post-intervention timepoint. Seven days post-intervention the placebo response (d pl 7d = -1.98 [CI 95%: -3.26 to -0.69]) accounts for 66% of the treatment response (d tr 7d = - 3.01 [CI 95%, -4.28 to -1.74]). Conclusion Ketamine and esketamine show large antidepressant effects. However, our findings suggest that the placebo response plays a significant role in the antidepressant response and should be used for the benefit of the patients in clinical practice. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42022377591.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandros Matsingos
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Marcel Wilhelm
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Laila Noor
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Cüneyt Yildiz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Winfried Rief
- Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Stefan G. Hofmann
- Translational Clinical Psychology, Department of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Irina Falkenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Tilo Kircher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Jornada MND, Antunes LC, Alves C, Torres ILS, Fregni F, S Sanches PR, P Silva D, Caumo W. Impact of multiple-session home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (M-HB-tDCS) on eating behavior in fibromyalgia: A factorial randomized clinical trial. Brain Stimul 2024; 17:152-162. [PMID: 38336340 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple-session home-based self-applied transcranial direct current stimulation (M-HB-self-applied-tDCS) has previously been found to effectively reduce chronic pain and enhance cognitive function. However, the effectiveness of this method for disordered eating behavior still needs to be studied. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess whether 20 sessions of M-HB-self-applied-tDCS, administered over four weeks to either the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) or primary motor cortex (M1), could improve various aspects of eating behavior, anthropometric measures, and adherence. METHODS We randomly assigned 102 fibromyalgia patients between the ages of 30 and 65 to one of four tDCS groups: L-DLPFC (anodal-(a)-tDCS, n = 34; sham-(s)-tDCS, n = 17) or M1 (a-tDCS, n = 34; s-tDCS, n = 17). Patients self-administered 20-min tDCS sessions daily with 2 mA under remote supervision following in-person training. RESULTS Generalized linear models revealed significant effects of M-HB-self-applied-tDCS compared to s-tDCS on uncontrolled eating (UE) (Wald χ2 = 5.62; df = 1; P = 0.018; effect size, ES = 0.55), and food craving (Wald χ2 = 5.62; df = 1; P = 0.018; ES = 0.57). Regarding fibromyalgia symptoms, we found a differentiated impact of a-tDCS on M1 compared to DLPFC in reducing food cravings. Additionally, M-HB-a-tDCS significantly reduced emotional eating and waist size. In contrast, M1 stimulation was more effective in improving fibromyalgia symptoms. The global adherence rate was high, at 88.94%. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that M-HB-self-applied-tDCS is a suitable approach for reducing uncontrolled and emotional eating, with greater efficacy in L-DLPFC. Furthermore, these results revealed the influence of fibromyalgia symptoms on M-HB-self-applied-tDCS's, with M1 being particularly effective in mitigating food cravings and reducing fibromyalgia symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manoela N da Jornada
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luciana C Antunes
- Health Science Center, Nutrition Department, Clinical Nutrition Division, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Camila Alves
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Iraci L S Torres
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil; Laboratory of Pain Pharmacology and Neuromodulation, Preclinical Investigations, Experimental Research Center, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Physics and Rehabilitation Department, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Danton P Silva
- Laboratory of Biomedical Engineer at HCPA, Porto ALegre, Brazil
| | - Wolnei Caumo
- Post-Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Brazil; Laboratory of Pain and Neuromodulation at Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Laboratory of Neuromodulation and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Physics and Rehabilitation Department, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Pain and Palliative Care Service at HCPA, Brazil; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Norouziasl R, Zeraattalab-Motlagh S, Jayedi A, Shab-Bidar S. Efficacy and safety of n-3 fatty acids supplementation on depression: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Br J Nutr 2024; 131:658-671. [PMID: 37726108 DOI: 10.1017/s0007114523002052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of n-3 fatty acids supplementation on the risk of developing depression, depressive symptoms and remission of depression. We searched PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science from inception to December 2022 to find randomised trials of n-3 fatty acids supplementation in adults. We conducted random-effects meta-analyses to estimate standardised mean differences (SMD) and 95 % CI for continuous outcomes and risk difference and 95 % CI for binary outcomes. A total of sixty-seven trials were included. Each 1 g/d n-3 fatty acids supplementation significantly improved depressive symptoms in adults with and without depression (moderate-certainty evidence), with a larger improvement in patients with existing depression. Dose-response analyses indicated a U-shaped effect in patients with existing depression, with the greatest improvement at 1·5 g/d. The analysis showed that n-3 fatty acid supplementation significantly increased depression remission by 19 more per 100 in patients with depression (low-certainty evidence). Supplementation with n-3 fatty acids did not reduce the risk of developing depression among the general population, but it did improve the severity of depression among patients with existing depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reyhane Norouziasl
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ahmad Jayedi
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Sakineh Shab-Bidar
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Science and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Morriss R, Briley PM, Webster L, Abdelghani M, Barber S, Bates P, Brookes C, Hall B, Ingram L, Kurkar M, Lankappa S, Liddle PF, McAllister-Williams RH, O'Neil-Kerr A, Pszczolkowski S, Suazo Di Paola A, Walters Y, Auer DP. Connectivity-guided intermittent theta burst versus repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for treatment-resistant depression: a randomized controlled trial. Nat Med 2024; 30:403-413. [PMID: 38228914 PMCID: PMC10878976 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02764-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Disruption in reciprocal connectivity between the right anterior insula and the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is associated with depression and may be a target for neuromodulation. In a five-center, parallel, double-blind, randomized controlled trial we personalized resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging neuronavigated connectivity-guided intermittent theta burst stimulation (cgiTBS) at a site based on effective connectivity from the right anterior insula to the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. We tested its efficacy in reducing the primary outcome depression symptoms measured by the GRID Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17-item over 8, 16 and 26 weeks, compared with structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) neuronavigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) delivered at the standard stimulation site (F3) in patients with 'treatment-resistant depression'. Participants were randomly assigned to 20 sessions over 4-6 weeks of either cgiTBS (n = 128) or rTMS (n = 127) with resting-state functional MRI at baseline and 16 weeks. Persistent decreases in depressive symptoms were seen over 26 weeks, with no differences between arms on the primary outcome GRID Hamilton Depression Rating Scale 17-item score (intention-to-treat adjusted mean, -0.31, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.87, 1.24, P = 0.689). Two serious adverse events were possibly related to TMS (mania and psychosis). MRI-neuronavigated cgiTBS and rTMS were equally effective in patients with treatment-resistant depression over 26 weeks (trial registration no. ISRCTN19674644).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Morriss
- Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Paul M Briley
- Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lucy Webster
- Institute of Mental Health, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mohamed Abdelghani
- Clinical Neuromodulation Service, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Shaun Barber
- Leicester Clinical Trials Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Peter Bates
- Institute of Mental Health, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Cassandra Brookes
- Leicester Clinical Trials Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Beth Hall
- Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Luke Ingram
- Leicester Clinical Trials Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Micheal Kurkar
- Pennine Care TMS Service, Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, Oldham, UK
| | - Sudheer Lankappa
- Institute of Mental Health, Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Peter F Liddle
- Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - R Hamish McAllister-Williams
- Northern Centre for Mood Disorders, Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Alexander O'Neil-Kerr
- Centre for Neuromodulation, Northamptonshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Northampton, UK
| | - Stefan Pszczolkowski
- Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | | | - Yvette Walters
- Leicester Clinical Trials Unit, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Dorothee P Auer
- Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Brody DL, Siddiqi SH. An ancient psychedelic for traumatic brain injury. Nat Med 2024; 30:342-343. [PMID: 38287167 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-023-02759-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- David L Brody
- Department of Neurology, Military Traumatic Brain Injury Initiative, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Shan H Siddiqi
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Brigham & Women's Hospital (BWH), BWH Center for Brain/Mind Medicine, BWH Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cortese S, Purper-Ouakil D, Apter A, Arango C, Baeza I, Banaschewski T, Buitelaar J, Castro-Fornieles J, Coghill D, Cohen D, Correll CU, Grünblatt E, Hoekstra PJ, James A, Jeppesen P, Nagy P, Pagsberg AK, Parellada M, Persico AM, Roessner V, Santosh P, Simonoff E, Stevanovic D, Stringaris A, Vitiello B, Walitza S, Weizman A, Wong ICK, Zalsman G, Zuddas A, Carucci S, Butlen-Ducuing F, Tome M, Bea M, Getin C, Hovén N, Konradsson-Geuken A, Lamirell D, Olisa N, Nafria Escalera B, Moreno C. Psychopharmacology in children and adolescents: unmet needs and opportunities. Lancet Psychiatry 2024; 11:143-154. [PMID: 38071998 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(23)00345-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Psychopharmacological treatment is an important component of the multimodal intervention approach to treating mental health conditions in children and adolescents. Currently, there are many unmet needs but also opportunities, alongside possible risks to consider, regarding the pharmacological treatment of mental health conditions in children and adolescents. In this Position Paper, we highlight and address these unmet needs and opportunities, including the perspectives of clinicians and researchers from the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology-Child and Adolescent Network, alongside those of experts by lived experience from national and international associations, via a survey involving 644 participants from 13 countries, and of regulators, through representation from the European Medicines Agency. We present and discuss the evidence base for medications currently used for mental disorders in children and adolescents, medications in the pipeline, opportunities in the development of novel medications, crucial priorities for the conduct of future clinical studies, challenges and opportunities in terms of the regulatory and legislative framework, and innovations in the way research is conducted, reported, and promoted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuele Cortese
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, and Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK; Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK; Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York City, NY, USA; Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK; DiMePRe-J-Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine-Jonic Area, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - Diane Purper-Ouakil
- Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire de Montpellier, Service Médecine Psychologique de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Montpellier, France; INSERM U 1018, CESP, Psychiatrie du développement - Evaluer et traiter les troubles émotionnels et du neurodéveloppement (ETE-ND), Villejuif, France
| | - Alan Apter
- Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petach Tikva, Israel; Ivcher School of Psychology, Reichman University, Herzliya, Israel
| | - Celso Arango
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, ISCIII, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Baeza
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, SGR01319, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Neurosciences Institute, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM-ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jan Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands; Karakter Child and Adolescent Psychiatry University Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Josefina Castro-Fornieles
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychology Department, SGR01319, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Neurosciences Institute, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM-ISCIII, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Coghill
- Departments of Paediatrics and Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Murdoch Children's research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David Cohen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France; CNRS UMR 7222, Institute for Intelligent Systems and Robotics, Sorbonne Université, UPMC, Paris, France
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany; Psychiatry Research, Northwell Health, Zucker Hillside Hospital, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY, USA; Center for Neuroscience, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Edna Grünblatt
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Pieter J Hoekstra
