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Bertolini F, Robertson L, Bisson JI, Meader N, Churchill R, Ostuzzi G, Stein DJ, Williams T, Barbui C. Early pharmacological interventions for prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in individuals experiencing acute traumatic stress symptoms. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 5:CD013613. [PMID: 38767196 PMCID: PMC11103774 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013613.pub2] [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] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute traumatic stress symptoms may develop in people who have been exposed to a traumatic event. Although they are usually self-limiting in time, some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a severe and debilitating condition. Pharmacological interventions have been proposed for acute symptoms to act as an indicated prevention measure for PTSD development. As many individuals will spontaneously remit, these interventions should balance efficacy and tolerability. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and acceptability of early pharmacological interventions for prevention of PTSD in adults experiencing acute traumatic stress symptoms. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Controlled Trial Register (CCMDCTR), CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase and two other databases. We checked the reference lists of all included studies and relevant systematic reviews. The search was last updated on 23 January 2023. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials on adults exposed to any kind of traumatic event and presenting acute traumatic stress symptoms, without restriction on their severity. We considered comparisons of any medication with placebo, or with another medication. We excluded trials that investigated medications as an augmentation to psychotherapy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. Using a random-effects model, we analysed dichotomous data as risk ratios (RR) and calculated the number needed to treat for an additional beneficial/harmful outcome (NNTB/NNTH). We analysed continuous data as mean differences (MD) or standardised mean differences (SMD). Our primary outcomes were PTSD severity and dropouts due to adverse events. Secondary outcomes included PTSD rate, functional disability and quality of life. MAIN RESULTS We included eight studies that considered four interventions (escitalopram, hydrocortisone, intranasal oxytocin, temazepam) and involved a total of 779 participants. The largest trial contributed 353 participants and the next largest, 120 and 118 participants respectively. The trials enrolled participants admitted to trauma centres or emergency departments. The risk of bias in the included studies was generally low except for attrition rate, which we rated as high-risk. We could meta-analyse data for two comparisons: escitalopram versus placebo (but limited to secondary outcomes) and hydrocortisone versus placebo. One study compared escitalopram to placebo at our primary time point of three months after the traumatic event. There was inconclusive evidence of any difference in terms of PTSD severity (mean difference (MD) on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS, score range 0 to 136) -11.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) -24.56 to 1.86; 1 study, 23 participants; very low-certainty evidence), dropouts due to adverse events (no participant left the study early due to adverse events; 1 study, 31 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and PTSD rates (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.03 to 13.08; NNTB 37, 95% CI NNTB 15 to NNTH 1; 1 study, 23 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The study did not assess functional disability or quality of life. Three studies compared hydrocortisone to placebo at our primary time point of three months after the traumatic event. We found inconclusive evidence on whether hydrocortisone was more effective in reducing the severity of PTSD symptoms compared to placebo (MD on CAPS -7.53, 95% CI -25.20 to 10.13; I2 = 85%; 3 studies, 136 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and whether it reduced the risk of developing PTSD (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.09 to 2.38; NNTB 14, 95% CI NNTB 8 to NNTH 5; I2 = 36%; 3 studies, 136 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Evidence on the risk of dropping out due to adverse events is inconclusive (RR 3.19, 95% CI 0.13 to 75.43; 2 studies, 182 participants; low-certainty evidence) and it is unclear whether hydrocortisone might improve quality of life (MD on the SF-36 (score range 0 to 136, higher is better) 19.70, 95% CI -1.10 to 40.50; 1 study, 43 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No study assessed functional disability. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review provides uncertain evidence regarding the use of escitalopram, hydrocortisone, intranasal oxytocin and temazepam for people with acute stress symptoms. It is therefore unclear whether these pharmacological interventions exert a positive or negative effect in this population. It is important to note that acute traumatic stress symptoms are often limited in time, and that the lack of data prevents the careful assessment of expected benefits against side effects that is therefore required. To yield stronger conclusions regarding both positive and negative outcomes, larger sample sizes are required. A common operational framework of criteria for inclusion and baseline assessment might help in better understanding who, if anyone, benefits from an intervention. As symptom severity alone does not provide the full picture of the impact of exposure to trauma, assessment of quality of life and functional impairment would provide a more comprehensive picture of the effects of the interventions. The assessment and reporting of side effects may facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of tolerability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Bertolini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lindsay Robertson
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, University of York, York, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Jonathan I Bisson
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nicholas Meader
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, University of York, York, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Rachel Churchill
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, University of York, York, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Giovanni Ostuzzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Dan J Stein
- SAMRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, Dept of Psychiatry & Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Taryn Williams
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Corrado Barbui
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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He Q, Wang W, Xu D, Xiong Y, Tao C, You C, Ma L, Ma J. Potential causal association between gut microbiome and posttraumatic stress disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2024; 14:67. [PMID: 38296956 PMCID: PMC10831060 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02765-7] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The causal effects of gut microbiome and the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are still unknown. This study aimed to clarify their potential causal association using mendelian randomization (MR). METHODS The summary-level statistics for gut microbiome were retrieved from a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the MiBioGen consortium. As to PTSD, the Freeze 2 datasets were originated from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Working Group (PGC-PTSD), and the replicated datasets were obtained from FinnGen consortium. Single nucleotide polymorphisms meeting MR assumptions were selected as instrumental variables. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was employed as the main approach, supplemented by sensitivity analyses to evaluate potential pleiotropy and heterogeneity and ensure the robustness of the MR results. We also performed reverse MR analyses to explore PTSD's causal effects on the relative abundances of specific features of the gut microbiome. RESULTS In Freeze 2 datasets from PGC-PTSD, eight bacterial traits revealed a potential causal association between gut microbiome and PTSD (IVW, all P < 0.05). In addition, Genus.Dorea and genus.Sellimonas were replicated in FinnGen datasets, in which eight bacterial traits revealed a potential causal association between gut microbiome and the occurrence of PTSD. The heterogeneity and pleiotropy analyses further supported the robustness of the IVW findings, providing additional evidence for their reliability. CONCLUSION Our study provides the potential causal impact of gut microbiomes on the development of PTSD, shedding new light on the understanding of the dysfunctional gut-brain axis in this disorder. Our findings present novel evidence and call for investigations to confirm the association between their links, as well as to illuminate the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang He
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Metabolic Diseases and Pharmacotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, China
| | - Dingkang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Xiong
- Department of Urology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuanyuan Tao
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Chao You
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Lu Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Junpeng Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 37 Guoxue Lane, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Hill A, Johnston C, Agranoff I, Gavade S, Spencer-Segal J. Corticosterone enhances formation of non-fear but not fear memory during infectious illness. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1144173. [PMID: 37091592 PMCID: PMC10118046 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1144173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Survivors of critical illness are at high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but administration of glucocorticoids during the illness can lower that risk. The mechanism is not known but may involve glucocorticoid modulation of hippocampal- and amygdala-dependent memory formation. In this study, we sought to determine whether glucocorticoids given during an acute illness influence the formation and persistence of fear and non-fear memories from the time of the illness. Methods We performed cecal ligation and puncture in male and female mice to induce an acute infectious illness. During the illness, mice were introduced to a neutral object in their home cage and separately underwent contextual fear conditioning. We then tested the persistence of object and fear memories after recovery. Results Glucocorticoid treatment enhanced object discrimination but did not alter the expression of contextual fear memory. During context re-exposure, neural activity was elevated in the dentate gyrus irrespective of fear conditioning. Conclusions Our results suggest that glucocorticoids given during illness enhance hippocampal-dependent non-fear memory processes. This indicates that PTSD outcomes in critically ill patients may be improved by enhancing non-fear memories from the time of their illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Hill
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Colin Johnston
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Isaac Agranoff
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Swapnil Gavade
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Joanna Spencer-Segal
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Corticosterone enhances formation of non-fear but not fear memory during infectious illness. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.07.526836. [PMID: 36798285 PMCID: PMC9934541 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.07.526836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Survivors of critical illness are at high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but administration of glucocorticoids during the illness can lower that risk. The mechanism is not known but may involve glucocorticoid modulation of hippocampal- and amygdalar-dependent memory formation. In this study, we sought to determine whether glucocorticoids given during an acute illness influence the formation and persistence of fear and non-fear memories from the time of the illness. We performed cecal ligation and puncture in male and female mice to induce an acute infectious illness. During the illness, mice were introduced to a neutral object in their home cage and separately underwent contextual fear conditioning. We then tested the persistence of object and fear memories after recovery. Glucocorticoid treatment enhanced object discrimination but did not alter the expression of contextual fear memory. During context re-exposure, neural activity was elevated in the dentate gyrus irrespective of fear conditioning. Our results suggest that glucocorticoids given during illness enhance hippocampal-dependent non-fear memory processes. This indicates that PTSD outcomes in critically ill patients may be improved by enhancing non-fear memories from the time of their illness.
