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Poweleit EA, Vaughn SE, Desta Z, Dexheimer JW, Strawn JR, Ramsey LB. Machine Learning-Based Prediction of Escitalopram and Sertraline Side Effects With Pharmacokinetic Data in Children and Adolescents. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024; 115:860-870. [PMID: 38297828 PMCID: PMC11046530 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are the first-line pharmacologic treatment for anxiety and depressive disorders in children and adolescents. Many patients experience side effects that are difficult to predict, are associated with significant morbidity, and can lead to treatment discontinuation. Variation in SSRI pharmacokinetics could explain differences in treatment outcomes, but this is often overlooked as a contributing factor to SSRI tolerability. This study evaluated data from 288 escitalopram-treated and 255 sertraline-treated patients ≤ 18 years old to develop machine learning models to predict side effects using electronic health record data and Bayesian estimated pharmacokinetic parameters. Trained on a combined cohort of escitalopram- and sertraline-treated patients, a penalized logistic regression model achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.77 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66-0.88), with 0.69 sensitivity (95% CI: 0.54-0.86), and 0.82 specificity (95% CI: 0.72-0.87). Medication exposure, clearance, and time since the last dose increase were among the top features. Individual escitalopram and sertraline models yielded an AUROC of 0.73 (95% CI: 0.65-0.81) and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.55-0.73), respectively. Post hoc analysis showed sertraline-treated patients with activation side effects had slower clearance (P = 0.01), which attenuated after accounting for age (P = 0.055). These findings raise the possibility that a machine learning approach leveraging pharmacokinetic data can predict escitalopram- and sertraline-related side effects. Clinicians may consider differences in medication pharmacokinetics, especially during dose titration and as opposed to relying on dose, when managing side effects. With further validation, application of this model to predict side effects may enhance SSRI precision dosing strategies in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan A. Poweleit
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Research in Patient Services, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Samuel E. Vaughn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Zeruesenay Desta
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Indiana University, School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Judith W. Dexheimer
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Jeffrey R. Strawn
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Laura B. Ramsey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutic Innovation, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, MO, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
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Carroll SL, Sykes BW, Mills PC. Understanding and treating equine behavioural problems. Vet J 2023; 296-297:105985. [PMID: 37127134 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2023.105985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Behaviour-related issues are common in horses. Many 'undesirable behaviours' pose important safety concerns for the human handlers / riders / carers, as well as welfare concerns for the horse. Undesirable behaviours can also devalue a horse, or result in the horse being re-homed, relinquished, or euthanased. Undesirable behaviours occur for a range of reasons. These include physiological causes, poor management, and the use of inappropriate or poorly applied handling and training techniques. The potential contribution of each of these aspects must be considered when attempting to reduce or eliminate undesirable behaviours. Effectively modifying the existing behaviour includes investigation and treatment of potential physiological causes, assessing and adjusting existing handling, husbandry and management, and undertaking behaviour modifying training. Unlike in the treatment of dogs and cats, the use of psychotropic agents is uncommon in equine behaviour medicine but the benefits of using these agents in appropriate cases is gaining recognition. This review discusses potential causes for the development and maintenance of undesirable behaviours in horses and highlights the various considerations involved in determining the most appropriate course for reducing or eliminating these behaviours. There is also a brief discussion about the potential role of psychotropic agents as an additional component of an overall behaviour modification plan to reduce or eliminate undesirable behaviours in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon L Carroll
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia.
| | - Benjamin W Sykes
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia; School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
| | - Paul C Mills
- School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Queensland, Australia
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Strawn JR, Mills JA, Poweleit EA, Ramsey LB, Croarkin PE. Adverse Effects of Antidepressant Medications and their Management in Children and Adolescents. Pharmacotherapy 2023. [PMID: 36651686 PMCID: PMC10378577 DOI: 10.1002/phar.2767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and, to a lesser extent, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are the cornerstone of pharmacotherapy for children and adolescents with anxiety and depressive disorders. These medications alleviate symptoms and restore function for many youths; however, they are associated with a distinct adverse effect profile, and their tolerability may complicate treatment or lead to discontinuation. Yet, SSRI/SNRI tolerability has received limited attention in the pediatric literature. METHODS This review examines the early- (e.g., activation, gastrointestinal symptoms, sedation) and late-emerging (e.g., weight gain) adverse effects of SSRIs and some SNRIs in pediatric patients. RESULTS We provide a framework for discussing SSRI/SNRI tolerability with patients and their families and describe the pharmacologic basis, course, and predictors of adverse events in youth. Strategies to address specific tolerability concerns are presented. For selected adverse events, using posterior simulation of mean differences over time, we describe their course based on Physical Symptom