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry & Accare Child Study Center, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Anthony James
- Department of Psychiatry, Oxford University, and Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK; Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
| | - Pia Jeppesen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Mental Health Services, Capital Region of Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Péter Nagy
- Bethesda Children's Hospital, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Anne Katrine Pagsberg
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, Copenhagen University Hospital - Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mara Parellada
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, ISCIII, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio M Persico
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Paramala Santosh
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Centre for Interventional Paediatric Psychopharmacology and Rare Diseases (CIPPRD), London, UK
| | - Emily Simonoff
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), London, UK; Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health, London, UK
| | - Dejan Stevanovic
- Clinic for Neurology and Psychiatry for Children and Youth, Belgrade, Serbia; Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Argyris Stringaris
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK; Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Benedetto Vitiello
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Public Health and Pediatric Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Neuroscience Center Zurich, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Abraham Weizman
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, and Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, and Laboratory of Biological and Molecular Psychiatry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ian C K Wong
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK; Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Aston Pharmacy School, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gil Zalsman
- Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva, and Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, and Laboratory of Biological and Molecular Psychiatry, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Alessandro Zuddas
- Department Biomedical Science, Sect Neuroscience & Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, A. Cao Paediatric Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sara Carucci
- Department Biomedical Science, Sect Neuroscience & Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, A. Cao Paediatric Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Maria Tome
- European Medicines Agency, Human Medicines Division, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Christine Getin
- Hypersupers TDAH France, National Association, Paris, France
| | | | - Asa Konradsson-Geuken
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden; European Federation of Associations of Families of People with Mental Illness (EUFAMI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daphne Lamirell
- Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks- Europe (GAMIAN Europe), Ixelles, Belgium
| | - Nigel Olisa
- Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Networks- Europe (GAMIAN Europe), Ixelles, Belgium
| | - Begonya Nafria Escalera
- Patient Engagement in Research Department, Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain; Innovation Department Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Esplugues de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Carmen Moreno
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, ISCIII, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kandola A, Edwards K, Muller MAE, Dührkoop B, Hein B, Straatman J, Hayes JF. Digitally managing depression: A fully remote randomised attention-placebo controlled trial. Digit Health 2024; 10:20552076241260409. [PMID: 38854919 PMCID: PMC11162123 DOI: 10.1177/20552076241260409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Depression is a common and disabling condition. Digital apps may augment or facilitate care, particularly in under-served populations. We tested the efficacy of juli, a digital self-management app for depression in a fully remote randomised controlled trial. Methods A pragmatic randomised controlled trial that included participants aged > 18 who self-identified as having depression and scored > 5 on the Patient Health Questionnaire-8. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive juli for 8 weeks or a limited attention-placebo control app. Our primary outcome was the difference in Patient Health Questionnaire-8 scores at 8 weeks. Secondary outcomes were remission, minimal clinically important difference, worsening of depression, and health-related quality of life. Analyses were per-protocol (primary), and modified and full intention-to-treat (secondary). The trial was registered at ISRCTN (ISRCTN12329547). Results Between May 2021 and January 2023, we randomised 908 participants. 662 completed the week 2 outcome assessment and were included in the modified intention-to-treat analysis, and 456 completed the week 8 outcome assessments (per-protocol). In the per-protocol analysis, the juli group had a greater reduction in Patient Health Questionnaire-8 score (10.78, standard deviation 6.26) than the control group (11.88, standard deviation 5.73) by week 8 (baseline adjusted β-coefficient -0.94, 95% CI: -1.87 to -0.22, p = 0.045). Achieving remission and a minimal clinically important difference was more likely in the juli group at 8 weeks (adjusted odds ratios 2.22, 95% CI: 1.45-3.39, p < 0.001 and 1.56, 95% CI: 1.08-2.27, p = 0.018, respectively). There were no between-group differences in health-related quality of life or worsening of depression. Modified and full intention-to-treat analyses found similar results, but the primary outcome was non-significant. Conclusion The use of juli for 8 weeks resulted in a small reduction in symptoms of depression compared with an attention-placebo control. The juli app is a digital self-management tool that could increase the accessibility of evidence-based depression treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Kandola
- MRC Unit of Lifelong Health and Aging, University College London - UCL, UK
- juli Health, Hull, MA, USA
| | - Kyra Edwards
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London - UCL, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Joseph F Hayes
- juli Health, Hull, MA, USA
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London - UCL, UK
- Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Asir B, Boscutti A, Fenoy AJ, Quevedo J. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD): Hope and Concern. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1456:161-186. [PMID: 39261429 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-97-4402-2_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
In this chapter, we explore the historical evolution, current applications, and future directions of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). We begin by highlighting the early efforts of neurologists and neurosurgeons who laid the foundations for today's DBS techniques, moving from controversial lobotomies to the precision of stereotactic surgery. We focus on the advent of DBS, emphasizing its emergence as a significant breakthrough for movement disorders and its extension to psychiatric conditions, including TRD. We provide an overview of the neural networks implicated in depression, detailing the rationale for the choice of common DBS targets. We also cover the technical aspects of DBS, from electrode placement to programming and parameter selection. We then critically review the evidence from clinical trials and open-label studies, acknowledging the mixed outcomes and the challenges posed by placebo effects and trial design. Safety and ethical considerations are also discussed. Finally, we explore innovative directions for DBS research, including the potential of closed-loop systems, dual stimulation strategies, and noninvasive alternatives like ultrasound neuromodulation. In the last section, we outline recommendations for future DBS studies, including the use of alternative designs for placebo control, the collection of neural and behavioral recordings, and the application of machine-learning approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bashar Asir
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Andrea Boscutti
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Albert J Fenoy
- Department of Neurosurgery and Psychiatry, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Joao Quevedo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at McGovern Medical School, UTHealth Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Huneke NT, Amin J, Baldwin DS, Chamberlain SR, Correll CU, Garner M, Hill CM, Hou R, Howes OD, Sinclair JM, Solmi M, Cortese S. Placebo effects in mental health disorders: protocol for an umbrella review. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e073946. [PMID: 38035741 PMCID: PMC10689367 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-073946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Given the high prevalence of mental health disorders and their significant socioeconomic burden, there is a need to develop improved treatments, and to evaluate them through placebo-controlled trials. However, the magnitude of the placebo response in randomised controlled trials to test medications may be substantial, affecting their interpretation. Therefore, improved understanding of the patient, trial and mental disorder factors that influence placebo responses would inform clinical trial design to better detect active treatment effects. There is a growing literature exploring the placebo response within specific mental health disorders, but no overarching synthesis of this research has been produced to date. We present a protocol for an umbrella review of systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses in which we aim to understand the effect size and potential predictors of placebo response within, and across, mental health disorders. METHODS AND ANALYSIS We will systematically search databases (Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE+EMBASE Classic, Web of Knowledge) for systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses that report placebo effect size in clinical trials in patients with mental health disorders (initial search date 23 October 2022). Screening of abstracts and full texts will be done in pairs. We will extract data to qualitatively examine how placebo effect size varies across mental health disorders. We also plan to qualitatively summarise predictors of increased placebo response identified either quantitatively (eg, through meta-regression) or qualitatively. Risk of bias will be assessed using the AMSTAR-2 tool. We aim to not only summarise the current literature but also to identify gaps in knowledge and generate further hypotheses. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION We do not believe there are any specific ethical considerations relevant to this study. We will publish the results in a peer-reviewed journal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Tm Huneke
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Jay Amin
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - David S Baldwin
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
- University Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Samuel R Chamberlain
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Psychiatry, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, New York, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York, USA
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York, USA
| | - Matthew Garner
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Catherine M Hill
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Department of Sleep Medicine, Southampton Children's Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Ruihua Hou
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Oliver D Howes
- Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
- H Lundbeck A/s, Iveco House, Watford, UK
- Institute of Clinical Sciences (ICS), Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Julia Ma Sinclair
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
| | - Marco Solmi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) Clinical Epidemiology Program, University of Ottawa, Ottowa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, UK
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Sun C, Xiong Z, Sun C, Liu T, Liu X, Zhang Q, Liu B, Yan S, Liu C. Placebo response in sham-acupuncture-controlled trials for migraine: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2023; 53:101800. [PMID: 37793307 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2023.101800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
AIM To understand the placebo response of acupuncture and its effect on migraine and optimize the design of future acupuncture clinical trials on migraine treatment. METHODS Randomized controlled trials with sham acupuncture as a control in migraine treatment were searched in four English databases from inception to September 1, 2022. The primary outcome was placebo response rate. Secondary outcomes were migraine symptoms, emotional condition, and quality of life. Factors associated with placebo response were also explored. Results were combined using risk difference (RD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) with a random effects model. RESULTS The final analysis included 21 studies involving 1177 patients. The pooled response rate of sham acupuncture was 0.34 (RD, 95% CI 0.23-0.45, I2 89.8%). The results (SMD [95% CI]) showed significant improvements in migraine symptoms (pain intensity -0.56 [-0.73 to -0.38], and episode conditions -0.55 [-0.75 to -0.35]); emotional condition (anxiety scale -0.49 [-0.90 to -0.08] and depression scale -0.21 [-0.40 to -0.03]); and quality of life on the Migraine-Specific Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (restrictive 0.78 [0.61-0.95]; preventive 0.52 [0.35-0.68]; and emotional 0.45 [0.28-0.62]) and on the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form (physical 0.48 [0.34-0.62] and mental 0.21 [0.02-0.41]). Only acupuncture treatment frequency had a significant impact on the placebo response rate (RD 0.49 vs. 0.14; p = 0.00). CONCLUSIONS The effect sizes for placebo response of sham acupuncture varied across migraine treatment trials. Further studies should routinely consider adjusting for a more complete set of treatment factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengyi Sun
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyi Xiong
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chongyang Sun
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tinglan Liu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Qinhong Zhang
- Department of Tuina, Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Shenzhen Jiuwei Chinese Medicine Clinic, Shenzhen, China
| | - Baoyan Liu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyan Yan
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China; International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Cunzhi Liu