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Gilmore AK, McKee G, Flanagan JC, Leone RM, Oesterle DW, Kirby CM, Short N, Gill-Hopple K. Medications at the Emergency Department After Recent Rape. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP12954-NP12972. [PMID: 33736532 PMCID: PMC9922488 DOI: 10.1177/0886260521997434] [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] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Rape is associated with myriad negative physical and mental health effects, yet little is known about medical prescribing following rape-related emergency room visits. The goal of this study was to examine factors associated with medications prescribed the same day as a sexual assault medical forensic examination (SAMFE). A total of 939 medical records (93.9% female) of a medical university in the Southeastern United States between July 1, 2014, and May 15, 2019, were paired with Sexual Assault Nurse Exam records. Demographic and assault characteristics were examined as correlates of medications prescribed at the emergency department within the same day of a SAMFE. All individuals were offered medications within the national guidelines. Intimate partner violence (IPV) was negatively associated with antibiotic prescriptions and with emergency contraception prescriptions. Genital injury and male gender of victim were positively associated with antiviral prescriptions. Non-genital injury was positively associated with both over-the-counter and prescription pain medication prescriptions. Report of strangulation was positively associated with accepting over-the-counter but not prescription pain medication. IPV and strangulation were positively associated with psychotropic prescriptions. Although specific medications were offered to individuals during the SAMFE, demographic and assault characteristics were associated with medication acceptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda K. Gilmore
- Department of Health Policy & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University
- Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development, School of Public Health, Georgia State University
| | - Grace McKee
- Advanced Fellowship Program in Mental Illness Research and Treatment, Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Central Virginia VA Health Care System
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University
| | - Julianne C. Flanagan
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina
- Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center
| | - Ruschelle M. Leone
- Department of Health Policy & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University
- Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development, School of Public Health, Georgia State University
| | - Daniel W. Oesterle
- Department of Health Policy & Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University
- Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development, School of Public Health, Georgia State University
| | - Charli M. Kirby
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina
| | - Nicole Short
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine
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Du J, Diao H, Zhou X, Zhang C, Chen Y, Gao Y, Wang Y. Post-traumatic stress disorder: a psychiatric disorder requiring urgent attention. MEDICAL REVIEW (BERLIN, GERMANY) 2022; 2:219-243. [PMID: 37724188 PMCID: PMC10388753 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2022-0012] [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: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe and heterogenous psychiatric disorder that was first defined as a mental disorder in 1980. Currently, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and the International Classification of Diseases 11th Edition (ICD-11) offer the most widely accepted diagnostic guidelines for PTSD. In both diagnostic categories, experiencing a traumatic event (TE) is the necessary criterion for diagnosing PTSD. The TEs described in the DSM-5 include actual or threatened death, serious injury, sexual violence, and other extreme stressors, either directly or indirectly. More than 70% of adults worldwide are exposed to a TE at least once in their lifetime, and approximately 10% of individuals develop PTSD after experiencing a TE. The important features of PTSD are intrusion or re-experiencing fear memories, pervasive sense of threat, active avoidance, hyperarousal symptoms, and negative alterations of cognition and mood. Individuals with PTSD have high comorbidities with other psychiatric diseases, including major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and substance use disorder. Multiple lines of evidence suggest that the pathophysiology of PTSD is complex, involving abnormal neural circuits, molecular mechanisms, and genetic mechanisms. A combination of both psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy is used to treat PTSD, but has limited efficacy in patients with refractory PTSD. Because of the high prevalence, heavy burden, and limited treatments, PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that requires urgent attention. In this review, we summarize and discuss the diagnosis, prevalence, TEs, pathophysiology, and treatments of PTSD and draw attention to its prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Du
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huapeng Diao
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhou
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chunkui Zhang
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Chen
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Gao
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yizheng Wang
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Kerbage H, Bazzi O, El Hage W, Corruble E, Purper-Ouakil D. Early Interventions to Prevent Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Youth after Exposure to a Potentially Traumatic Event: A Scoping Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10050818. [PMID: 35627955 PMCID: PMC9141228 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10050818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide occurrence of potentially traumatic events (PTEs) in the life of children is highly frequent. We aimed to identify studies on early mental health interventions implemented within three months of the child/adolescent’s exposure to a PTE, with the aim of reducing acute post-traumatic symptoms, decreasing long term PTSD, and improving the child’s adjustment after a PTE exposure. The search was performed in PubMed and EMBASE databases resulting in twenty-seven articles meeting our inclusion criteria. Most non-pharmacological interventions evaluated had in common two complementary components: psychoeducation content for both children and parents normalizing early post-traumatic responses while identifying post-traumatic symptoms; and coping strategies to deal with post-traumatic symptoms. Most of these interventions studied yielded positive results on outcomes with a decrease in post-traumatic, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. However, negative results were noted when traumatic events were still ongoing (war, political violence) as well as when there was no or little parental involvement. This study informs areas for future PTSD prevention research and raises awareness of the importance of psychoeducation and coping skills building in both youth and their parents in the aftermath of a traumatic event, to strengthen family support and prevent the occurrence of enduring post-traumatic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hala Kerbage
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Saint Eloi University Hospital, 34090 Montpellier, France
- Center for Epidemiology and Population Health (CESP), INSERM U1018, Developmental Psychiatry Team, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif CEDEX, 94807 Paris, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33601819449
| | - Ola Bazzi
- Faculty of Health Sciences, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon;
| | - Wissam El Hage
- Center of Clinical Investigation iBrain 1253, University of Tours, 37032 Tours, France;
| | - Emmanuelle Corruble
- CESP, MOODS Team, INSERM U1018, School of Medicine, Paris-Saclay University, Kremlin Bicetre, 94275 Paris, France;
- Department of Psychiatry, Paris-Saclay University Hospital, Kremlin Bicetre, 94275 Paris, France;
| | - Diane Purper-Ouakil
- Department of Psychiatry, Paris-Saclay University Hospital, Kremlin Bicetre, 94275 Paris, France;
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Neuroinflammation in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10050953. [PMID: 35625690 PMCID: PMC9138406 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10050953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a well-known mental illness, which is caused by various stressors, including memories of past physical assaults and psychological pressure. It is diagnosed as a mental and behavioral disorder, but increasing evidence is linking it to the immune system and inflammatory response. Studies on the relationship between inflammation and PTSD revealed that patients with PTSD had increased levels of inflammatory cytokine biomarkers, such as interleukin-1, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor-κB, and C-reactive protein, compared with healthy controls. In addition, animal model experiments imitating PTSD patients suggested the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of PTSD. In this review, we summarize the definition of PTSD and its association with increased inflammation, its mechanisms, and future predictable diseases and treatment possibilities. We also discuss anti-inflammatory treatments to address inflammation in PTSD.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent and disabling disorder. Evidence that PTSD is characterised by specific psychobiological dysfunctions has contributed to a growing interest in the use of medication in its treatment. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of medication for reducing PTSD symptoms in adults with PTSD. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; Issue 11, November 2020); MEDLINE (1946-), Embase (1974-), PsycINFO (1967-) and PTSDPubs (all available years) either directly or via the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Controlled Trials Register (CCMDCTR). We also searched international trial registers. The date of the latest search was 13 November 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of pharmacotherapy for adults with PTSD. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Three review authors (TW, JI, and NP) independently assessed RCTs for inclusion in the review, collated trial data, and assessed trial quality. We contacted investigators to obtain missing data. We stratified summary statistics by medication class, and by medication agent for all medications. We calculated dichotomous and continuous measures using a random-effects model, and assessed heterogeneity. MAIN RESULTS We include 66 RCTs in the review (range: 13 days to 28 weeks; 7442 participants; age range 18 to 85 years) and 54 in the meta-analysis. For the primary outcome of treatment response, we found evidence of beneficial effect for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) compared with placebo (risk ratio (RR) 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59 to 0.74; 8 studies, 1078 participants), which improved PTSD symptoms in 58% of SSRI participants compared with 35% of placebo participants, based on moderate-certainty evidence. For this outcome we also found evidence of beneficial effect for the noradrenergic and specific serotonergic antidepressant (NaSSA) mirtazapine: (RR 0.45, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.94; 1 study, 26 participants) in 65% of people on mirtazapine compared with 22% of placebo participants, and for the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) amitriptyline (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.96; 1 study, 40 participants) in 50% of amitriptyline participants compared with 17% of placebo participants, which improved PTSD symptoms. These outcomes are based on low-certainty evidence. There was however no evidence of beneficial effect for the number of participants who improved with the antipsychotics (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.16 to 1.67; 2 studies, 43 participants) compared to placebo, based on very low-certainty evidence. For the outcome of treatment withdrawal, we found evidence of a harm for the individual SSRI agents compared with placebo (RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.87; 14 studies, 2399 participants). Withdrawals were also higher for the separate SSRI paroxetine group compared to the placebo group (RR 1.55, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.29; 5 studies, 1101 participants). Nonetheless, the absolute proportion of individuals dropping out from treatment due to adverse events in the SSRI groups was low (9%), based on moderate-certainty evidence. For the rest of the medications compared to placebo, we did not find evidence of harm for individuals dropping out from treatment due to adverse events. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The findings of this review support the conclusion that SSRIs improve PTSD symptoms; they are first-line agents for the pharmacotherapy of PTSD, based on moderate-certainty evidence. The NaSSA mirtazapine and the TCA amitriptyline may also improve PTSD symptoms, but this is based on low-certainty evidence. In addition, we found no evidence of benefit for the number of participants who improved following treatment with the antipsychotic group compared to placebo, based on very low-certainty evidence. There remain important gaps in the evidence base, and a continued need for more effective agents in the management of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taryn Williams
- The Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicole J Phillips
- The Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- The Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Jonathan C Ipser