Checklist measures in a prospective, randomized trial of anxious youth aged 7-17 years who were treated with sertraline (n = 139) or placebo (n = 76) for 12 weeks in the Child/Adolescent Anxiety Multimodal Study (CAMS). MAIN RESULTS In CAMS, the relative severity/burden of total physical symptoms (p < 0.001), insomnia (p = 0.001), restlessness (p < 0.001), nausea (p = 0.002), abdominal pain (p < 0.001), and dry mouth (p = 0.024) decreased from baseline over 12 weeks of sertraline treatment, raising the possibility that these symptoms are transient. No significant changes were observed for sweating (p = 0.103), constipation (p = 0.241), or diarrhea (p = 0.489). Finally, we review the antidepressant withdrawal syndrome in children and adolescents and provide guidance for SSRI discontinuation, using pediatric pharmacokinetic models of escitalopram and sertraline-two of the most used SSRIs in youth. CONCLUSION SSRI/SNRIs are associated with both early-emerging (often transient) and late-emerging adverse effects in youth. Pharmacokinetically-informed appraoches may address some adverse effects and inform SSRI/SNRI discontinuation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey R Strawn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, Anxiety Disorders Research Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Jeffrey A Mills
- Department of Economics, Lindner College of Business, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Ethan A Poweleit
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Research in Patient Services, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Laura B Ramsey
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA.,Division of Research in Patient Services, Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Paul E Croarkin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Jo E, Ryu M, Kenderova G, So S, Shapiro B, Papoutsaki A, Epstein DA. Designing Flexible Longitudinal Regimens: Supporting Clinician Planning for Discontinuation of Psychiatric Drugs. CHI CONFERENCE ON HUMAN FACTORS IN COMPUTING SYSTEMS 2022; 2022. [PMID: 35789138 PMCID: PMC9247721 DOI: 10.1145/3491102.3502206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Clinical decision support tools have typically focused on one-time support for diagnosis or prognosis, but have the ability to support providers in longitudinal planning of patient care regimens amidst infrastructural challenges. We explore an opportunity for technology support for discontinuing antidepressants, where clinical guidelines increasingly recommend gradual discontinuation over abruptly stopping to avoid withdrawal symptoms, but providers have varying levels of experience and diverse strategies for supporting patients through discontinuation. We conducted two studies with 12 providers, identifying providers’ needs in developing discontinuation plans and deriving design guidelines. We then iteratively designed and implemented AT Planner, instantiating the guidelines by projecting taper schedules and providing flexibility for adjustment. Provider feedback on AT Planner highlighted that discontinuation plans required balancing interpersonal and infrastructural constraints and surfaced the need for different technological support based on clinical experience. We discuss the benefits and challenges of incorporating flexibility and advice into clinical planning tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunkyung Jo
- University of California, Irvine, United States
| | | | | | - Samuel So
- University of Washington, United States
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Vanicek T, Reed MB, Unterholzner J, Klöbl M, Godbersen GM, Handschuh PA, Spurny-Dworak B, Ritter V, Gryglewski G, Kraus C, Winkler D, Lanzenberger R, Seiger R. Escitalopram administration, relearning, and neuroplastic effects: A diffusion tensor imaging study in healthy individuals. J Affect Disord 2022; 301:426-432. [PMID: 35016914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroplastic processes are influenced by serotonergic agents, which reportedly alter white matter microstructure in humans in conjunction with learning. The goal of this double-blind, placebo-controlled imaging study was to investigate the neuroplastic properties of escitalopram and cognitive training on white matter plasticity during (re)learning as a model for antidepressant treatment and environmental factors. METHODS Seventy-one healthy individuals (age=25.6 ± 5.0, 43 females) underwent three diffusion magnetic resonance imaging scans: at baseline, after 3 weeks of associative learning (emotional/non-emotional content), and after relearning shuffled associations for an additional 3 weeks. During the relearning phase, participants received a daily dose of 10 mg escitalopram or placebo orally. Fractional anisotropy (FA), and mean (MD), axial (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were calculated within the FMRIB software library and analyzed using tract-based spatial statistics. RESULTS In a three-way repeated-measures marginal model with sandwich estimator standard errors, we found no significant effects of escitalopram and content on AD, FA, MD, and RD during both learning and relearning periods (pFDR>0.05). When testing for escitalopram or content effects separately, we also demonstrated no significant findings (pFDR>0.05) for any of the diffusion tensor imaging metrics. LIMITATIONS The intensity of the study interventions might have been too brief to induce detectable white matter changes. DISCUSSION Previous studies examining the effects of SSRIs on white matter tracts in humans have yielded inconclusive outcomes. Our results indicate that relearning under escitalopram does not affect the white matter microstructures in healthy individuals when administered for 3 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Vanicek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - M B Reed
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - J Unterholzner
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - M Klöbl
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - G M Godbersen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - P A Handschuh
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - B Spurny-Dworak
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - V Ritter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - G Gryglewski
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - C Kraus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - D Winkler
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - R Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria.