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Xiong ZY, Liu XY, Ma PH, Sun CY, Sun CY, Liu TL, Liu BY, Liu CZ, Yan SY. Placebo Response among Different Types of Sham Acupuncture for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Chin J Integr Med 2023; 29:941-950. [PMID: 37580465 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3608-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent and debilitating condition that poses a significant burden on healthcare systems. Acupuncture has been proposed as a promising intervention for LBP, but the evidence supporting its specific effect is insufficient, and the use of sham acupuncture as a control in clinical trials presents challenges due to variations in sham acupuncture techniques and the magnitude of the placebo effect. OBJECTIVE To investigate the magnitude of the placebo response of sham acupuncture in trials of acupuncture for nonspecific LBP, and to assess whether different types of sham acupuncture are associated with different responses. METHODS Four databases including PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library were searched through April 15, 2023, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included if they randomized patients with LBP to receive acupuncture or sham acupuncture intervention. The main outcomes included the placebo response in pain intensity, back-specific function and quality of life. Placebo response was defined as the change in these outcome measures from baseline to the end of treatment. Random-effects models were used to synthesize the results, standardized mean differences (SMDs, Hedges'g) were applied to estimate the effect size. RESULTS A total of 18 RCTs with 3,321 patients were included. Sham acupuncture showed a noteworthy pooled placebo response in pain intensity in patients with LBP [SMD -1.43, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.95 to -0.91, I2=89%]. A significant placebo response was also shown in back-specific functional status (SMD -0.49, 95% CI -0.70 to -0.29, I2=73%), but not in quality of life (SMD 0.34, 95% CI -0.20 to 0.88, I2=84%). Trials in which the sham acupuncture penetrated the skin or performed with regular needles had a significantly higher placebo response in pain intensity reduction, but other factors such as the location of sham acupuncture did not have a significant impact on the placebo response. CONCLUSIONS Sham acupuncture is associated with a large placebo response in pain intensity among patients with LBP. Researchers should also be aware that the types of sham acupuncture applied may potentially impact the evaluation of the efficacy of acupuncture. Nonetheless, considering the nature of placebo response, the effect of other contextual factors cannot be ruled out in this study. (PROSPERO registration No. CRD42022304416).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Yi Xiong
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Pei-Hong Ma
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Chong-Yang Sun
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Cheng-Yi Sun
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Ting-Lan Liu
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Bao-Yan Liu
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100007, China
| | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Shi-Yan Yan
- International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, China.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Jones CMP, Lin CWC, Blease C, Lawson J, Abdel Shaheed C, Maher CG. Time to reflect on open-label placebos and their value for clinical practice. Pain 2023; 164:2139-2142. [PMID: 37713359 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin M P Jones
- Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- The Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chung-Wei Christine Lin
- Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- The Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Charlotte Blease
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University Sweden
- Digital Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States
| | - Jen Lawson
- Patient Advocate, Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States
| | - Christina Abdel Shaheed
- Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- The Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
- The University of Sydney, School of Public Health, Sydney, Australia
| | - Christopher G Maher
- Sydney Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- The Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Kosanovic Rajacic B, Sagud M, Begic D, Nikolac Perkovic M, Dvojkovic A, Ganoci L, Pivac N. Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in First-Episode and Recurrent Major Depression and before and after Bright Light Therapy in Treatment-Resistant Depression. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1425. [PMID: 37759825 PMCID: PMC10526351 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is implicated in the etiology and treatment response in major depressive disorder (MDD). However, peripheral BDNF concentrations have not been compared across different MDD stages. Bright light therapy (BLT) offers some potential in treatment-resistant depression (TRD), but its effects on BDNF levels are unknown. This study included a cross-sectional analysis of plasma BDNF concentration in females with TRD, unmedicated MDD patients, and healthy controls (HC), and measurements of longitudinal BLT effects on plasma BDNF levels in TRD patients. The present study included 55 drug-naïve, first-episode patients, 25 drug-free recurrent-episode MDD patients, 71 HC participants, and 54 TRD patients. Patients were rated by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD)-17 and the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Patients with TRD received BLT during 4 weeks. The total HAMD-17 and MADRS scores decreased following BLT. All patient groups had lower plasma BDNF than HC, but BDNF levels did not differ between first- and recurrent-episode BDNF patients and TRD patients before or after BLT. However, responders and remitters to BLT had higher post-treatment plasma BDNF concentrations than patients who did not achieve response or remission. The changes in plasma BDNF levels may be candidates for biomarkers of treatment response to BLT in TRD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biljana Kosanovic Rajacic
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (B.K.R.); (M.S.); (D.B.)
| | - Marina Sagud
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (B.K.R.); (M.S.); (D.B.)
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Drazen Begic
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (B.K.R.); (M.S.); (D.B.)
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matea Nikolac Perkovic
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Anja Dvojkovic
- University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, 10090 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Lana Ganoci
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Division for Pharmacogenomics and Therapy Individualization, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Nela Pivac
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- University of Applied Sciences Hrvatsko Zagorje Krapina, 49000 Krapina, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Raison CL, Sanacora G, Woolley J, Heinzerling K, Dunlop BW, Brown RT, Kakar R, Hassman M, Trivedi RP, Robison R, Gukasyan N, Nayak SM, Hu X, O’Donnell KC, Kelmendi B, Sloshower J, Penn AD, Bradley E, Kelly DF, Mletzko T, Nicholas CR, Hutson PR, Tarpley G, Utzinger M, Lenoch K, Warchol K, Gapasin T, Davis MC, Nelson-Douthit C, Wilson S, Brown C, Linton W, Ross S, Griffiths RR. Single-Dose Psilocybin Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA 2023; 330:843-853. [PMID: 37651119 PMCID: PMC10472268 DOI: 10.1001/jama.2023.14530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 91.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Importance Psilocybin shows promise as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD). Objective To evaluate the magnitude, timing, and durability of antidepressant effects and safety of a single dose of psilocybin in patients with MDD. Design, Setting, and Participants In this phase 2 trial conducted between December 2019 and June 2022 at 11 research sites in the US, participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive a single dose of psilocybin vs niacin placebo administered with psychological support. Participants were adults aged 21 to 65 years with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition diagnosis of MDD of at least 60 days' duration and moderate or greater symptom severity. Exclusion criteria included history of psychosis or mania, active substance use disorder, and active suicidal ideation with intent. Participants taking psychotropic agents who otherwise met inclusion/exclusion criteria were eligible following medication taper. Primary and secondary outcomes and adverse events (AEs) were assessed at baseline (conducted within 7 days before dosing) and at 2, 8, 15, 29, and 43 days after dosing. Interventions Interventions were a 25-mg dose of synthetic psilocybin or a 100-mg dose of niacin in identical-appearing capsules, each administered with psychological support. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was change in central rater-assessed Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score (range, 0-60; higher scores indicate more severe depression) from baseline to day 43. The key secondary outcome measure was change in MADRS score from baseline to day 8. Other secondary outcomes were change in Sheehan Disability Scale score from baseline to day 43 and MADRS-defined sustained response and remission. Participants, study site personnel, study sponsor, outcome assessors (raters), and statisticians were blinded to treatment assignment. Results A total of 104 participants (mean [SD] age, 41.1 [11.3] years; 52 [50%] women) were randomized (51 to the psilocybin group and 53 to the niacin group). Psilocybin treatment was associated with significantly reduced MADRS scores compared with niacin from baseline to day 43 (mean difference,-12.3 [95% CI, -17.5 to -7.2]; P <.001) and from baseline to day 8 (mean difference, -12.0 [95% CI, -16.6 to -7.4]; P < .001). Psilocybin treatment was also associated with significantly reduced Sheehan Disability Scale scores compared with niacin (mean difference, -2.31 [95% CI, 3.50-1.11]; P < .001) from baseline to day 43. More participants receiving psilocybin had sustained response (but not remission) than those receiving niacin. There were no serious treatment-emergent AEs; however, psilocybin treatment was associated with a higher rate of overall AEs and a higher rate of severe AEs. Conclusions and Relevance Psilocybin treatment was associated with a clinically significant sustained reduction in depressive symptoms and functional disability, without serious adverse events. These findings add to increasing evidence that psilocybin-when administered with psychological support-may hold promise as a novel intervention for MDD. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03866174.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gerard Sanacora
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Joshua Woolley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Boadie W. Dunlop
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Randall T. Brown
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Madison
| | - Rishi Kakar
- Center for Psychedelic Research, Segal Trials, Lauderhill, Florida
| | | | | | - Reid Robison
- Numinus Wellness, Draper, Utah
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Natalie Gukasyan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sandeep M. Nayak
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Xiaojue Hu
- NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Kelley C. O’Donnell
- NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Benjamin Kelmendi
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jordan Sloshower
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Andrew D. Penn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco
- School of Nursing, University of California San Francisco
| | - Ellen Bradley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California San Francisco
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, California
| | | | - Tanja Mletzko
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Christopher R. Nicholas
- Department of Family Medicine & Community Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, Madison
| | - Paul R. Hutson
- Pharmacy Practice & Translational Research Division, School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stephen Ross
- NYU Langone Center for Psychedelic Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Roland R. Griffiths
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Li CT, Cheng CM, Lin HC, Yeh SHH, Jeng JS, Wu HT, Bai YM, Tsai SJ, Su TP, Fitzgerald PB. The longer, the better ? Longer left-sided prolonged intermittent theta burst stimulation in patients with major depressive disorder: A randomized sham-controlled study. Asian J Psychiatr 2023; 87:103686. [PMID: 37406605 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103686] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prolonged intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) is effective for major depressive disorder (MDD). However, whether longer piTBS treatment in a single session could have antidepressant efficacy remains elusive. Therefore, this double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled study aimed to investigate the antidepressant efficacy of 2 daily piTBS sessions for treating MDD patients with a history of poor responses to at least 1 adequate antidepressant trial in the current episode. METHODS All patients received 2 uninterrupted sessions per day for 10 weekdays (i.e., 2 weeks; a total of 20 sessions). Seventy-two patients were recruited and 1:1:1 randomly assigned to one of three groups: piTBS (piTBSx2), 10-Hz rTMS (rTMSx2), or sham treatment (shamx2, randomly assigned to piTBS or rTMS). 10-Hz rTMS group was included as an active comparison group to enhance assay sensitivity. RESULTS piTBSx2 group had significantly more responders at week 2 than shamx2 group, but it did not yield better antidepressant effects regarding the %depression changes. The changes of antidepressant scores were not different among the three groups at week 1 (-26.2% vs. -23.3% vs. -22.%) or at week 2 (-34.1% vs. -37.1% vs. -30.1%). Longer treatment duration did not result in stronger placebo effects [sham(piTBS)x2: - 31.7% vs. sham(rTMS)x2: - 26.7%]. CONCLUSION The present sham-controlled study confirmed that piTBS is an effective antidepressant option, but found no evidence to support that longer piTBS treatment duration resulted in more rapid or better antidepressant effects. A high placebo effect was observed, but longer treatment duration of brain stimulation was not linearly associated with stronger placebo effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Ta Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Brain Science and Brain Research Center, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, National Central University, Jhongli, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Ming Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Brain Science and Brain Research Center, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ching Lin