- The Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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Bertolini F, Robertson L, Bisson JI, Meader N, Churchill R, Ostuzzi G, Stein DJ, Williams T, Barbui C. Early pharmacological interventions for universal prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2022; 2:CD013443. [PMID: 35141873 PMCID: PMC8829470 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013443.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe and debilitating condition. Several pharmacological interventions have been proposed with the aim to prevent or mitigate it. These interventions should balance efficacy and tolerability, given that not all individuals exposed to a traumatic event will develop PTSD. There are different possible approaches to preventing PTSD; universal prevention is aimed at individuals at risk of developing PTSD on the basis of having been exposed to a traumatic event, irrespective of whether they are showing signs of psychological difficulties. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and acceptability of pharmacological interventions for universal prevention of PTSD in adults exposed to a traumatic event. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Controlled Trial Register (CCMDCTR), CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, two other databases and two trials registers (November 2020). We checked the reference lists of all included studies and relevant systematic reviews. The search was last updated on 13 November 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised clinical trials on adults exposed to any kind of traumatic event. We considered comparisons of any medication with placebo or with another medication. We excluded trials that investigated medications as an augmentation to psychotherapy. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. In a random-effects model, we analysed dichotomous data as risk ratios (RR) and number needed to treat for an additional beneficial/harmful outcome (NNTB/NNTH). We analysed continuous data as mean differences (MD) or standardised mean differences (SMD). MAIN RESULTS We included 13 studies which considered eight interventions (hydrocortisone, propranolol, dexamethasone, omega-3 fatty acids, gabapentin, paroxetine, PulmoCare enteral formula, Oxepa enteral formula and 5-hydroxytryptophan) and involved 2023 participants, with a single trial contributing 1244 participants. Eight studies enrolled participants from emergency departments or trauma centres or similar settings. Participants were exposed to a range of both intentional and unintentional traumatic events. Five studies considered participants in the context of intensive care units with traumatic events consisting of severe physical illness. Our concerns about risk of bias in the included studies were mostly due to high attrition and possible selective reporting. We could meta-analyse data for two comparisons: hydrocortisone versus placebo, but limited to secondary outcomes; and propranolol versus placebo. No study compared hydrocortisone to placebo at the primary endpoint of three months after the traumatic event. The evidence on whether propranolol was more effective in reducing the severity of PTSD symptoms compared to placebo at three months after the traumatic event is inconclusive, because of serious risk of bias amongst the included studies, serious inconsistency amongst the studies' results, and very serious imprecision of the estimate of effect (SMD -0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.61 to 0.59; I2 = 83%; 3 studies, 86 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No study provided data on dropout rates due to side effects at three months post-traumatic event. The evidence on whether propranolol was more effective than placebo in reducing the probability of experiencing PTSD at three months after the traumatic event is inconclusive, because of serious risk of bias amongst the included studies, and very serious imprecision of the estimate of effect (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.92; 3 studies, 88 participants; very low-certainty evidence). No study assessed functional disability or quality of life. Only one study compared gabapentin to placebo at the primary endpoint of three months after the traumatic event, with inconclusive evidence in terms of both PTSD severity and probability of experiencing PTSD, because of imprecision of the effect estimate, serious risk of bias and serious imprecision (very low-certainty evidence). We found no data on dropout rates due to side effects, functional disability or quality of life. For the remaining comparisons, the available data are inconclusive or missing in terms of PTSD severity reduction and dropout rates due to adverse events. No study assessed functional disability. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review provides uncertain evidence only regarding the use of hydrocortisone, propranolol, dexamethasone, omega-3 fatty acids, gabapentin, paroxetine, PulmoCare formula, Oxepa formula, or 5-hydroxytryptophan as universal PTSD prevention strategies. Future research might benefit from larger samples, better reporting of side effects and inclusion of quality of life and functioning measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Bertolini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Lindsay Robertson
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, University of York, York, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Jonathan I Bisson
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Nicholas Meader
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, University of York, York, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Rachel Churchill
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders, University of York, York, UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, University of York, York, UK
| | - Giovanni Ostuzzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- MRC Unit on Risk & Resilience in Mental Disorders, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Taryn Williams
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Corrado Barbui
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Cochrane Global Mental Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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11
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Kalla C, Goltser-Dubner T, Pevzner D, Canetti L, Mirman A, Ben-Yehuda A, Itzhar N, Benarroch F, Shalev A, Giesser R, Fruchter E, Vashdi I, Oz O, Haber R, Saloner C, Lotan A, Galili-Weisstub E, Bonne O, Segman R. Resting mononuclear cell NR3C1 and SKA2 expression levels predict blunted cortisol reactivity to combat training stress among elite army cadets exposed to childhood adversity. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:6680-6687. [PMID: 33981010 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01107-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Childhood adversity (CA) may alter reactivity to stress throughout life, increasing risk for psychiatric and medical morbidity, yet long-term correlates of milder CA levels among high functioning healthy adolescents are less studied. The current study examined the prevalence and impact of CA exposure among a cohort of healthy motivated elite parachute unit volunteers, prospectively assessed at rest and at the height of an intensive combat-simulation exposure. We found significantly reduced gene expression levels in resting mononuclear cell nuclear receptor, subfamily 3, member 1 (NR3C1), and its transactivator spindle and kinetochore-associated protein 2 (SKA2), that predict blunted cortisol reactivity to combat-simulation stress among CA exposed adolescents. Long-term alterations in endocrine immune indices, subjective distress, and executive functions persist among healthy high functioning adolescents following milder CA exposure, and may promote resilience or vulnerability to later real-life combat exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmel Kalla
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,Department of Mental Health, Israel Defense Forces, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Tanya Goltser-Dubner
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,The Herman-Danna Division of Pediatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Dalya Pevzner
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Laura Canetti
- The Herman-Danna Division of Pediatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.,Department of Psychology, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Aron Mirman
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ariel Ben-Yehuda
- Department of Mental Health, Israel Defense Forces, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Noa Itzhar
- Department of Mental Health, Israel Defense Forces, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Fortu Benarroch
- The Herman-Danna Division of Pediatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amit Shalev
- The Herman-Danna Division of Pediatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ruth Giesser
- The Herman-Danna Division of Pediatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eyal Fruchter
- Department of Mental Health, Israel Defense Forces, Ramat Gan, Israel.,Department of Psychiatry, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Inon Vashdi
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Osnat Oz
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Roni Haber
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Chen Saloner
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amit Lotan
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Esti Galili-Weisstub
- The Herman-Danna Division of Pediatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Omer Bonne
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ronen Segman
- Molecular Psychiatry Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel. .,The Herman-Danna Division of Pediatric Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Medical Organization and Faculty of Medicine, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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12
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Gibert L, El Hage W, Verdonk C, Levy B, Falissard B, Trousselard M. The negative association between trait mindfulness and post-traumatic stress disorder: A 4.5-year prospective cohort study. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e02163. [PMID: 34363334 PMCID: PMC8413811 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic, disabling condition. Our main objective is to investigate the association between trait mindfulness and PTSD over a period of 54 months. The secondary objective is to provide an exhaustive description of PTSD trajectories after the Bataclan attack. METHODS We designed a prospective cohort study of 133 subjects present in the Bataclan concert hall during the November 2015 terrorist attack in Paris, France. Data were recorded 6, 18, 30, and 54 months after the attack. The primary endpoint was evaluated using the PTSD Check List Scale. Trait mindfulness was measured by the 14-item Freiburg Mindfulness Inventory. RESULTS FMI scores were consistently, significantly, and negatively associated with PCL-5 scores. Adjusted odds ratios were at 0.81 (6 months), 0.88 (18 months) 0.82 (30 months), and 0.81 (54 months). PTSD prevalence 6 months after the event was 77%; it remained at 41% after 54 months. PTSD status of subjects is fluctuating. Latent class analysis divided the cohort into 3 groups: 21% of subject who remained below PTSD threshold throughout, 30% who remained above throughout, and 49% who steadily reduced their PTSD scores over time. CONCLUSION In our cohort, mindfulness is negatively associated with PTSD. Mindfulness programs are designed to improve global resilience and treat anxiety and mood disorders. Further research is needed to investigate if improving trait mindfulness is possible and beneficial for patients suffering from PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lionel Gibert
- IRBA: Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Brétigny sur Orge, France.,INSERM: Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Paul Brousse, Unité de Recherche Psychiatrie-Comorbidités-Addictions, PSYCOMADD, Villejuif, France
| | - Wissam El Hage
- INSERM: Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France.,Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Charles Verdonk
- IRBA: Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Brétigny sur Orge, France
| | - Bernard Levy
- INSERM: Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
| | - Bruno Falissard
- INSERM: Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Paris, France
| | - Marion Trousselard
- IRBA: Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Brétigny sur Orge, France
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13
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Abstract
Treatment for critical illness typically focuses on a patient's short-term physical recovery; however, recent work has broadened our understanding of the long-term implications of illness and treatment strategies. In particular, survivors of critical illness have significantly elevated risk of developing lasting cognitive impairment and psychiatric disorders. In this review, we examine the role of endogenous and exogenous glucocorticoids in neuropsychiatric outcomes following critical illness. Illness is marked by acute elevation of free cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone suppression, which typically normalize after recovery; however, prolonged dysregulation can sometimes occur. High glucocorticoid levels can cause lasting alterations to the plasticity and structural integrity of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, and this mechanism may plausibly contribute to impaired memory and cognition in critical illness survivors, though specific evidence is lacking. Glucocorticoids may also exacerbate inflammation-associated neural damage. Conversely, current evidence indicates that glucocorticoids during illness may protect against the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. We propose future directions for research in this field, including determining the role of persistent glucocorticoid elevations after illness in neuropsychiatric outcomes, the role of systemic vs neuroinflammation, and probing unexplored lines of investigation on the role of mineralocorticoid receptors and the gut-brain axis. Progress toward personalized medicine in this area has the potential to produce tangible improvements to the lives patients after a critical illness, including Coronavirus Disease 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice R Hill
- Undergraduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Joanna L Spencer-Segal
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Deparment of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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14
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von Känel R, Schmid J, Meister‐Langraf RE, Barth J, Znoj H, Schnyder U, Princip M, Pazhenkottil AP. Pharmacotherapy in the Management of Anxiety and Pain During Acute Coronary Syndromes and the Risk of Developing Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. J Am Heart Assoc 2021; 10:e018762. [PMID: 33432839 PMCID: PMC7955310 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.120.018762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Background Benzodiazepines and morphine are given during acute coronary syndromes (ACSs) to alleviate anxiety and pain, and β-blockers may also reduce pain. ACS may induce posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (PTSS). When taken during trauma other than ACS, benzodiazepines increase the risk of PTSS, but it is unknown if benzodiazepines increase the risk of PTSS in ACS. We examined the effects of drug exposure during ACS on the development of PTSS. Methods and Results Study participants were 154 patients with a verified ACS. Baseline demographics, clinical variables, and psychological measures were obtained through a medical history, through a psychometric assessment, and from patient records, and used as covariates in linear regression analysis. Three months after ACS, the severity of PTSS was assessed with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale. During ACS, 37.7% of patients were exposed to benzodiazepines, whereas 72.1% were exposed to morphine and 88.3% were exposed to β-blockers, but only 7.1% were exposed to antidepressants. Eighteen (11.7%) patients developed clinical PTSD. Adjusting for all covariates, benzodiazepine use was significantly associated with the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale total severity score (unstandardized coefficient B [SE], 0.589 [0.274]; partial r=0.18; P=0.032) and the reexperiencing subscore (B [SE], 0.433 [0.217]; partial r=0.17; P=0.047). Patients exposed to benzodiazepines had an almost 4-fold increased relative risk of developing clinical PTSD, adjusting for acute stress disorder symptoms (odds ratio, 3.75; 95% CI, 1.31-10.77). Morphine, β-blockers, and antidepressants showed no predictive value. Conclusions Notwithstanding short-term antianxiety effects during ACS, benzodiazepine use might increase the risk of ACS-induced PTSS with clinical significance, thereby compromising patients' quality of life and prognosis. Registration URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT01781247.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland von Känel