- Department and Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Skye Hsin-Hsieh Yeh
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain Research Center, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Shyun Jeng
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ting Wu
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain Research Center, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Mei Bai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Brain Science and Brain Research Center, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Brain Science and Brain Research Center, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Ping Su
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Division of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Brain Science and Brain Research Center, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming Chiao-Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Paul B Fitzgerald
- School of Medicine, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Medicine and Psychology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Sun CY, Xiong ZY, Sun CY, Ma PH, Liu XY, Sun CY, Xin ZY, Liu BY, Liu CZ, Yan SY. Placebo response of sham acupuncture in patients with primary dysmenorrhea: A meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 2023; 21:455-463. [PMID: 37620224 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The placebo response of sham acupuncture in patients with primary dysmenorrhea is a substantial factor associated with analgesia. However, the magnitude of the placebo response is unclear. OBJECTIVE This meta-analysis assessed the effects of sham acupuncture in patients with primary dysmenorrhea and the factors contributing to these effects. SEARCH STRATEGY PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched from inception up to August 20, 2022. INCLUSION CRITERIA Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using sham acupuncture as a control for female patients of reproductive age with primary dysmenorrhea were included. DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS Pain intensity, retrospective symptom scale, and health-related quality of life were outcome measures used in these trials. Placebo response was defined as the change in the outcome of interest from baseline to endpoint. We used standardized mean difference (SMD) to estimate the effect size of the placebo response. RESULTS Thirteen RCTs were included. The pooled placebo response size for pain intensity was the largest (SMD = -0.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.31 to -0.68), followed by the retrospective symptom scale (Total frequency rating score: SMD = -0.20; 95% CI, -0.80 to -0.39. Average severity score: SMD = -0.35; 95% CI, -0.90 to -0.20) and physical component of SF-36 (SMD = 0.27; 95% CI, -0.17 to 0.72). Studies using blunt-tip needles, single-center trials, studies with a low risk of bias, studies in which patients had a longer disease course, studies in which clinicians had < 5 years of experience, and trials conducted outside Asia were more likely to have a lower placebo response. CONCLUSION Strong placebo response and some relative factors were found in patients with primary dysmenorrhea. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022304215. Please cite this article as: Sun CY, Xiong ZY, Sun CY, Ma PH, Liu XY, Sun CY, Xin ZY, Liu BY, Liu CZ, Yan SY. Placebo response of sham acupuncture in patients with primary dysmenorrhea: A meta-analysis. J Integr Med. 2023; 21(5): 455-463.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chong-Yang Sun
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Zhi-Yi Xiong
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Cheng-Yi Sun
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Pei-Hong Ma
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Liu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Chi-Yun Sun
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ze-Yin Xin
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Bao-Yan Liu
- Data Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Cun-Zhi Liu
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China; International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Shi-Yan Yan
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China; International Acupuncture and Moxibustion Innovation Institute, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Steiner KM, Timmann D, Bingel U, Kunkel A, Spisak T, Schedlowski M, Benson S, Engler H, Scherbaum N, Koelkebeck K. Study protocol: effects of treatment expectation toward repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in major depressive disorder-a randomized controlled clinical trial. Trials 2023; 24:553. [PMID: 37620946 PMCID: PMC10464308 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-023-07579-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients' expectations toward any given treatment are highly important for the effectiveness of such treatment, as has been demonstrated for several disorders. In particular, in major depressive disorder (MDD), one of the most frequent and most serious mental disorders with severe consequences for the affected, the augmentation of available treatment options could mean a ground-breaking success. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a new, non-invasive, and well-tolerated intervention with proven effects in the treatment of MDD, appears particularly suitable in this context as it is assumed to exert its effect via structures implicated in networks relevant for both expectation and depression. METHODS All patients will receive rTMS according to its approval. Half of the patients will be randomized to a psychological intervention, which is a comprehensive medical consultation aiming to improve positive treatment expectations; the control group will receive a conventional informed consent discussion (in the sense of a treatment-as-usual condition). As outcome parameters, instruments for both self-assessment and external assessment of depression symptoms will be applied. Furthermore, psycho-immunological parameters such as inflammation markers and the cortisol awakening response in saliva will be investigated. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs fMRI) will be performed to analyze functional connectivity, including the cerebellum, and to identify neuronal predictors of expectation effects. In addition, possible cerebellar involvement will be assessed based on a cerebellar-dependent motor learning paradigm (i.e., eyeblink conditioning). DISCUSSION In this study, the effects of treatment expectations towards rTMS are investigated in patients with MDD. The aim of this study is to identify the mechanisms underlying the expectation effects and, beyond that, to expand the potential of non-invasive and well-tolerated treatments of MDD. TRIAL REGISTRATION German Registry of Clinical Studies (DRKS DRKS00028017. Registered on 2022/03/07. URL: https://www.drks.de/drks_web/ .
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina M Steiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, LVR-University-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr, 174, 45147, Essen, Germany.
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany.
- Center for Translational Neuro- & Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Dagmar Timmann
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- & Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Bingel
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- & Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Angelika Kunkel
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- & Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Tamas Spisak
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- & Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Manfred Schedlowski
- Center for Translational Neuro- & Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Sven Benson
- Center for Translational Neuro- & Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute for Medical Education, Essen University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Harald Engler
- Center for Translational Neuro- & Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Norbert Scherbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, LVR-University-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr, 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- & Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Katja Koelkebeck
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, LVR-University-Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Virchowstr, 174, 45147, Essen, Germany
- Center for Translational Neuro- & Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS), University Duisburg Essen, Essen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Montecchi-Palmer M, Wu M, Rolando M, Lau C, Perez Quinones VL, Dana R. Possible Strategies to Mitigate Placebo or Vehicle Response in Dry Eye Disease Trials: A Narrative Review. Ophthalmol Ther 2023; 12:1827-1849. [PMID: 37208548 PMCID: PMC10287883 DOI: 10.1007/s40123-023-00720-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Many candidate drugs for dry eye disease (DED) have been assessed over the years in pursuit of demonstrating efficacy in both signs and symptoms. However, patients with DED have very limited treatment options for management of both signs and symptoms of DED. There are several potential reasons behind this including the placebo or vehicle response, which is a frequent issue observed in DED trials. A high magnitude of vehicle response interferes with the estimation of a drug's treatment effect and may lead to failure of a clinical trial. To address these concerns, Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society International Dry Eye Workshop II taskforce has recommended a few study design strategies to minimize vehicle response observed in DED trials. This review briefly describes the factors that lead to placebo/vehicle response in DED trials and focuses on the aspects of clinical trial design that can be improved to mitigate vehicle response. In addition, it presents the observations from a recent ECF843 phase 2b study, wherein the study design approach consisted of a vehicle run-in phase, withdrawal phase, and masked treatment transition, and led to consistent data for DED signs and symptoms and reduced vehicle response post randomization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Min Wu
- Ocular Surface Disease, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, USA
| | | | - Charis Lau
- Ocular Surface Disease, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, USA
| | - Victor L Perez Quinones
- Foster Center for Ocular Immunology, Duke Eye Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Reza Dana
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kosanovic Rajacic B, Sagud M, Pivac N, Begic D. Illuminating the way: the role of bright light therapy in the treatment of depression. Expert Rev Neurother 2023; 23:1157-1171. [PMID: 37882458 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2023.2273396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite the growing number of different therapeutic options, treatment of depression is still a challenge. A broader perspective reveals the benefits of bright light therapy (BLT). It stimulates intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, which induces a complex cascade of events, including alterations in melatonergic, neurotrophic, GABAergic, glutamatergic, noradrenergic, serotonergic systems, and HPA axis, suggesting that BLT effects expand beyond the circadian pacemaker. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors present and discuss recent data of BLT in major depressive disorder, non-seasonal depression, bipolar depression or depressive phase of bipolar disorder, and seasonal affective disorder, as well as in treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The authors further highlight BLT effects in various depressive disorders compared to placebo and report data from several studies suggesting a response to BLT in TRD. Also, the authors report data showing that BLT can be used both as a monotherapy or in combination with other pharmacological treatments. EXPERT OPINION BLT is an easy-to-use and low-budget therapy with good tolerability. Future studies should focus on clinical and biological predictors of response to BLT, on defining specific populations which may benefit from BLT and establishing treatment protocols regarding timing, frequency, and duration of BLT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biljana Kosanovic Rajacic
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Sagud
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nela Pivac
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruder Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Applied Sciences Hrvatsko Zagorje Krapina, Croatian Zagorje Polytechnic Krapina, Krapina, Croatia
| | - Drazen Begic
- Department for Psychiatry and Psychological Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Cutler AJ, Mattingly GW, Maletic V. Understanding the mechanism of action and clinical effects of neuroactive steroids and GABAergic compounds in major depressive disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:228. [PMID: 37365161 PMCID: PMC10293235 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02514-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) is thought to result from impaired connectivity between key brain networks. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the key inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, working primarily via GABAA receptors, with an important role in virtually all physiologic functions in the brain. Some neuroactive steroids (NASs) are positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAA receptors and potentiate phasic and tonic inhibitory responses via activation of synaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors, respectively. This review first discusses preclinical and clinical data that support the association of depression with diverse defects in the GABAergic system of neurotransmission. Decreased levels of GABA and NASs have been observed in adults with depression compared with healthy controls, while treatment with antidepressants normalized the altered levels of GABA and NASs. Second, as there has been intense interest in treatment approaches for depression that target dysregulated GABAergic neurotransmission, we discuss NASs approved or currently in clinical development for the treatment of depression. Brexanolone, an intravenous NAS and a GABAA receptor PAM, is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of postpartum depression (PPD) in patients 15 years and older. Other NASs include zuranolone, an investigational oral GABAA receptor PAM, and PH10, which acts on nasal chemosensory receptors; clinical data to date have shown improvement in depressive symptoms with these investigational NASs in adults with MDD or PPD. Finally, the review discusses how NAS GABAA receptor PAMs may potentially address the unmet need for novel and effective treatments with rapid and sustained antidepressant effects in patients with MDD.
Collapse
|
35
|
Gotlib J, Castells M, Elberink HO, Siebenhaar F, Hartmann K, Broesby-Olsen S, George TI, Panse J, Alvarez-Twose I, Radia DH, Tashi T, Bulai Livideanu C, Sabato V, Heaney M, Van Daele P, Cerquozzi S, Dybedal I, Reiter A, Pongdee T, Barete S, Ustun C, Schwartz L, Ward BR, Schafhausen P, Vadas P, Bose P, DeAngelo DJ, Rein L, Vachhani P, Triggiani M, Bonadonna P, Rafferty M, Butt NM, Oh ST, Wortmann F, Ungerstedt J, Guilarte M, Taparia M, Kuykendall AT, Arana Yi C, Ogbogu P, Gaudy-Marqueste C, Mattsson M, Shomali W, Giannetti MP, Bidollari I, Lin HM, Sulllivan E, Mar B, Scherber R, Roche M, Akin C, Maurer M. Avapritinib versus Placebo in Indolent Systemic Mastocytosis. NEJM EVIDENCE 2023; 2:EVIDoa2200339. [PMID: 38320129 DOI: 10.1056/evidoa2200339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) is a clonal mast-cell disease driven by the KIT D816V mutation. We assessed the efficacy and safety of avapritinib versus placebo, both with best supportive care, in patients with ISM. METHODS: We randomized patients with moderate to severe ISM (total symptom score [TSS] of ≥28; scores range from 0 to 110, with higher numbers indicating more severe symptoms) two to one to avapritinib 25 mg once daily (n=141) or placebo (n=71). The primary end point was mean change in TSS based on the 14-day average of patient-reported severity of 11 symptoms. Secondary end points included reductions in serum tryptase and blood KIT D816V variant allele fraction (≥50%), reductions in TSS (≥50% and ≥30%), reduction in bone marrow mast cells (≥50%), and quality of life measures. RESULTS: From baseline to week 24, avapritinib-treated patients had a decrease of 15.6 points (95% CI, −18.6 to −12.6) in TSS compared to a decrease of 9.2 points (−13.1 to −5.2) in the placebo group; P<0.003. From baseline to Week 24, 76/141 patients (54%; 45% to 62%) in the avapritinib group compared to 0/71 patients in the placebo group achieved a ≥50% reduction in serum tryptase level; P<0.001. Edema and increases in alkaline phosphatase were more common with avapritinib than placebo; there were few treatment discontinuations because of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: In this trial, avapritinib was superior to placebo in reducing uncontrolled symptoms and mast-cell burden in patients with ISM. The long-term safety and efficacy of this approach for patients with ISM remain the focus of the ongoing trial. (Funded by Blueprint Medicines Corporation; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03731260.)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason Gotlib
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Mariana Castells
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Hanneke Oude Elberink
- Department of Allergology, University Medical Center, Groningen Research Institute Asthma and COPD, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Frank Siebenhaar
- Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin
| | - Karin Hartmann
- Division of Allergy, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Department of Biomedicine, University Hospital Basel and University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Sigurd Broesby-Olsen
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy Centre, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Tracy I George
- Associated Regional and University Pathologists, Inc. Laboratories, Department of Pathology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City
| | - Jens Panse
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, Hemostaseology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Aachen, Medical Faculty, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Center for Integrated Oncology, Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf (ABCD), Aachen, Germany
| | - Iván Alvarez-Twose
- Institute of Mastocytosis Studies of Castilla-La Mancha, Virgen del Valle Hospital, Toledo, Spain
| | - Deepti H Radia
- Guy's & St. Thomas' National Health Service Foundation Trust, London
| | - Tsewang Tashi
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Cristina Bulai Livideanu
- Department of Dermatology, Centre of Reference for Mastocytosis, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Vito Sabato
- Department of Immunology, Allergology and Rheumatology, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mark Heaney
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York
| | - Paul Van Daele
- Department of Internal Medicine and Immunology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sonia Cerquozzi
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ingunn Dybedal
- Department of Hematology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo
| | - Andreas Reiter
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Thanai Pongdee
- Division of Allergic Diseases, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Stéphane Barete
- Unit of Dermatology, Centre of Reference for Mastocytosis, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne Université, Paris
| | - Celalettin Ustun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Cell Therapy, Section of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Rush Medical College, Chicago
| | | | | | - Philippe Schafhausen
- Department of Oncology, Hematology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section of Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peter Vadas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto
| | - Prithviraj Bose
- Department of Leukemia, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston
| | | | - Lindsay Rein
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Pankit Vachhani
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Massimo Triggiani
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Salerno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Patrizia Bonadonna
- Allergy Unit and Asthma Center, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata di Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Mark Rafferty
- The Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Nauman M Butt
- The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, Bebington, Wirral, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen T Oh
- Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis
| | - Friederike Wortmann
- Oberärztin Hämatologie/Onkologie bei Uksh Campus Lübeck, Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany
| | - Johanna Ungerstedt
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge (H7), Karolinska University Hospitale, Stockholm
| | - Mar Guilarte
- Hospital UniversitariVall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca Vall d'Hebron (VHIR), Barcelona
| | | | | | - Cecilia Arana Yi
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ
| | - Princess Ogbogu
- Division of Pediatric Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland
| | - Caroline Gaudy-Marqueste
- Service de Dermatologie et de cancérologie cutanée, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Marseille, Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Mattias Mattsson
- Department of Hematology, Uppsala University Hospital and Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - William Shomali
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Matthew P Giannetti
- Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston
| | | | - Hui-Min Lin
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Brenton Mar
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, MA
| | | | - Maria Roche
- Blueprint Medicines Corporation, Cambridge, MA
| | - Cem Akin
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Marcus Maurer
- Institute of Allergology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology, Allergology and Immunology, Berlin
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ekman CJ, Popiolek K, Bodén R, Nordenskjöld A, Lundberg J. Outcome of transcranial magnetic intermittent theta-burst stimulation in the treatment of depression - A Swedish register-based study. J Affect Disord 2023; 329:50-54. [PMID: 36841303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an established treatment of depression. The more recently introduced intermittent Theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) has shown significant superiority over sham-stimulation and equal effect sizes to a 10 Hz protocol in one clinical trial. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness and tolerability of iTBS in a naturalistic, clinical setting. Further, we explored demographical and clinical predictors of response. METHODS Data was collected from seventeen rTMS-sites in Sweden between January 2018 and May 2021, through the Swedish National Quality register for repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (Q-rTMS). We included 542 iTBS-treated patients with unipolar or bipolar depression. Outcome was assessed with Clinical Global Impression Severity and Improvement scores in an intention to treat analysis. RESULTS The response rate was 42.1 % and 16.1 % reached remission. The response rate was significantly larger in the oldest age group compared to the youngest (odds ratio 3.46, 95 % confidence interval 1.65-7.22). Less severe level of depression (Montgomery-Åsberg depression rating scale self-assessment < 36) at baseline predicted response and remission. Only <1 % were much or very much worse after treatment. Drop-out rate was 10.9 %. No serious adverse events were reported. LIMITATIONS Retrospective analysis of register data. No comparison group. CONCLUSIONS In a clinical setting, iTBS was shown to be safe and tolerable and the response rate was similar to that reported from clinical trials. Older age-group and less severe illness predicted response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carl Johan Ekman
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Katarzyna Popiolek
- University Health Care Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Robert Bodén
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Axel Nordenskjöld
- University Health Care Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Johan Lundberg
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Gogulski J, Ross JM, Talbot A, Cline CC, Donati FL, Munot S, Kim N, Gibbs C, Bastin N, Yang J, Minasi C, Sarkar M, Truong J, Keller CJ. Personalized Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Depression. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2023; 8:351-360. [PMID: 36792455 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Personalized treatments are gaining momentum across all fields of medicine. Precision medicine can be applied to neuromodulatory techniques, in which focused brain stimulation treatments such as repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) modulate brain circuits and alleviate clinical symptoms. rTMS is well tolerated and clinically effective for treatment-resistant depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Despite its wide stimulation parameter space (location, angle, pattern, frequency, and intensity can be adjusted), rTMS is currently applied in a one-size-fits-all manner, potentially contributing to its suboptimal clinical response (∼50%). In this review, we examine components of rTMS that can be optimized to account for interindividual variability in neural function and anatomy. We discuss current treatment options for treatment-resistant depression, the neural mechanisms thought to underlie treatment, targeting strategies, stimulation parameter selection, and adaptive closed-loop treatment. We conclude that a better understanding of the wide and modifiable parameter space of rTMS will greatly improve the clinical outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juha Gogulski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; HUS Diagnostic Center, Clinical Neurophysiology, Clinical Neurosciences, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jessica M Ross
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, and the Sierra Pacific Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Palo Alto, California
| | - Austin Talbot
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, and the Sierra Pacific Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Palo Alto, California
| | - Christopher C Cline
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, and the Sierra Pacific Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Palo Alto, California
| | - Francesco L Donati
- Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo Hospital, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Saachi Munot
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, and the Sierra Pacific Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Palo Alto, California
| | - Naryeong Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, and the Sierra Pacific Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Palo Alto, California
| | - Ciara Gibbs
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nikita Bastin
- Department of Radiology and Orthopedics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jessica Yang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, and the Sierra Pacific Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Palo Alto, California
| | - Christopher Minasi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, and the Sierra Pacific Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Palo Alto, California
| | - Manjima Sarkar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, and the Sierra Pacific Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Palo Alto, California
| | - Jade Truong
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, and the Sierra Pacific Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Palo Alto, California
| | - Corey J Keller