- Department of Consultation‐Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic MedicineUniversity Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichSwitzerland
| | | | - Rebecca E. Meister‐Langraf
- Department of Consultation‐Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic MedicineUniversity Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichSwitzerland
- Clienia Schlössli AGOetwil am See, ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Jürgen Barth
- Complementary and Integrative MedicineUniversity Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Hansjörg Znoj
- Department of Health Psychology and Behavioral MedicineUniversity of BernSwitzerland
| | | | - Mary Princip
- Department of Consultation‐Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic MedicineUniversity Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichSwitzerland
| | - Aju P. Pazhenkottil
- Department of Consultation‐Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic MedicineUniversity Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichSwitzerland
- Department of CardiologyUniversity Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichSwitzerland
- Cardiac ImagingDepartment of Nuclear MedicineUniversity Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichSwitzerland
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15
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Schultebraucks K, Sijbrandij M, Galatzer-Levy I, Mouthaan J, Olff M, van Zuiden M. Forecasting individual risk for long-term Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in emergency medical settings using biomedical data: A machine learning multicenter cohort study. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100297. [PMID: 33553513 PMCID: PMC7843920 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The necessary requirement of a traumatic event preceding the development of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, theoretically allows for administering preventive and early interventions in the early aftermath of such events. Machine learning models including biomedical data to forecast PTSD outcome after trauma are highly promising for detection of individuals most in need of such interventions. In the current study, machine learning was applied on biomedical data collected within 48 h post-trauma to forecast individual risk for long-term PTSD, using a multinominal approach including the full spectrum of common PTSD symptom courses within one prognostic model for the first time. N = 417 patients (37.2% females; mean age 46.09 ± 15.88) admitted with (suspected) serious injury to two urban Academic Level-1 Trauma Centers were included. Routinely collected biomedical information (endocrine measures, vital signs, pharmacotherapy, demographics, injury and trauma characteristics) upon ED admission and subsequent 48 h was used. Cross-validated multi-nominal classification of longitudinal self-reported symptom severity (IES-R) over 12 months and bimodal classification of clinician-rated PTSD diagnosis (CAPS-IV) at 12 months post-trauma was performed using extreme Gradient Boosting and evaluated on hold-out sets. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) values were used to explain the derived models in human-interpretable form. Good prediction of longitudinal PTSD symptom trajectories (multiclass AUC = 0.89) and clinician-rated PTSD at 12 months (AUC = 0.89) was achieved. Most relevant prognostic variables to forecast both multinominal and dichotomous PTSD outcomes included acute endocrine and psychophysiological measures and hospital-prescribed pharmacotherapy. Thus, individual risk for long-term PTSD was accurately forecasted from biomedical information routinely collected within 48 h post-trauma. These results facilitate future targeted preventive interventions by enabling future early risk detection and provide further insights into the complex etiology of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Schultebraucks
- Vagelos School of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Emergency Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, United States of America; Data Science Institute, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Marit Sijbrandij
- Vrije Universiteit, Department of Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology; Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Research and Dissemination of Psychological Interventions, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Isaac Galatzer-Levy
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Joanne Mouthaan
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Miranda Olff
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, the Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute and Amsterdam Neuroscience Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mirjam van Zuiden
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Amsterdam Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute and Amsterdam Neuroscience Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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16
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17
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Short NA, Morabito DM, Gilmore AK. Secondary prevention for posttraumatic stress and related symptoms among women whohave experienced a recent sexual assault: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Depress Anxiety 2020; 37:1047-1059. [PMID: 32442345 PMCID: PMC7680285 DOI: 10.1002/da.23030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women who have experienced a recent sexual assault (SA) are at high risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related conditions, with approximately half of women experiencing SA meeting criteria for PTSD. There are no guidelines for the prevention of PTSD and other common mental health disorders after SA. Thus, the purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to synthesize research on secondary preventions for PTSD after SA, determine efficacy whether any intervention seems promising, and ascertain when, how, and to whom interventions should be delivered. METHODS After searching electronic databases for secondary preventions for PTSD and related conditions among women who have experienced a recent SA, 17 studies were reviewed, their quality was rated on the clinical trial assessment measure, and 10 studies were meta-analyzed (7 were excluded, as they were not randomized controlled trials or due to the absence of heterogeneity). RESULTS Results suggested a small-to-moderate effect of prevention on reducing PTSD and related symptoms. There was no moderating effect of medication versus psychosocial interventions, timing, treatment modality, or targeted versus universal prevention. Half of the studies were of high quality. CONCLUSION Cognitive-behavioral secondary preventions for PTSD appear to be safe and effective among women who have experienced a recent SA. Future research should identify best practices and mechanisms of treatment, and once identified, it should move toward implementation science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole A. Short
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | - Amanda K. Gilmore
- Department of Health Policy & Behavioral Sciences and Mark Chaffin Center for Healthy Development, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA
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18
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Morris LS, McCall JG, Charney DS, Murrough JW. The role of the locus coeruleus in the generation of pathological anxiety. Brain Neurosci Adv 2020; 4:2398212820930321. [PMID: 32954002 PMCID: PMC7479871 DOI: 10.1177/2398212820930321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
This review aims to synthesise a large pre-clinical and clinical
literature related to a hypothesised role of the locus coeruleus
norepinephrine system in responses to acute and chronic threat, as
well as the emergence of pathological anxiety. The locus coeruleus has
widespread norepinephrine projections throughout the central nervous
system, which act to globally modulate arousal states and adaptive
behavior, crucially positioned to play a significant role in
modulating both ascending visceral and descending cortical
neurocognitive information. In response to threat or a stressor, the
locus coeruleus–norepinephrine system globally modulates arousal,
alerting and orienting functions and can have a powerful effect on the
regulation of multiple memory systems. Chronic stress leads to
amplification of locus coeruleus reactivity to subsequent stressors,
which is coupled with the emergence of pathological anxiety-like
behaviors in rodents. While direct in vivo evidence for locus
coeruleus dysfunction in humans with pathological anxiety remains
limited, recent advances in high-resolution 7-T magnetic resonance
imaging and computational modeling approaches are starting to provide
new insights into locus coeruleus characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurel S Morris
- The Depression and Anxiety Center for Discovery and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jordan G McCall
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dennis S Charney
- Dean's Office, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - James W Murrough
- The Depression and Anxiety Center for Discovery and Treatment, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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19
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The role of glucocorticoid receptors in the induction and prevention of hippocampal abnormalities in an animal model of posttraumatic stress disorder. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:2125-2137. [PMID: 32333135 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05523-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Since the precise mechanisms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) remain unknown, effective treatment interventions have not yet been established. Numerous clinical studies have led to the hypothesis that elevated glucocorticoid levels in response to extreme stress might trigger a pathophysiological cascade which consequently leads to functional and morphological changes in the hippocampus. OBJECTIVES To elucidate the pathophysiology of PTSD, we examined the alteration of hippocampal gene expression through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the single prolonged stress (SPS) paradigm, a rat model of PTSD. METHODS We measured nuclear GRs by western blot, and the binding of GR to the promoter of Bcl-2 and Bax genes by chromatin immunoprecipitation-qPCR as well as the expression of these 2 genes by RT-PCR in the hippocampus of SPS rats. In addition, we examined the preventive effects of a GR antagonist on SPS-induced molecular, morphological, and behavioral alterations (hippocampal gene expression of Bcl-2 and Bax, hippocampal apoptosis using TUNEL staining, impaired fear memory extinction (FME) using the contextual fear conditioning paradigm). RESULTS Exposure to SPS increased nuclear GR expression and GR binding to Bcl-2 gene, and decreased Bcl-2 mRNA expression. Administration of GR antagonist immediately after SPS prevented activation of the glucocorticoid cascade, hippocampal apoptosis, and impairment FME in SPS rats. CONCLUSION The activation of GRs in response to severe stress may trigger the pathophysiological cascade leading to impaired FME and hippocampal apoptosis. In contrast, administration of GR antagonist could be useful for preventing the development of PTSD.
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20
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Bertolini F, Robertson L, Ostuzzi G, Meader N, Bisson JI, Churchill R, Barbui C. Early pharmacological interventions for acute traumatic stress symptoms: a network meta-analysis. Hippokratia 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Bertolini
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry; University of Verona; Verona Italy
| | - Lindsay Robertson
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders; University of York; York UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination; University of York; York UK
| | - Giovanni Ostuzzi
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry; University of Verona; Verona Italy
| | - Nicholas Meader
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders; University of York; York UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination; University of York; York UK
| | - Jonathan I Bisson
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences; Cardiff University School of Medicine; Cardiff UK
| | - Rachel Churchill
- Cochrane Common Mental Disorders; University of York; York UK
- Centre for Reviews and Dissemination; University of York; York UK
| | - Corrado Barbui
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry; University of Verona; Verona Italy
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Fesharaki-Zadeh A, Miyauchi JT, St. Laurent-Arriot K, Tsirka SE, Bergold PJ. Increased Behavioral Deficits and Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Co-Morbid Traumatic Brain Injury and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. ASN Neuro 2020; 12:1759091420979567. [PMID: 33342261 PMCID: PMC7755938 DOI: 10.1177/1759091420979567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Comorbid post-traumatic stress disorder with traumatic brain injury (TBI) produce more severe affective and cognitive deficits than PTSD or TBI alone. Both PTSD and TBI produce long-lasting neuroinflammation, which may be a key underlying mechanism of the deficits observed in co-morbid TBI/PTSD. We developed a model of co-morbid TBI/PTSD by combining the closed head (CHI) model of TBI with the chronic variable stress (CVS) model of PTSD and examined multiple behavioral and neuroinflammatory outcomes. Male C57/Bl6 mice received sham treatment, CHI, CVS, CHI then CVS (CHI → CVS) or CVS then CHI (CVS → CHI). The CVS → CHI group had deficits in Barnes maze or active place avoidance not seen in the other groups. The CVS → CHI, CVS and CHI → CVS groups displayed increased basal anxiety level, based on performance on elevated plus maze. The CVS → CHI had impaired performance on Barnes Maze, and Active Place Avoidance. These performance deficits were strongly correlated with increased hippocampal Iba-1 level an indication of activated MP/MG. These data suggest that greater cognitive deficits in the CVS → CHI group were due to increased inflammation. The increased deficits and neuroinflammation in the CVS → CHI group suggest that the order by which a subject experiences TBI and PTSD is a major determinant of the outcome of brain injury in co-morbid TBI/PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arman Fesharaki-Zadeh
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Jeremy T. Miyauchi
- Department of Physiology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Karrah St. Laurent-Arriot
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Stella E. Tsirka
- Department of Physiology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
| | - Peter J. Bergold
- Department of Pharmacology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
- Department of Neurology, State University of New York, Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York
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22
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Mamelak M. Nightmares and the Cannabinoids. Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 18:754-768. [PMID: 31934840 PMCID: PMC7536831 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200114142321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoids, Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinol and its analogue, nabilone, have been found to reliably attenuate the intensity and frequency of post-traumatic nightmares. This essay examines how a traumatic event is captured in the mind, after just a single exposure, and repeatedly replicated during the nights that follow. The adaptive neurophysiological, endocrine and inflammatory changes that are triggered by the trauma and that alter personality and behavior are surveyed. These adaptive changes, once established, can be difficult to reverse. But cannabinoids, uniquely, have been shown to interfere with all of these post-traumatic somatic adaptations. While cannabinoids can suppress nightmares and other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, they are not a cure. There may be no cure. The cannabinoids may best be employed, alone, but more likely in conjunction with other agents, in the immediate aftermath of a trauma to mitigate or even abort the metabolic changes which are set in motion by the trauma and which may permanently alter the reactivity of the nervous system. Steps in this direction have already been taken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mortimer Mamelak
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Baycrest Hospital, Permanent Address: 19 Tumbleweed Road, Toronto, OntarioM2J 2N2, Canada
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23
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Repantis D, Wermuth K, Tsamitros N, Danker-Hopfe H, Bublitz JC, Kühn S, Dresler M. REM sleep in acutely traumatized individuals and interventions for the secondary prevention of post-traumatic stress disorder. Eur J Psychotraumatol 2020; 11:1740492. [PMID: 32341766 PMCID: PMC7170365 DOI: 10.1080/20008198.2020.1740492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence supports a close link between REM sleep and the consolidation of emotionally toned memories such as traumatic experiences. In order to investigate the role of sleep for the development of symptoms related to traumatic experiences, beyond experimental models in the laboratory, sleep of acutely traumatised individuals may be examined on the first night after trauma. This might allow us to identify EEG variables predicting the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and guide the way to novel sleep interventions to prevent PTSD. Based on our experience, patients' acceptance of polysomnography in the first hours after treatment in an emergency room poses obstacles to such a strategy. Wearable, self-applicable sleep recorders might be an option for the investigation of sleep in the aftermath of trauma. They would considerably decrease the perceived burden for patients and thus increase the likelihood of successful patient recruitment. As one potential sleep intervention, sleep deprivation directly after trauma has been suggested to reduce the consolidation of traumatic memories and hence act as a secondary preventive measure. However, experimental data from sleep deprivation studies in healthy volunteers with the trauma film paradigm have been inconclusive regarding the beneficial or detrimental effects of sleep on traumatic memory processing. Depending on further insights into the role of sleep in traumatic memory consolidation through observational and experimental studies, several options for therapeutic sleep interventions are conceivable: besides behavioural sleep deprivation, selective REM sleep suppression or enhancement by a pharmacological intervention into the serotonergic, noradrenergic or cholinergic systems might provide novel therapeutic options. While REM-modulating drugs have been used with some success for the prevention of PTSD after trauma, they have never been tried before the first night of sleep. In conclusion, more experimental and observational research is needed before sleep interventions are performed in actual trauma victims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Repantis
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Wermuth
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nikolaos Tsamitros
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heidi Danker-Hopfe
- Competence Center of Sleep Medicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Christoph Bublitz
- Faculty of Law, Universität Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,Centre for Interdisciplinary Research (ZiF), Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Simone Kühn
- Lise Meitner Group for Environmental Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Dresler
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Dawson AZ, Walker RJ, Campbell JA, Davidson TM, Egede LE. Telehealth and indigenous populations around the world: a systematic review on current modalities for physical and mental health. Mhealth 2020; 6:30. [PMID: 32632368 PMCID: PMC7327286 DOI: 10.21037/mhealth.2019.12.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Approximately 370-500 million Indigenous people live worldwide. While Indigenous peoples make up only 5% of the world's population, they account for 15% of the extreme poor and have life expectancy that is 20 years shorter than that of non-Indigenous people. Access to healthcare has been identified as an important social determinant of health and key driver of health outcomes. Indigenous populations often face barriers to accessing healthcare including living in remote areas, lacking financial resources, and having cultural differences. Telehealth, the utililzation of any synchronous modality, including phone, video, or teleconferencing technology used to support the provision of long-distance health care and health education, is a feasible and cost-effective treatment delivery mechanism that has successfully addressed access barriers faced by vulnerable populations globally, however, few studies have included indigenous populations and the application of this technology to improve physical and mental health outcomes. This systematic review aims to identify trials that were conducted among Indigenous adults, and to summarize the components of interventions that have been found to effectively improve the health of Indigenous peoples. The PRISMA guidelines for reporting of systematic reviews were followed in preparing this manuscript. Studies were identified by searching PubMed, Scopus, and PsychInfo databases for clinical trial articles on Indigenous peoples and mental and physical health, published between January 1, 1998 and December 31, 2018. Eligibility criteria for determining studies to include in the analysis were as follows: (I) ≥18 years of age; (II) indigenous peoples; (III) any technology-based intervention; (IV) studies included at least one of the following mental health (depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide) and physical health (mortality, blood pressure, hemoglobin A1C, cholesterol, quality of life) outcomes; (V) clinical trials. A total of 2,662 articles were identified and six were included in the final review based on pre-specified eligibility criteria. Three were conducted in the United States, one study was conducted in Canada, and two were conducted in New Zealand. Study sample sizes ranged from 20 to 762, intervention delivery times ranged from three to 20 months and utilized telephone, internet and SMS messaging as the type of technology. There is a paucity of evidence on the use of telehealth programs to increase access to chronic disease programs in Indigenous populations. This review highlights the importance of culturally tailoring programs despite the modality in which they are delivered, and recommends telephone-based delivery facilitated by a trained health professional. Telehealth has great promise for meeting the health needs of highly marginalized Indigenous populations around the world, however, at this point more research is needed to understand how best to structure and deliver these programs for maximum effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aprill Z. Dawson
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Rebekah J. Walker
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Campbell
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | | | - Leonard E. Egede
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- Center for Advancing Population Science, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Pharmacological prevention and early treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Transl Psychiatry 2019; 9:334. [PMID: 31819037 PMCID: PMC6901463 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-019-0673-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common mental disorder associated with significant distress and reduced functioning. Its occurrence after a severe traumatic event and association with characteristic neurobiological changes make PTSD a good candidate for pharmacological prevention and early treatment. The primary aim for this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess whether pharmacological interventions when compared to placebo, or other pharmacological/psychosocial interventions resulted in a clinically significant reduction or prevention of symptoms, improved functioning or quality of life, presence of disorder, or adverse effects. A systematic search was undertaken to identify RCTs, which used early pharmacotherapy (within three months of a traumatic event) to prevent and treat PTSD and acute stress disorder (ASD) in children and adults. Using Cochrane Collaboration methodology, RCTs were identified and rated for risk of bias. Available data was pooled to calculate risk ratios (RR) for PTSD prevalence and standardised mean differences (SMD) for PTSD severity. 19 RCTs met the inclusion criteria; 16 studies with adult participants and three with children. The methodological quality of most trials was low. Only hydrocortisone in adults was found to be superior to placebo (3 studies, n = 88, RR: 0.21 (CI 0.05 to 0.89)) although this was in populations with severe physical illness, raising concerns about generalisability. No significant effects were found for the other pharmacotherapies investigated (propranolol, oxytocin, gabapentin, fish oil (1470 mg DHA/147 mg EPA), fish oil (224 mg DHA/22.4 mg EPA), dexamethasone, escitalopram, imipramine and chloral hydrate). Hydrocortisone shows the most promise, of pharmacotherapies subjected to RCTs, as an emerging intervention in the prevention of PTSD within three months after trauma and should be a target for further investigation. The limited evidence for hydrocortisone and its adverse effects mean it cannot be recommended for routine use, but, it could be considered as a preventative intervention for people with severe physical illness or injury, shortly after a traumatic event, as long as there are no contraindications. More research is needed using larger, high quality RCTs to establish the most efficacious use of hydrocortisone in different populations and optimal dosing, dosing window and route. There is currently a lack of evidence to suggest that other pharmacological agents are likely to be effective.
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26
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Suomi A, Evans L, Rodgers B, Taplin S, Cowlishaw S. Couple and family therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 12:CD011257. [PMID: 31797352 PMCID: PMC6890534 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011257.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) refers to an anxiety or trauma- and stressor-related disorder that is linked to personal or vicarious exposure to traumatic events. PTSD is associated with a range of adverse individual outcomes (e.g. poor health, suicidality) and significant interpersonal problems which include difficulties in intimate and family relationships. A range of couple- and family-based treatments have been suggested as appropriate interventions for families impacted by PTSD. OBJECTIVES The objectives of this review were to: (1) assess the effects of couple and family therapies for adult PTSD, relative to 'no treatment' conditions, 'standard care', and structured or non-specific individual or group psychological therapies; (2) examine the clinical characteristics of studies that influence the relative effects of these therapies; and (3) critically evaluate methodological characteristics of studies that may bias the research findings. SEARCH METHODS We searched MEDLINE (1950- ), Embase (1980- ) and PsycINFO (1967- ) via the Cochrane Common Mental Disorders Controlled Trials Register (CCMDCTR) to 2014, then directly via Ovid after this date. We also searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) via the Cochrane Library. We conducted supplementary searches of PTSDPubs (all available years) (this database is formerly known as PILOTS (Published International Literature on Traumatic Stress)). We manually searched the early editions of key journals and screened the reference lists and bibliographies of included studies to identify other relevant research. We also contacted the authors of included trials for unpublished information. Studies have been incorporated from searches to 3 March 2018. SELECTION CRITERIA Eligible studies were randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of couple or family therapies for PTSD in adult samples. The review considered any type of therapy that was intended to treat intact couples or families where at least one adult family member met criteria for PTSD. It was required that participants were diagnosed with PTSD according to recognised classification systems. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used the standard methodological procedures prescribed by Cochrane. Three review authors screened all titles and abstracts and two authors independently extracted data from each study deemed eligible and assessed the risk of bias for each study. We used odds ratios (OR) to summarise the effects of interventions for dichotomous outcomes, and standardised mean differences (SMD) to summarise post-treatment between-group differences on continuous measures. MAIN RESULTS We included four trials in the review. Two studies examined the effects of cognitive behavioural conjoint/couple's therapy (CBCT) relative to a wait list control condition, although one of these studies only reported outcomes in relation to relationship satisfaction. One study examined the effects of structural approach therapy (SAT) relative to a PTSD family education (PFE) programme; and one examined the effects of adjunct behavioural family therapy (BFT) but failed to report any outcome variables in sufficient detail - we did not include it in the meta-analysis. One trial with 40 couples (80 participants) showed that CBCT was more effective than wait list control in reducing PTSD severity (SMD -1.12, 95% CI -1.79 to -0.45; low-quality evidence), anxiety (SMD -0.93, 95% CI -1.58 to -0.27; very low-quality evidence) and depression (SMD -0.66, 95% CI -1.30 to -0.02; very low-quality evidence) at post-treatment for the primary patient with PTSD. Data from two studies indicated that treatment and control groups did not differ significantly according to relationship satisfaction (SMD 1.07, 95% CI -0.17 to 2.31; very low-quality evidence); and one study showed no significant differences regarding depression (SMD 0.28, 95% CI -0.35 to 0.90; very low-quality evidence) or anxiety symptoms (SMD 0.15, 95% CI -0.47 to 0.77; very low-quality evidence) for the partner of the patient with PTSD. One trial with 57 couples (114 participants) showed that SAT was more effective than PFE in reducing PTSD severity for the primary patient (SMD -1.32, 95% CI -1.90 to -0.74; low-quality evidence) at post-treatment. There was no evidence of differences on the other outcomes, including relationship satisfaction (SMD 0.01, 95% CI -0.51 to 0.53; very low-quality evidence), depression (SMD 0.21, 95% CI -0.31 to 0.73; very low-quality evidence) and anxiety (SMD -0.16, 95% CI -0.68 to 0.36; very low-quality evidence) for intimate partners; and depression (SMD -0.28, 95% CI -0.81 to 0.24; very low-quality evidence) or anxiety (SMD -0.34, 95% CI -0.87 to 0.18; very low-quality evidence) for the primary patient. Two studies reported on adverse events and dropout rates, and no significant differences between groups were observed. Two studies were classified as having a 'low' or 'unclear' risk of bias in most domains, except for performance bias that was rated 'high'. Two studies had significant amounts of missing information resulting in 'unclear' risk of bias. There were too few studies available to conduct subgroup analyses. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There are few trials of couple-based therapies for PTSD and evidence is insufficient to determine whether these offer substantive benefits when delivered alone or in addition to psychological interventions. Preliminary RCTs suggest, however, that couple-based therapies for PTSD may be potentially beneficial for reducing PTSD symptoms, and there is a need for additional trials of both adjunctive and stand-alone interventions with couples or families which target reduced PTSD symptoms, mental health problems of family members and dyadic measures of relationship quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aino Suomi
- Australian Catholic UniversityInstitute of Child Protection StudiesCanberraAustralia
- The University of MelbourneMelbourne Graduate School of EducationMelbourneAustralia
| | - Lynette Evans
- La Trobe UniversitySchool of Psychological Studies, Faculty of Science, Technology and EngineeringMelbourneAustralia
| | - Bryan Rodgers
- The Australian National UniversitySchool of Demography, ANU College of Arts and Social SciencesCanberraAustralia
| | - Stephanie Taplin
- Australian Catholic UniversityInstitute of Child Protection StudiesCanberraAustralia
| | - Sean Cowlishaw
- The University of MelbournePhoenix Australia Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health, Department of PsychiatryMelbourneAustralia
- University of BristolBristol Medical SchoolBristolUK
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Ades V, Goddard B, Pearson Ayala S, Greene JA. Caring for long term health needs in women with a history of sexual trauma. BMJ 2019; 367:l5825. [PMID: 31640984 DOI: 10.1136/bmj.l5825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ades
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Judy A Greene
- NYU School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA
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Bertolini F, Robertson L, Ostuzzi G, Meader N, Bisson JI, Churchill R, Barbui C. Early pharmacological interventions for preventing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a network meta-analysis. Hippokratia 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Bertolini
- University of Verona; Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry; Verona Italy
| | - Lindsay Robertson
- University of York; Cochrane Common Mental Disorders; Heslington York UK YO10 5DD
- University of York; Centre for Reviews and Dissemination; York UK
| | - Giovanni Ostuzzi
- University of Verona; Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry; Verona Italy
| | - Nicholas Meader
- University of York; Cochrane Common Mental Disorders; Heslington York UK YO10 5DD
- University of York; Centre for Reviews and Dissemination; York UK
| | - Jonathan I Bisson
- Cardiff University School of Medicine; Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences; Hadyn Ellis Building Maindy Road Cardiff UK CF24 4HQ
| | - Rachel Churchill
- University of York; Cochrane Common Mental Disorders; Heslington York UK YO10 5DD
- University of York; Centre for Reviews and Dissemination; York UK
| | - Corrado Barbui
- University of Verona; Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, Section of Psychiatry; Verona Italy
- University of Verona; Cochrane Global Mental Health; Verona Italy
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DePierro J, Lepow L, Feder A, Yehuda R. Translating Molecular and Neuroendocrine Findings in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Resilience to Novel Therapies. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 86:454-463. [PMID: 31466562 PMCID: PMC6907400 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2019.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many biological systems are altered in association with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and resilience. However, there are only few approved pharmacological treatments for PTSD, and no approved medications to enhance resilience. This article provides a critical review of select neurobiological findings in PTSD and resilience, and also of pharmacologic approaches that have emerged from this work. The medications summarized involve engagement with targets in the adrenergic, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and neuropeptide Y systems. Other highlighted approaches involve the use of ketamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted psychotherapy, which recently surfaced as promising strategies for PTSD, though the neurobiological mechanisms underlying their actions, including for promoting resilience, are not yet fully understood. The former approaches fall within the broad concept of "rational pharmacotherapy," in that they attempt to directly target dysregulated systems known to be associated with posttraumatic symptoms. To the extent that use of ketamine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine promotes symptom improvement and resilience in PTSD, this provides an opportunity for reverse translation and identification of relevant targets and mechanisms of action through careful study of biological changes resulting from these interventions. Promoting resilience in trauma-exposed individuals may involve more than pharmacologically manipulating dysregulated molecules and pathways associated with developing and sustaining PTSD symptom severity, but also producing a substantial change in mental state that increases the ability to engage with traumatic material in psychotherapy. Neurobiological examination in the context of treatment studies may yield novel targets and promote a greater understanding of mechanisms of recovery from trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan DePierro
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Lauren Lepow
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Adriana Feder
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Department of Psychiatry, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York.
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Frijling J, Olff M, van Zuiden M. Pharmacological Prevention of PTSD: Current Evidence for Clinical Practice. Psychiatr Ann 2019. [DOI: 10.3928/00485713-20190604-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This article reviews recent evidence related to public health epidemiology and intervention for traumatic stress and PTSD. Recent evidence is presented regarding incidence of traumatic stress worldwide, as well as most frequent types of traumas, indicators of the public health burden of PTSD, and prevalence, predictors, and correlates of PTSD. Public health perspectives on intervention and treatment are delineated, and innovations in both psychosocial and psychopharmacological interventions are highlighted. RECENT FINDINGS PTSD has been associated with substantial medical and economic burden. Recent public health preventive innovations include integrated medical/behavioral health care, acute CBT and attention interventions, modifications to CBT protocols, use of novel and augmentative psychopharmacological agents, and use of technology. Recent research regarding the scope and impact of traumatic stress, as well as prevention strategies for PTSD, have resulted in an improved understanding of its impact and more effective public health interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Watson
- Department of Veterans Affairs (116D), National Center for PTSD, Executive Division, 215 N. Main ST, White River Junction, VT, 05009, USA.
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El-Gabalawy R, Sommer JL, Pietrzak R, Edmondson D, Sareen J, Avidan MS, Jacobsohn E. Post-traumatic stress in the postoperative period: current status and future directions. Can J Anaesth 2019; 66:1385-1395. [DOI: 10.1007/s12630-019-01418-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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de Kloet ER, de Kloet SF, de Kloet CS, de Kloet AD. Top-down and bottom-up control of stress-coping. J Neuroendocrinol 2019; 31:e12675. [PMID: 30578574 PMCID: PMC6519262 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
In this 30th anniversary issue review, we focus on the glucocorticoid modulation of limbic-prefrontocortical circuitry during stress-coping. This action of the stress hormone is mediated by mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs) and glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) that are co-expressed abundantly in these higher brain regions. Via both receptor types, the glucocorticoids demonstrate, in various contexts, rapid nongenomic and slower genomic actions that coordinate consecutive stages of information processing. MR-mediated action optimises stress-coping, whereas, in a complementary fashion, the memory storage of the selected coping strategy is promoted via GR. We highlight the involvement of adipose tissue in the allocation of energy resources to central regulation of stress reactions, point to still poorly understood neuronal ensembles in the prefrontal cortex that underlie cognitive flexibility critical for effective coping, and evaluate the role of cortisol as a pleiotropic regulator in vulnerability to, and treatment of, trauma-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edo R. de Kloet
- Division of EndocrinologyDepartment of MedicineLeiden University Medical CenterLeidenThe Netherlands
| | - Sybren F. de Kloet
- Department of Integrative NeurophysiologyCenter for Neurogenomics and Cognitive ResearchVU‐University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Annette D. de Kloet
- Department of Physiology and Functional GenomicsUniversity of FloridaGainesvilleFlorida
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Abdallah CG, Averill LA, Akiki TJ, Raza M, Averill CL, Gomaa H, Adikey A, Krystal JH. The Neurobiology and Pharmacotherapy of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Annu Rev Pharmacol Toxicol 2019; 59:171-189. [PMID: 30216745 PMCID: PMC6326888 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pharmtox-010818-021701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
New approaches to the neurobiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are needed to address the reported crisis in PTSD drug development. These new approaches may require the field to move beyond a narrow fear-based perspective, as fear-based medications have not yet demonstrated compelling efficacy. Antidepressants, particularly recent rapid-acting antidepressants, exert complex effects on brain function and structure that build on novel aspects of the biology of PTSD, including a role for stress-related synaptic dysconnectivity in the neurobiology and treatment of PTSD. Here, we integrate this perspective within a broader framework-in other words, a dual pathology model of ( a) stress-related synaptic loss arising from amino acid-based pathology and ( b) stress-related synaptic gain related to monoamine-based pathology. Then, we summarize the standard and experimental (e.g., ketamine) pharmacotherapeutic options for PTSD and discuss their putative mechanism of action and clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chadi G Abdallah
- Clinical Neuroscience Division, Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Lynnette A Averill
- Clinical Neuroscience Division, Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Teddy J Akiki
- Clinical Neuroscience Division, Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Mohsin Raza
- Clinical Neuroscience Division, Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Christopher L Averill
- Clinical Neuroscience Division, Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Hassaan Gomaa
- Clinical Neuroscience Division, Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - Archana Adikey
- Clinical Neuroscience Division, Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
| | - John H Krystal
- Clinical Neuroscience Division, Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut 06516, USA;
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut 06511, USA
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Glucocorticoid-induced enhancement of extinction-from animal models to clinical trials. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:183-199. [PMID: 30610352 PMCID: PMC6373196 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-5116-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Extensive evidence from both animal model and human research indicates that glucocorticoid hormones are crucially involved in modulating memory performance. Glucocorticoids, which are released during stressful or emotionally arousing experiences, enhance the consolidation of new memories, including extinction memory, but reduce the retrieval of previously stored memories. These memory-modulating properties of glucocorticoids have recently received considerable interest for translational purposes because strong aversive memories lie at the core of several fear-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder and phobias. Moreover, exposure-based psychological treatment of these disorders relies on successful fear extinction. In this review, we argue that glucocorticoid-based interventions facilitate fear extinction by reducing the retrieval of aversive memories and enhancing the consolidation of extinction memories. Several clinical trials have already indicated that glucocorticoids might be indeed helpful in the treatment of fear-related disorders.