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California; Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System, and the Sierra Pacific Mental Illness, Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Palo Alto, California.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Peciña M, Chen J, Karp JF, Dombrovski AY. Dynamic Feedback Between Antidepressant Placebo Expectancies and Mood. JAMA Psychiatry 2023; 80:389-398. [PMID: 36857039 PMCID: PMC9979016 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.0010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Importance Despite high antidepressant placebo response rates, the mechanisms underlying the persistence of antidepressant placebo effects are still poorly understood. Objective To investigate the neurobehavioral mechanisms underlying the evolution of antidepressant placebo effects using a reinforcement learning (RL) framework. Design, Setting, and Participants In this acute within-patient cross-sectional study of antidepressant placebos, patients aged 18 to 55 years not receiving medication for major depressive disorder (MDD) were recruited at the University of Pittsburgh between February 21, 2017, to March 1, 2021. Interventions The antidepressant placebo functional magnetic resonance imaging task manipulates placebo-associated expectancies using visually cued fast-acting antidepressant infusions and controls their reinforcement with sham visual neurofeedback while assessing expected and experienced mood improvement. Main Outcomes and Measures The trial-by-trial evolution of expectancies and mood was examined using multilevel modeling and RL, relating model-predicted signals to spatiotemporal dynamics of blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) response. Results A bayesian RL model comparison in 60 individuals (mean [SE] age, 24.5 [0.8] years; 51 females [85%]) with MDD revealed that antidepressant placebo trial-wise expectancies were updated by composite learning signals multiplexing sensory evidence (neurofeedback) and trial-wise mood (bayesian omnibus risk <0.001; exceedance probability = 97%). Placebo expectancy, neurofeedback manipulations, and composite learning signals modulated the visual cortex and dorsal attention network (threshold-free cluster enhancement [TFCE] = 1 - P >.95). As participants anticipated antidepressant infusions, learned placebo expectancies modulated the salience network (SN, TFCE = 1 - P >.95), positively scaling with depression severity. Conclusions and Relevance Results of this cross-sectional study suggest that on a timescale of minutes, antidepressant placebo effects were maintained by positive feedback loops between expectancies and mood improvement. During learning, representations of placebos and their perceived effects were enhanced in primary and secondary sensory cortices. Latent learned placebo expectancies were encoded in the SN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Peciña
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jiazhou Chen
- Section on Development and Affective Neuroscience, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Leal GC, Souza-Marques B, Mello RP, Bandeira ID, Caliman-Fontes AT, Carneiro BA, Faria-Guimarães D, Guerreiro-Costa LNF, Jesus-Nunes AP, Silva SS, Lins-Silva DH, Fontes MA, Alves-Pereira R, Cordeiro V, Rugieri-Pacheco S, Santos-Lima C, Correia-Melo FS, Vieira F, Sanacora G, Lacerda ALT, Quarantini LC. Arketamine as adjunctive therapy for treatment-resistant depression: A placebo-controlled pilot study. J Affect Disord 2023; 330:7-15. [PMID: 36871913 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racemic ketamine is a mixture of (R)-ketamine (arketamine) and (S)-ketamine (esketamine), with the latter regarded as the main isomer for antidepressant effects. However, preclinical data and one open-label human trial suggest arketamine might exert a more potent and longer-lasting antidepressant effect with fewer side effects. We aimed to explore the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial of arketamine for treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and to assess its efficacy and safety compared to placebo. METHODS This is a, randomized, double-blind, crossover, pilot trial (n = 10). All participants received saline and arketamine (0.5 mg/kg) with a one-week interval. Treatment effects were analyzed with a linear mixed effects (LME) model. RESULTS Our analysis suggested the presence of a carryover effect, so the main efficacy analysis was limited to the first week, which demonstrated a main effect of time (p = 0.038) but not for treatment (p = 0.40) or their interaction (p = 0.95). This indicates that depression improved over time, but without significant difference between arketamine and placebo. Analyzing the two weeks together, findings were the same. Dissociation and other adverse events were minimal. LIMITATIONS This was a pilot study with a small sample and underpowered. CONCLUSIONS Arketamine was not superior to placebo for TRD but demonstrated to be extremely safe. Our findings reinforce the importance of continuing studies with this drug, with better powered clinical trials, perhaps considering a parallel design with higher or flexible doses and repeated administrations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo C Leal
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Breno Souza-Marques
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo P Mello
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Igor D Bandeira
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, USA
| | - Ana Teresa Caliman-Fontes
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Beatriz A Carneiro
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Daniela Faria-Guimarães
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Lívia N F Guerreiro-Costa
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Jesus-Nunes
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Samantha S Silva
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Daniel H Lins-Silva
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Mariana A Fontes
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Raíza Alves-Pereira
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Vivian Cordeiro
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Sidelcina Rugieri-Pacheco
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Cássio Santos-Lima
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Fernanda S Correia-Melo
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Flavia Vieira
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Gerard Sanacora
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Acioly L T Lacerda
- Laboratório Interdisciplinar de Neurociências Clínicas, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas C Quarantini
- Laboratório de Neuropsicofarmacologia, Serviço de Psiquiatria do Hospital Universitário Professor Edgard Santos, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Saúde, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil; Departamento de Neurociências e Saúde Mental, Faculdade de Medicina da Bahia, Universidade Federal da Bahia, Salvador, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Husain MI, Chaudhry IB, Khoso AB, Kiran T, Khan N, Ahmad F, Hodsoll J, Husain MO, Naqvi HA, Nizami AT, Chaudhry N, Khan HA, Minhas F, Meyer JH, Ansari MA, Mulsant BH, Husain N, Young AH. Effect of Adjunctive Simvastatin on Depressive Symptoms Among Adults With Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e230147. [PMID: 36808239 PMCID: PMC9941891 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Immune-metabolic disturbances have been implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder and may be more prominent in individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Preliminary trials suggest that lipid-lowering agents, including statins, may be useful adjunctive treatments for major depressive disorder. However, no adequately powered clinical trials have assessed the antidepressant efficacy of these agents in TRD. Objective To assess the efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive simvastatin compared with placebo for reduction of depressive symptoms in TRD. Design, Setting, and Participants This 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted in 5 centers in Pakistan. The study involved adults (aged 18-75 years) with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) major depressive episode that had failed to respond to at least 2 adequate trials of antidepressants. Participants were enrolled between March 1, 2019, and February 28, 2021; statistical analysis was performed from February 1 to June 15, 2022, using mixed models. Intervention Participants were randomized to receive standard care plus 20 mg/d of simvastatin or placebo. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the difference between the 2 groups in change in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale total scores at week 12. Secondary outcomes included changes in scores on the 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the Clinical Global Impression scale, and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale and change in body mass index from baseline to week 12. C-reactive protein and plasma lipids were measured at baseline and week 12. Results A total of 150 participants were randomized to simvastatin (n = 77; median [IQR] age, 40 [30-45] years; 43 [56%] female) or placebo (n = 73; median [IQR] age, 35 [31-41] years; 40 [55%] female). A significant baseline to end point reduction in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale total score was observed in both groups and did not differ significantly between groups (estimated mean difference for simvastatin vs placebo, -0.61; 95% CI, -3.69 to 2.46; P = .70). Similarly, there were no significant group differences in any of the secondary outcomes or evidence for differences in adverse effects between groups. A planned secondary analysis indicated that changes in plasma C-reactive protein and lipids from baseline to end point did not mediate response to simvastatin. Conclusions and Relevance In this randomized clinical trial, simvastatin provided no additional therapeutic benefit for depressive symptoms in TRD compared with standard care. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03435744.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Ishrat Husain
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Imran B. Chaudhry
- Department of Psychiatry, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Ameer B. Khoso
- Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Tayyeba Kiran
- Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Nawaz Khan
- Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Farooq Ahmad
- Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - John Hodsoll
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - M. Omair Husain
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Haider A. Naqvi
- Department of Psychiatry, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Asad T. Nizami
- Institute of Psychiatry, Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Nasim Chaudhry
- Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | | | - Fareed Minhas
- Institute of Psychiatry, Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Jeffrey H. Meyer
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Moin A. Ansari
- Department of Psychiatry, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Hyderabad, Pakistan
| | - Benoit H. Mulsant
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nusrat Husain
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Allan H. Young
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Correll CU, Solmi M, Cortese S, Fava M, Højlund M, Kraemer HC, McIntyre RS, Pine DS, Schneider LS, Kane JM. The future of psychopharmacology: a critical appraisal of ongoing phase 2/3 trials, and of some current trends aiming to de-risk trial programmes of novel agents. World Psychiatry 2023; 22:48-74. [PMID: 36640403 PMCID: PMC9840514 DOI: 10.1002/wps.21056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in pharmacotherapy over the past seven decades, many mental disorders remain insufficiently treated. This situation is in part due to the limited knowledge of the pathophysiology of these disorders and the lack of biological markers to stratify and individualize patient selection, but also to a still restricted number of mechanisms of action being targeted in monotherapy or combination/augmentation treatment, as well as to a variety of challenges threatening the successful development and testing of new drugs. In this paper, we first provide an overview of the most promising drugs with innovative mechanisms of action that are undergoing phase 2 or 3 testing for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, anxiety and trauma-related disorders, substance use disorders, and dementia. Promising repurposing of established medications for new psychiatric indications, as well as variations in the modulation of dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin receptor functioning, are also considered. We then critically discuss the clinical trial parameters that need to be considered in depth when developing and testing new pharmacological agents for the treatment of mental disorders. Hurdles and perils threatening success of new drug development and testing include inadequacy and imprecision of inclusion/exclusion criteria and ratings, sub-optimally suited clinical trial participants, multiple factors contributing to a large/increasing placebo effect, and problems with statistical analyses. This information should be considered in order to de-risk trial programmes of novel agents or known agents for novel psychiatric indications, increasing their chances of success.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph U Correll
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Marco Solmi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Mental Health, Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) Clinical Epidemiology Program, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Centre for Innovation in Mental Health, School of Psychology, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
- Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone, New York University Child Study Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maurizio Fava
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mikkel Højlund
- Department of Public Health, Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Department of Psychiatry Aabenraa, Aabenraa, Denmark
| | - Helena C Kraemer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Cupertino, CA, USA
| | - Roger S McIntyre
- Mood Disorders Psychopharmacology Unit, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Canadian Rapid Treatment Center of Excellence, Mississauga, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Brain and Cognition Discovery Foundation, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Daniel S Pine
- Section on Developmental Affective Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lon S Schneider
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine, and L. Davis School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - John M Kane
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Williamson D, Sheehan J, Daly E. Post-Approval Research in Drug Development: Priorities and Practices. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 30:169-180. [PMID: 36928849 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-21054-9_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
A prescriber might ask if a new medication is a good option for use in the patients he or she sees in clinic, with their particular blends of demographic and comorbid clinical characteristics. Is this medicine more effective, safe, tolerable, or affordable than the options used in the past? A payer may ask if the new medication offers a more effective, cost-efficient, or convenient alternative to those treatments already being covered. These are the types of questions that are often difficult to answer on the basis of the clinical trials used to support a medication's initial approval, which are generally designed to evaluate a medication's efficacy, safety, and tolerability in narrowly defined patient populations. Consequently, in order to answer the questions most relevant to key stakeholders (i.e., regulators, patients, and clinicians), it is important to continue to examine a medication's impact and characteristics after it has received regulatory approval. Such studies vary in their purpose, scope, and methodology. In this chapter, we review the types of questions most likely to be investigated after regulatory approval, the methods generally used to investigate them, and the characteristics typically considered when prioritizing the allocation of resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Williamson
- University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Departments of Psychiatry and Neurology, Mobile, AL, USA
| | - Jack Sheehan
- Independent Medical Consultant, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Ella Daly
- Janssen Scientific Affairs, LLC, Titusville, NJ, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Feasibility of intermediate theta burst stimulation as sham control in therapeutic transcranial magnetic stimulation studies. Asian J Psychiatr 2023; 79:103390. [PMID: 36521404 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2022.103390] [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: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A major challenge in Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation trials is that of an inefficient sham protocol. This could potentially amplify the gap in behavioral outcomes following true and control treatments. Intermediate theta-burst stimulation (imTBS) is a promising sham alternative since it uses actual TMS pulses, thus mimicking the sensory effects of stimulation without producing physiological aftereffects. Here, we critically review controlled experiments that have examined physiological and behavioral aftereffects following imTBS with the intention to further investigate what appears to be a promising sham control modality for TBS studies.
Collapse
|
44
|
Garcia A, Yáñez AM, Bennasar-Veny M, Navarro C, Salva J, Ibarra O, Gomez-Juanes R, Serrano-Ripoll MJ, Oliván B, Gili M, Roca M, Riera-Serra P, Aguilar-Latorre A, Montero-Marin J, Garcia-Toro M. Efficacy of an adjuvant non-face-to-face multimodal lifestyle modification program for patients with treatment-resistant major depression: A randomized controlled trial. Psychiatry Res 2023; 319:114975. [PMID: 36442318 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2022.114975] [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: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high prevalence of depression is partly attributable to the poor response of patients to first-line antidepressants. Multimodal programs that promote a healthy lifestyle are successful in treating depression when used as a complementary therapy, but their medium- and long-term benefits have not been demonstrated for patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The main aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a lifestyle modification program (LMP) with mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and a placebo-control (written suggestions for lifestyle changes) in Spanish patients with TRD. METHODS This controlled clinical trial randomized 94 patients with TRD into 3 arms. The primary outcome was the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) score at baseline, 2, 6 and 12 months. The secondary outcomes were changes in scores that evaluated quality-of-life, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, physical activity, and social support. RESULTS Relative to the placebo group, the LMP and MBCT groups had significantly better quality of life (p = 0.017; p = 0.027), and the LMP group had significantly better adherence to the Mediterranean diet (p<0.001) and reduced use of antidepressants (p = 0.036). However, the three groups showed no significant differences in BDI-II score. LIMITATIONS Only about half of the planned 180 patients were recruited, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS There was no evidence that the LMP treatment significantly reduced symptoms of depression relative to the other groups during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Garcia
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Spain; University Institute of Health Science Research (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Spain
| | - Aina M Yáñez
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Spain; Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy and Research Group on Global Health and Human Development, UIB
| | - Miquel Bennasar-Veny
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Spain; Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy and Research Group on Global Health and Human Development, UIB; CIBER de Epidemiologíública (CIBERESP), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain.
| | - Capilla Navarro
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Spain; University Institute of Health Science Research (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Spain
| | - Joan Salva
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Spain; University Institute of Health Science Research (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Spain; Department of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Olga Ibarra
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Spain; University Institute of Health Science Research (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Spain
| | - Rocío Gomez-Juanes
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Spain; University Institute of Health Science Research (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Spain; Department of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma, Spain
| | - María J Serrano-Ripoll
- Primary Care Research Unit of Majorca, Balearic Islands Health Services and Department of Psychology, UIB
| | - Bárbara Oliván
- Department of Psychology and Sociology, University of Zaragoza. Primary Care Prevention and Health Promotion Research Network (RedIAPP), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Margalida Gili
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Spain; University Institute of Health Science Research (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Spain
| | - Miquel Roca
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Spain; University Institute of Health Science Research (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Spain; Department of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma, Spain
| | - Pau Riera-Serra
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Spain; University Institute of Health Science Research (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Spain
| | | | - Jesús Montero-Marin
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Teaching, Research & Innovation Unit, Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Mauro Garcia-Toro
- Health Research Institute of the Balearic Islands (IdISBa), Spain; University Institute of Health Science Research (IUNICS), University of the Balearic Islands (UIB), Spain; Department of Medicine, University of the Balearic Islands, E-07122 Palma, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Mukherjee A, Kumre PK, Goyal N, Khanra S. Adjunctive neuronavigated accelerated continuous theta-burst stimulation in obsessive-compulsive disorder: a randomized sham-controlled study. CNS Spectr 2022; 28:1-10. [PMID: 36059099 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852922000980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately 40% of patients treated for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) do not respond to standard and second-line augmentation treatments leading to the exploration of alternate biological treatments. Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) is a form of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation inducing more rapid and longer-lasting effects on synaptic plasticity than the latter. To the best of our knowledge, only one recent study and a case report investigated the effect of cTBS at the supplementary motor area (SMA) in OCD. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the effect of accelerated robotized neuronavigated cTBS over SMA in patients with OCD. METHODS A total of 32 patients with OCD were enrolled and randomized into active and sham cTBS groups. For active cTBS stimulation, an accelerated protocol was used. Bursts of three stimuli at 50 Hz, at 80% of MT, repeated at 5 Hz were used. Daily 2 sessions of 900 pulses each, for a total of 30 sessions over 3 wk (weekly 10 sessions), were given. Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Rating Scale (YBOCS), Clinical Global Impressions scale (CGI), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) were administered at baseline and at end of weeks 3 and 8. RESULTS A total of 26 patients completed the study. Active cTBS group showed significant group × time effect in YBOCS obsession (P < .001, η2 = 0.288), compulsion (P = .004, η2 = 0.207), YBOCS total (P < .001, η2 = 0.288), CGI-S (P = .010, η2 = 0.248), CGI-C (P = .010, η2 = 0.248), HAM-D (P = .014, η2 = 0.224) than sham cTBS group. CONCLUSIONS Findings from our study suggest that adjunctive accelerated cTBS significantly improves psychopathology, severity of illness, and depression among patients with OCD. Future studies with larger sample sizes will add to our knowledge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aniruddha Mukherjee
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, India
| | - Pramod Kumar Kumre
- Department of Psychiatry, Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, India
| | - Nishant Goyal
- Centre for Cognitive Neuroscience, Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, India
| | - Sourav Khanra
- Centre for Addiction Psychiatry, Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi, India
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Placebo Effect in Randomized Trials of Major Depressive Disorder With Psychotic Features: A Systematic Review and Descriptive Meta-Analysis. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2022; 42:489-494. [PMID: 35977030 DOI: 10.1097/jcp.0000000000001589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the 1980s, the response rate of major depressive disorder with psychotic features (MDD-Psy) to placebo pills was reported to be close to 0%. To our knowledge, this placebo response rate has not been systematically reassessed. We undertook a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that have used a placebo or sham control group for MDD-Psy. METHODS We searched MEDLINE and identified 9 relevant publications reporting on 10 studies comparing a placebo or sham interventions versus an active intervention. We extracted reported rates of response or of dropout for all causes associated with placebo versus active intervention(s) and aggregated response and dropout rates across trials. RESULTS Two sham-controlled electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) trials did not provide response rates. In the 3 pharmacotherapy studies published in the 1980s, 0 of 12 participants (0%) responded to placebo versus 13 of 38 (34.2%) responding to the active interventions. In contrast, 5 RCTs published in the 2000s, 114 of 339 participants (33.6%) randomized to placebo responded versus 149 of 373 participants (39.9%) randomized to active interventions; dropout rates were 71/236 (30.1%) for placebo versus 84/282 (29.8%) for the active interventions. CONCLUSIONS As expected, response rates to placebo pills in RCTs for MDD-Psy increased markedly from the 1980s to the 2000s. Methodological issues in the design and conduct of more recent RCTs may have contributed to the high placebo response. However, one needs to consider this placebo response rate when interpreting the result of recent trials of MDD-Psy, which typically have not included a "pure" placebo condition.