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Gorchakova N, Heimuller E, Galkin A. Current Safety Data of the Complex Herbal Medicine with Sedative and Cardioprotective Actions. INNOVATIVE BIOSYSTEMS AND BIOENGINEERING 2018. [DOI: 10.20535/ibb.2018.2.3.143029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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Mellon SH, Gautam A, Hammamieh R, Jett M, Wolkowitz OM. Metabolism, Metabolomics, and Inflammation in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2018; 83:866-875. [PMID: 29628193 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 02/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is defined by classic psychological manifestations, although among the characteristics are significantly increased rates of serious somatic comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, immune dysfunction, and metabolic syndrome. In this review, we assess the evidence for disturbances that may contribute to somatic pathology in inflammation, metabolic syndrome, and circulating metabolites (implicating mitochondrial dysfunction) in individuals with PTSD and in animal models simulating features of PTSD. The clinical and preclinical data highlight probable interrelated features of PTSD pathophysiology, including a proinflammatory milieu, metabolomic changes (implicating mitochondrial and other processes), and metabolic dysregulation. These data suggest that PTSD may be a systemic illness, or that it at least has systemic manifestations, and the behavioral manifestations are those most easily discerned. Whether somatic pathology precedes the development of PTSD (and thus may be a risk factor) or follows the development of PTSD (as a result of either shared pathophysiologies or lifestyle adaptations), comorbid PTSD and somatic illness is a potent combination placing affected individuals at increased physical as well as mental health risk. We conclude with directions for future research and novel treatment approaches based on these abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Synthia H Mellon
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Aarti Gautam
- Integrative Systems Biology, United States Army Medical Research and Material Command, United States Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Rasha Hammamieh
- Integrative Systems Biology, United States Army Medical Research and Material Command, United States Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Marti Jett
- Integrative Systems Biology, United States Army Medical Research and Material Command, United States Army Center for Environmental Health Research, Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland.
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Rosellini AJ, Dussaillant F, Zubizarreta JR, Kessler RC, Rose S. Predicting posttraumatic stress disorder following a natural disaster. J Psychiatr Res 2018; 96:15-22. [PMID: 28950110 PMCID: PMC5726547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 07/23/2017] [Accepted: 09/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Earthquakes are a common and deadly natural disaster, with roughly one-quarter of survivors subsequently developing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Despite progress identifying risk factors, limited research has examined how to combine variables into an optimized post-earthquake PTSD prediction tool that could be used to triage survivors to mental health services. The current study developed a post-earthquake PTSD risk score using machine learning methods designed to optimize prediction. The data were from a two-wave survey of Chileans exposed to the 8.8 magnitude earthquake that occurred in February 2010. Respondents (n = 23,907) were interviewed roughly three months prior to and again three months after the earthquake. Probable post-earthquake PTSD was assessed using the Davidson Trauma Scale. We applied super learning, an ensembling machine learning method, to develop the PTSD risk score from 67 risk factors that could be assessed within one week of earthquake occurrence. The super learner algorithm had better cross-validated performance than the 39 individual algorithms from which it was developed, including conventional logistic regression. The super learner also had a better area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.79) than existing post-disaster PTSD risk tools. Individuals in the top 5%, 10%, and 20% of the predicted risk distribution accounted for 17.5%, 32.2%, and 51.4% of all probable cases of PTSD, respectively. In addition to developing a risk score that could be implemented in the near future, these results more broadly support the utility of super learning to develop optimized prediction functions for mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Rosellini
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | - José R Zubizarreta
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Decision, Risk and Operations, and Department of Statistics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ronald C Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sherri Rose
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Grant S, Colaiaco B, Motala A, Shanman R, Sorbero M, Hempel S. Acupuncture for the Treatment of Adults with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Trauma Dissociation 2018; 19:39-58. [PMID: 28151093 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2017.1289493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Acupuncture has been suggested as a treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), yet its clinical effects are unclear. This review aims to estimate effects of acupuncture on PTSD symptoms, depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and sleep quality for adults with PTSD. We searched 10 databases in January 2016 to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We performed random effects meta-analyses and examined quality of the body of evidence (QoE) using the GRADE approach to rate confidence in meta-analytic effect estimates. Seven RCTs with 709 participants met inclusion criteria. We identified very low QoE indicating significant differences favoring acupuncture (versus any comparator) at post-intervention on PTSD symptoms (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI] [-1.59, -0.01], 6 RCTs), and low QoE at longer follow-up on PTSD (SMD = -0.46, 95% CI [-0.85, -0.06], 4 RCTs) and depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.56; 95% CI [-0.88, -0.23], 4 RCTs). No significant differences were observed between acupuncture and comparators at post-intervention for depressive symptoms (SMD = -0.58, 95% CI [-1.18, 0.01], 6 RCTs, very low QoE), anxiety symptoms (SMD = -0.82, 95% CI [-2.16, 0.53], 4 RCTs, very low QoE), and sleep quality (SMD = -0.46, 95% CI [-3.95, 3.03], 2 RCTs, low QoE). Safety data (7 RCTs) suggest little risk of serious adverse events, though some participants experienced minor/moderate pain, superficial bleeding, and hematoma at needle insertion sites. To increase confidence in findings, sufficiently powered replication trials are needed that measure all relevant clinical outcomes and dedicate study resources to minimizing participant attrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Grant
- a RAND Corporation , Santa Monica , California , USA
| | | | - Aneesa Motala
- a RAND Corporation , Santa Monica , California , USA
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Wang W, Wang R, Xu J, Qin X, Jiang H, Khalid A, Liu D, Pan F, Ho CSH, Ho RCM. Minocycline Attenuates Stress-Induced Behavioral Changes via Its Anti-inflammatory Effects in an Animal Model of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:558. [PMID: 30459654 PMCID: PMC6232125 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidences have suggested that anxiety-like behavior and impairment of learning and memory are key symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and pharmacological treatment can ameliorate anxiety and cognitive impairments. Recent studies have shown that minocycline exhibits anxiolytic effects. The aims of the present study were to determine whether minocycline administration would alter anxiety-like behavior and cognitive deficits induced by inescapable foot shock (IFS) and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Male Wistar rats were exposed to the IFS protocol for a period of 6 days to induce PTSD. The PTSD-like behavior was tested using the open field test, elevated plus maze test, and Morris water maze test. The effects of minocycline on pro-inflammatory cytokines, activation of microglia, and NF-κB in the PFC and hippocampus were also examined. Treatment with minocycline significantly reversed the IFS induced behavioral and cognitive parameters (impaired learning and memory function) in stressed rats. Additionally, IFS was able to increase pro-inflammatory cytokines, activate microglia, and enhance NF-κB levels, while minocycline significantly reversed these alterations. Taken together, our results suggest that the anxiolytic effect of minocycline is related to its ability to decrease the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibit activation of microglia and NF-κB in the PFC and hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingjing Xu
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaqing Qin
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Arslan Khalid
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Dexiang Liu
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Fang Pan
- Department of Medical Psychology and Ethics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Cyrus S H Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Roger C M Ho
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Cooper O, Bonert V, Moser F, Mirocha J, Melmed S. Altered Pituitary Gland Structure and Function in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. J Endocr Soc 2017; 1:577-587. [PMID: 29264511 PMCID: PMC5686623 DOI: 10.1210/js.2017-00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to stressors, but links to neurophysiological and neuroanatomical changes are unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine whether stress-induced cortisol alters negative feedback on pituitary corticotroph function and pituitary volume. DESIGN Prospective controlled study in an outpatient clinic. METHODS Subjects with PTSD and matched control subjects underwent pituitary volume measurement on magnetic resonance imaging, with pituitary function assessed by 24-hour urine free cortisol (UFC), 8:00 am cortisol, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, and ACTH levels after 2-day dexamethasone/corticotropin-releasing hormone test. Primary outcome was pituitary volume; secondary outcomes were ACTH area under the curve (AUC) and 24-hour UFC. RESULTS Thirty-nine subjects were screened and 10 subjects with PTSD were matched with 10 healthy control subjects by sex and age. Mean pituitary volume was 729.7 mm3 [standard deviation (SD), 227.3 mm3] in PTSD subjects vs 835.2 mm3 (SD, 302.8 mm3) in control subjects. ACTH AUC was 262.5 pg/mL (SD, 133.3 pg/mL) L in PTSD vs 244.0 pg/mL (SD, 158.3 pg/mL) in control subjects (P = 0.80). In PTSD subjects, UFC levels and pituitary volume inversely correlated with PTSD duration; pituitary volume correlated with ACTH AUC in control subjects (Pearson correlation coefficient, 0.88, P = 0.0009) but not in PTSD subjects. CONCLUSIONS The HPA axis may be downregulated and dysregulated in people with PTSD, as demonstrated by discordant pituitary corticotroph function and pituitary volume vs intact HPA feedback and correlation of pituitary volume with ACTH levels in healthy control subjects. The results suggest a link between pituitary structure and function in PTSD, which may point to endocrine targeted therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Odelia Cooper
- Pituitary Center, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048
| | - Vivien Bonert
- Pituitary Center, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048
| | - Franklin Moser
- Department of Imaging, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048
| | - James Mirocha
- Biostatistics Core, Research Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048
| | - Shlomo Melmed
- Pituitary Center, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California 90048
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Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is common worldwide and occurs in more than one-third of American women and psychiatric patients. As well as physical injuries, it may cause mental health sequelae, such as depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, psychosis, inability to trust others, self-harm, and a host of psychosomatic conditions, that may be referred to psychiatrists. It is imperative that psychiatrists know the risk factors, how to assist disclosure of IPV, and how to safely respond. Psychiatrists must know the best evidence-based management of IPV and its mental health sequelae to best assist patients who have been exposed to IPV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Eileen Stewart
- University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, EN-7-229, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, 200 Elizabeth Street, 7EN-229, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada; Centre for Mental Health, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, 7EN-229, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada.