Collapse
|
47
|
Hellmann-Regen J, Clemens V, Grözinger M, Kornhuber J, Reif A, Prvulovic D, Goya-Maldonado R, Wiltfang J, Gruber O, Schüle C, Padberg F, Ising M, Uhr M, Friede T, Huber C, Manook A, Baghai TC, Rupprecht R, Heuser I. Effect of Minocycline on Depressive Symptoms in Patients With Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2230367. [PMID: 36103181 PMCID: PMC9475381 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.30367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Insufficient treatment response and resulting chronicity constitute a major problem in depressive disorders. Remission rates range as low as 15% to 40% and treatment-resistant depression (TRD) is associated with low-grade inflammation, suggesting anti-inflammatory interventions as a rational treatment strategy. Minocycline, which inhibits microglial activation, represents a promising repurposing candidate in the treatment of TRD. OBJECTIVE To determine whether 6 weeks of minocycline as add-on to antidepressant treatment as usual can significantly reduce depressive symptoms in patients with TRD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The study was conducted in Germany and designed as a multicenter double-blind randomized clinical trial (RCT) of 200 mg/d minocycline treatment over a course of 6 weeks with a 6-month follow-up. Participants were recruited from January 2016 to August 2020 at 9 university hospitals that served as study sites. Key inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [Fifth Edition] criteria), severity of depressive symptoms on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) greater than or equal to 16 points, aged 18 to 75 years, body mass index 18 to 40, Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI-S) greater than or equal to 4, failure to adequately respond to an initial antidepressant standard medication as per Massachusetts General Hospital Antidepressant Treatment History Questionnaire, and stable medication for at least 2 weeks. A total of 258 patients were screened, of whom 173 were randomized and 168 were included into the intention-to-treat population. Statistical analysis was performed from April to November 2020. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomized (1:1) to receive adjunct minocycline (200 mg/d) or placebo for 6 weeks. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Primary outcome measure was the change in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) score from baseline to week 6 analyzed by intention-to-treat mixed model repeated measures. Secondary outcome measures were response, remission, and various other clinical rating scales. RESULTS Of 173 eligible and randomized participants (84 randomized to minocycline and 89 randomized to placebo), 168 formed the intention-to-treat sample (79 [47.0%] were women, 89 [53.0%] were men, 159 [94.6%] were White, 9 [6.4%] were of other race and ethnicity, including Asian and unknown ethnicity), with 81 in the minocycline group and 87 in the placebo group. The mean (SD) age was 46.1 (13.1) years, and the mean (SD) MADRS score at baseline was 26.5 (5.0). There was no difference in rates of completion between the minocycline (83.3% [70 of 81]) and the placebo group (83.1% [74 of 87]). Minocycline treatment did not alter the course of depression severity compared with placebo as assessed by a decrease in MADRS scores over 6 weeks of treatment (1.46 [-1.04 to 3.96], P = .25). Minocycline treatment also exhibited no statistically significant effect on secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this large randomized clinical trial with minocycline at a dose of 200 mg/d added to antidepressant treatment as usual for 6 weeks, minocycline was well tolerated but not superior to placebo in reducing depressive symptoms in patients with TRD. The results of this RCT emphasize the unmet need for therapeutic approaches and predictive biomarkers in TRD. TRIAL REGISTRATION EU Clinical Trials Register Number: EudraCT 2015-001456-29.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian Hellmann-Regen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Germany
| | - Vera Clemens
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Germany
| | - Michael Grözinger
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Germany
| | - Johannes Kornhuber
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany
| | - David Prvulovic
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Jens Wiltfang
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Göttingen, Germany
| | - Oliver Gruber
- Department of Psychiatry, Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany
| | - Cornelius Schüle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Frank Padberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marcus Ising
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Manfred Uhr
- Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Tim Friede
- Department of Medical Statistics, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Cynthia Huber
- Department of Medical Statistics, Universitätsmedizin Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - André Manook
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas C Baghai
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Isabella Heuser
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurosciences, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Pardo-Cabello AJ, Manzano-Gamero V, Puche-Cañas E. Placebo: a brief updated review. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2022; 395:1343-1356. [PMID: 35943515 PMCID: PMC9361274 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02280-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Our aims were to provide updated information on placebo/nocebo effect and the potential use of placebo in clinical practice. This article can only provide a rough overview on the placebo and nocebo effect and is intended to serve as a starting point for the reader to go deeper into the corresponding literature. The placebo effect has been observed in multiple medical conditions, after oral administration, with manual therapies as well as with surgery and invasive procedures. The use of placebo in clinical trials is fundamental, although the ethics of its use is under discussion. The placebo may behave like a drug from the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic point of view and can also be associated with adverse events (nocebo effect). Placebo can modify treatment by increasing or decreasing the effects of drugs. The factors associated with the occurrence of placebo effect are multiple, but in addition to those that depend on the placebo itself, the doctor-patient relationship would be the most important. As a result of findings that were published in the last two decades, the psycho-neurobiological basis of placebo is becoming better understood, although further studies are needed. In conclusion, the placebo effect in the clinic exhibits weak to moderate intensity. Placebo, in addition to its use in the clinical trial, should be considered another therapeutic remedy either as stand alone or in association with treatment, and could be useful in certain circumstances. The use of placebo should be regulated by the European health authorities through a guide in clinical practice that will improve patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Jose Pardo-Cabello
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario San Cecilio, Avda. de La Innovación, s/n, 18016, Granada, Spain.
| | - Victoria Manzano-Gamero
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Virgen de Las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Emilio Puche-Cañas
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Jacob S, Anagnostou E, Hollander E, Jou R, McNamara N, Sikich L, Tobe R, Murphy D, McCracken J, Ashford E, Chatham C, Clinch S, Smith J, Sanders K, Murtagh L, Noeldeke J, Veenstra-VanderWeele J. Large multicenter randomized trials in autism: key insights gained from the balovaptan clinical development program. Mol Autism 2022; 13:25. [PMID: 35690870 PMCID: PMC9188723 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00505-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental condition that is characterized by the core symptoms of social communication difficulties and restricted and repetitive behaviors. At present, there is an unmet medical need for therapies to ameliorate these core symptoms in order to improve quality of life of autistic individuals. However, several challenges are currently faced by the ASD community relating to the development of pharmacotherapies, namely in the conduct of clinical trials. Balovaptan is a V1a receptor antagonist that has been investigated to improve social communication difficulties in individuals with ASD. In this viewpoint, we draw upon our recent first-hand experiences of the balovaptan clinical development program to describe current challenges of ASD trials. DISCUSSION POINTS The balovaptan trials were conducted in a wide age range of individuals with ASD with the added complexities associated with international trials. When summarizing all three randomized trials of balovaptan, a placebo response was observed across several outcome measures. Placebo response was predicted by greater baseline symptom severity, online recruitment of participants, and less experienced or non-academic trial sites. We also highlight challenges relating to selection of outcome measures in ASD, the impact of baseline characteristics, and the role of expectation bias in influencing trial results. CONCLUSION Taken together, the balovaptan clinical development program has advanced our understanding of the key challenges facing ASD treatment research. The insights gained can be used to inform and improve the design of future clinical trials with the collective aim of developing efficacious therapies to support individuals with ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suma Jacob
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eric Hollander
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Roger Jou
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Nora McNamara
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Linmarie Sikich
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Russell Tobe
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | | | - James McCracken
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Janice Smith
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Welwyn Garden City, UK
| | - Kevin Sanders
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Aday JS, Heifets BD, Pratscher SD, Bradley E, Rosen R, Woolley JD. Great Expectations: recommendations for improving the methodological rigor of psychedelic clinical trials. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1989-2010. [PMID: 35359159 PMCID: PMC10184717 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06123-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Psychedelic research continues to garner significant public and scientific interest with a growing number of clinical studies examining a wide range of conditions and disorders. However, expectancy effects and effective condition masking have been raised as critical limitations to the interpretability of the research. OBJECTIVE In this article, we review the many methodological challenges of conducting psychedelic clinical trials and provide recommendations for improving the rigor of future research. RESULTS Although some challenges are shared with psychotherapy and pharmacology trials more broadly, psychedelic clinical trials have to contend with several unique sources of potential bias. The subjective effects of a high-dose psychedelic are often so pronounced that it is difficult to mask participants to their treatment condition; the significant hype from positive media coverage on the clinical potential of psychedelics influences participants' expectations for treatment benefit; and participant unmasking and treatment expectations can interact in such a way that makes psychedelic therapy highly susceptible to large placebo and nocebo effects. Specific recommendations to increase the success of masking procedures and reduce the influence of participant expectancies are discussed in the context of study development, participant recruitment and selection, incomplete disclosure of the study design, choice of active placebo condition, as well as the measurement of participant expectations and masking efficacy. CONCLUSION Incorporating the recommended design elements is intended to reduce the risk of bias in psychedelic clinical trials and thereby increases the ability to discern treatment-specific effects of psychedelic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacob S Aday
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, San Francisco VA Medical Center, University of California, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
| | - Boris D Heifets
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Steven D Pratscher
- Department of Community Dentistry and Behavioral Science, Pain Research and Intervention Center of Excellence, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ellen Bradley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, San Francisco VA Medical Center, University of California, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Raymond Rosen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, San Francisco VA Medical Center, University of California, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Joshua D Woolley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, San Francisco VA Medical Center, University of California, 401 Parnassus Ave., San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| |
Collapse
|