| | - Simone Natalie Vigod
- University of Toronto, 200 Elizabeth Street, EN-7-229, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada; Women's College Hospital and Research Institute, 76 Grenville Street, Room 7234, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1B2, Canada
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Glavin CEY, Montgomery P. Creative bibliotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): a systematic review. JOURNAL OF POETRY THERAPY 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/08893675.2017.1266190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Calla E. Y. Glavin
- Centre for Evidence Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Paul Montgomery
- Centre for Evidence Based Intervention, Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Bromet EJ, Atwoli L, Kawakami N, Navarro-Mateu F, Piotrowski P, King AJ, Aguilar-Gaxiola S, Alonso J, Bunting B, Demyttenaere K, Florescu S, de Girolamo G, Gluzman S, Haro JM, de Jonge P, Karam EG, Lee S, Kovess-Masfety V, Medina-Mora ME, Mneimneh Z, Pennell BE, Posada-Villa J, Salmerón D, Takeshima T, Kessler RC. Post-traumatic stress disorder associated with natural and human-made disasters in the World Mental Health Surveys. Psychol Med 2017; 47:227-241. [PMID: 27573281 PMCID: PMC5432967 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291716002026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following natural and human-made disasters has been undertaken for more than three decades. Although PTSD prevalence estimates vary widely, most are in the 20-40% range in disaster-focused studies but considerably lower (3-5%) in the few general population epidemiological surveys that evaluated disaster-related PTSD as part of a broader clinical assessment. The World Mental Health (WMH) Surveys provide an opportunity to examine disaster-related PTSD in representative general population surveys across a much wider range of sites than in previous studies. METHOD Although disaster-related PTSD was evaluated in 18 WMH surveys, only six in high-income countries had enough respondents for a risk factor analysis. Predictors considered were socio-demographics, disaster characteristics, and pre-disaster vulnerability factors (childhood family adversities, prior traumatic experiences, and prior mental disorders). RESULTS Disaster-related PTSD prevalence was 0.0-3.8% among adult (ages 18+) WMH respondents and was significantly related to high education, serious injury or death of someone close, forced displacement from home, and pre-existing vulnerabilities (prior childhood family adversities, other traumas, and mental disorders). Of PTSD cases 44.5% were among the 5% of respondents classified by the model as having highest PTSD risk. CONCLUSION Disaster-related PTSD is uncommon in high-income WMH countries. Risk factors are consistent with prior research: severity of exposure, history of prior stress exposure, and pre-existing mental disorders. The high concentration of PTSD among respondents with high predicted risk in our model supports the focus of screening assessments that identify disaster survivors most in need of preventive interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. J. Bromet
- Department of Psychiatry, Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - L. Atwoli
- Department of Mental Health, Moi University School of Medicine, Eldoret, Kenya
| | - N. Kawakami
- Department of Mental Health, School of Public Health, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - F. Navarro-Mateu
- Subdirección General de Salud Mental, Servicio Murciano de Salud, IMIB-Arrixaca, CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Murcia, Spain
| | - P. Piotrowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - A. J. King
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - J. Alonso
- IMIM-Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Parc de Salut Mar, Barcelona, Spain
- Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Barcelona, Spain
| | - B. Bunting
- School of Psychology, University of Ulster, Londonderry, UK
| | - K. Demyttenaere
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - S. Florescu
- National School of Public Health, Management and Professional Development, Bucharest, Romania
| | - G. de Girolamo
- IRCCS St. John of God Clinical Research Centre, Brescia, Italy
| | - S. Gluzman
- Ukrainian Psychiatric Association, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - J. M. Haro
- Parc Sanitari Sant Joan de Déu, CIBERSAM, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - P. de Jonge
- Department of Psychiatry, Interdisciplinary Center, Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation (ICPE), University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - E. G. Karam
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Medicine, Balamand University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology, St George Hospital University Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
- Institute for Development Research Advocacy and Applied Care (IDRAAC), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - S. Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Tai Po, Hong Kong
| | - V. Kovess-Masfety
- Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Santé Publique (EHESP), EA 4057 Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - M. E. Medina-Mora
- Ramon de la Fuente Muñiz National Institute of Psychiatry, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Z. Mneimneh
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - B.-E. Pennell
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - D. Salmerón
- Department of Epidemiology, Department of Health and Social Sciences, Murcia Regional Health Council, IMIB-Arrixaca, CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | - T. Takeshima
- Department of Health and Welfare for the Disabled, Health and Welfare Bureau, Kawasaki City, Japan
| | - R. C. Kessler
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Therapeutic Implications of Brain-Immune Interactions: Treatment in Translation. Neuropsychopharmacology 2017; 42:334-359. [PMID: 27555382 PMCID: PMC5143492 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2016.167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A wealth of data has been amassed that details a complex, yet accessible, series of pathways by which the immune system, notably inflammation, can influence the brain and behavior. These data have opened the window to a diverse array of novel targets whose potential efficacy is tied to specific neurotransmitters and neurocircuits as well as specific behaviors. What is clear is that the impact of inflammation on the brain cuts across psychiatric disorders and engages dopaminergic and glutamatergic pathways that regulate motivation and motor activity as well as the sensitivity to threat. Given the ability to identify patient populations with increased inflammation, the precision of interventions can be further tuned, in conjunction with the ability to establish target engagement in the brain through the use of multiple neuroimaging strategies. After a brief overview of the mechanisms by which inflammation affects the brain and behavior, this review examines the extant literature on the efficacy of anti-inflammatory treatments, while forging guidelines for future intelligent clinical trial design. An examination of the most promising therapeutic strategies is also provided, along with some of the most exciting clinical trials that are currently being planned or underway.
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Thomas E, Stein DJ. Novel pharmacological treatment strategies for posttraumatic stress disorder. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2016; 10:167-177. [PMID: 27835034 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2017.1260001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A wide range of medications have been studied for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and a number are registered for this indication. Nevertheless, current pharmacotherapies are only partially effective in some patients, and are minimally effective in others. Thus novel treatment avenues need to be explored. Areas covered: In considering novel pharmacological agents for the treatment of PTSD, this paper takes a translational approach. We outline how advances in our understanding of the underlying neurobiology of PTSD may inform the identification of potential new treatment targets, including glutamatergic, noradrenergic and opioid pathways. Expert commentary: Continued investigation of the neural substrates and signalling pathways involved in responses to trauma may inform the development of novel treatment targets for future drug development for PTSD. However, the translation of preclinical findings to clinical practice is likely to be complex and gradual.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen Thomas
- a Division of Consultation Liaison, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- b US/UCT MRC Unit on Anxiety and Stress Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health , University of Cape Town , Cape Town , South Africa
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47
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Friedman MJ, Bernardy NC. Considering future pharmacotherapy for PTSD. Neurosci Lett 2016; 649:181-185. [PMID: 27890743 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2016] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent, disabling, and often chronic condition that may develop following exposure to a traumatic event. Despite the immense social and economic ramifications of PTSD, there has been relatively little recent development of new pharmacotherapies. The majority of pharmacological randomized clinical trials (RCTs) that has been conducted are now dated. Existing treatments for PTSD primarily have come out of research that tested medications developed for other disorders such as antidepressants, anti-hypertensives, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and anxiolytics. With an improved understanding of the complex pathophysiology of PTSD, we consider why it has taken so long to identify important targets to advance the field by addressing the underlying pathophysiology in pharmacological interventions. Exciting developments include research into PTSD-related abnormalities associated with dysregulation of adrenergic, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical, monoaminergic, peptide, glutamatergic, GABAergic, cannabinoid, opioid, and other neurotransmitter and neuroendocrine systems. Yet, this is a broad list and there are many unanswered questions. Current research on biomarkers associated with different clinical phenotypes of PTSD should lead to novel and more specific pharmacotherapeutic strategies. In this brief review, we consider key questions regarding current knowledge on pharmacological treatments for PTSD and highlight evolving practices in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Friedman
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (116D), Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 215 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05009, USA; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Psychiatry, 1 Rope Ferry Road, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
| | - Nancy C Bernardy
- National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (116D), Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 215 North Main Street, White River Junction, VT 05009, USA; Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Department of Psychiatry, 1 Rope Ferry Road, Hanover, NH 03755, USA.
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48
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de Quervain D, Schwabe L, Roozendaal B. Stress, glucocorticoids and memory: implications for treating fear-related disorders. Nat Rev Neurosci 2016; 18:7-19. [PMID: 27881856 DOI: 10.1038/nrn.2016.155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 310] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid stress hormones are crucially involved in modulating mnemonic processing of emotionally arousing experiences. They enhance the consolidation of new memories, including those that extinguish older memories, but impair the retrieval of information stored in long-term memory. As strong aversive memories lie at the core of several fear-related disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder and phobias, the memory-modulating properties of glucocorticoids have recently become of considerable translational interest. Clinical trials have provided the first evidence that glucocorticoid-based pharmacotherapies aimed at attenuating aversive memories might be helpful in the treatment of fear-related disorders. Here, we review important advances in the understanding of how glucocorticoids mediate stress effects on memory processes, and discuss the translational potential of these new conceptual insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique de Quervain
- Transfaculty Research Platform, University of Basel, CH-4055, Basel, Switzerland.,Division of Cognitive Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, University of Basel, CH-4055, Basel, Switzerland.,University Psychiatric Clinics, University of Basel, CH-4012, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lars Schwabe
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, Institute of Psychology, University of Hamburg, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Benno Roozendaal
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center, 6500 HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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49
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Treatment-refractory posttraumatic stress disorder (TRPTSD): a review and framework for the future. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 70:170-218. [PMID: 26854815 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious psychiatric consequence of trauma that occurs in a proportion of individuals exposed to life-threatening events. Trauma-focused psychotherapy is often recommended as first choice for those who do not recover spontaneously. But many individuals require medications. In the US, only paroxetine (PRX) and sertraline (SRT) are FDA approved for PTSD. But response and remission rates with these medications are low, so numerous other pharmacologic interventions have been tried. To date, there has not been a systematic review of the data on what are the best next-step pharmacologic strategies for individuals who fail standard treatments. To that end, we review 168 published trials of medications other than PRX or SRT and provide a detailed analysis of the 88/168 studies that describe alternative pharmacologic interventions in patients refractory to other treatment. We also review clinical factors relevant to treatment-refractory PTSD; the neurobiology of extinction, as well as evidence-based psychotherapy and neuromodulation strategies for this condition.
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50
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Jiang DG, Jin SL, Li GY, Li QQ, Li ZR, Ma HX, Zhuo CJ, Jiang RH, Ye MJ. Serotonin regulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in select brain regions during acute psychological stress. Neural Regen Res 2016; 11:1471-1479. [PMID: 27857753 PMCID: PMC5090852 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.191222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that serotonin (5-HT) might interact with brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) during the stress response. However, the relationship between 5-HT and BDNF expression under purely psychological stress is unclear. In this study, one hour before psychological stress exposure, the 5-HT1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT or antagonist MDL73005, or the 5-HT2A receptor agonist DOI or antagonist ketanserin were administered to rats exposed to psychological stress. Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization revealed that after psychological stress, with the exception of the ventral tegmental area, BDNF protein and mRNA expression levels were higher in the 5-HT1A and the 5-HT2A receptor agonist groups compared with the solvent control no-stress or psychological stress group in the CA1 and CA3 of the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, central amygdaloid nucleus, dorsomedial hypothalamic nucleus, dentate gyrus, shell of the nucleus accumbens and the midbrain periaqueductal gray. There was no significant difference between the two agonist groups. In contrast, after stress exposure, BDNF protein and mRNA expression levels were lower in the 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptor antagonist groups than in the solvent control non-stress group, with the exception of the ventral tegmental area. Our findings suggest that 5-HT regulates BDNF expression in a rat model of acute psychological stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-guo Jiang
- Department of Psychiatry, Wenzhou 7 People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Shi-li Jin
- Department of Psychiatry, Second Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Gong-ying Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Second Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Qing-qing Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhi-ruo Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Second Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hong-xia Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chuan-jun Zhuo
- Department of Psychiatry, Wenzhou 7 People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Rong-huan Jiang
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Department of Psychological Medicine, Chinese PLA Medical School, Beijing, China
| | - Min-jie Ye
- The Affiliated Kangning Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
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