| | - R Seiger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
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Wang QQ, Cheng L, Wu BY, Xu P, Qiu HY, Wang B, Yan XJ, Chen SL. Short-course antidepressant therapy reduces discontinuation syndrome while maintaining treatment efficacy in patients with refractory functional dyspepsia: A randomized controlled trial. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1063722. [PMID: 36569610 PMCID: PMC9772443 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1063722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Long-course (LC) antidepressants for the treatment of disorders of gut-brain interaction, such as refractory functional dyspepsia (rFD), pose patients at risk of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome (ADS). Short-course (SC) therapy of rapid-acting antidepressant may reduce discontinuation syndromes while maintaining efficacy for dyspeptic symptoms. However, the evidence-based research is lacking. This study aims to determine whether SC therapy with antidepressants could decrease the risk of ADS with comparable treatment efficacy to LC therapy in rFD. METHODS This randomized clinical trial with rFD patients was conducted at a tertiary hospital in China. Participants (N = 240) were randomly allocated to receive flupentixol-melitracen (FM) plus omeprazole therapy for 2 (SC group) or 4 (LC group) weeks, respectively. Scores for Leeds Dyspepsia Questionnaire (LDQ), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 for Depression (PHQ-9) were assessed at baseline and every 2 weeks, ending at 4 weeks after treatment. ADS was assessed after drug cessation. Medication possession ratio (MPR) for FM was calculated. RESULTS The severity and incidence of ADS of patients in SC group were significantly lower than those in LC group (0.60 ± 0.62 vs. 1.71 ± 1.58 and 3.64 vs. 39.45%; both P < 0.0001). The MPR values for FM were significantly higher in patients of SC group than in LC group (P < 0.0001). Scores for LDQ, GAD-7 and PHQ-9 decreased in patients of both groups, and the symptom improvement in SC group was comparable to that in LC group after treatment. CONCLUSIONS Compared to 4-week FM therapy, the 2-week FM therapy reduces the risk of ADS with non-inferior treatment efficacy in patients with rFD. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical trials.gov, identifier NCT05099913.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Qian Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Cheng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bi-Yu Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong-Yi Qiu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiu-Juan Yan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Liang Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Sørensen A, Ruhé HG, Munkholm K. The relationship between dose and serotonin transporter occupancy of antidepressants-a systematic review. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:192-201. [PMID: 34548628 PMCID: PMC8960396 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-021-01285-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Brain imaging techniques enable the visualization of serotonin transporter (SERT) occupancy as a measure of the proportion of SERT blocked by an antidepressant at a given dose. We aimed to systematically review the evidence on the relationship between antidepressant dose and SERT occupancy. We searched PubMed and Embase (last search 20 May 2021) for human in vivo, within-subject PET, or SPECT studies measuring SERT occupancy at any dose of any antidepressant with highly selective radioligands ([11C]-DASB, [123I]-ADAM, and [11C]-MADAM). We summarized and visualized the dose-occupancy relationship for antidepressants across studies, overlaying the plots with a curve based on predicted values of a standard 2-parameter Michaelis-Menten model fitted using the observed data. We included seventeen studies of 10 different SSRIs, SNRIs, and serotonin modulators comprising a total of 294 participants, involving 309 unique occupancy measures. Overall, following the Michaelis-Menten equation, SERT occupancy increased with a higher dose in a hyperbolic relationship, with occupancy increasing rapidly at lower doses and reaching a plateau at approximately 80% at the usual minimum recommended dose. All the studies were small, only a few investigated the same antidepressant, dose, and brain region, and few reported information on factors that may influence SERT occupancy. The hyperbolic dose-occupancy relationship may provide mechanistic insight of relevance to the limited clinical benefit of dose-escalation in antidepressant treatment and the potential emergence of withdrawal symptoms. The evidence is limited by non-transparent reporting, lack of standardized methods, small sample sizes, and short treatment duration. Future studies should standardize the imaging and reporting procedures, measure occupancy at lower antidepressant doses, and investigate the moderators of the dose-occupancy relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders Sørensen
- Nordic Cochrane Centre, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Henricus G. Ruhé
- grid.10417.330000 0004 0444 9382Department of Psychiatry, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands ,grid.5590.90000000122931605Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaus Munkholm
- grid.10825.3e0000 0001 0728 0170Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Odense (CEBMO) and Cochrane Denmark, Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark ,grid.7143.10000 0004 0512 5013Open Patient data Exploratory Network (OPEN), Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Patacchini A, Cosci F. Exposure to serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors or serotonin noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and sexual dysfunction: Results from an online survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RISK & SAFETY IN MEDICINE 2021; 32:229-242. [DOI: 10.3233/jrs-200074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Post-SSRI Sexual Dysfunction (PSSD) is characterized by sexual and emotional symptoms associated to the exposure to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) or Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRI). OBJECTIVE: The present study provides a comprehensive picture on demographic and clinical characteristics associated to PSSD. METHODS: An online survey was run on subjects self-declaring as affected by PSSD. The survey collected socio-demographic and clinical data via questions created ad hoc and three standardized scales (Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, World Health Organization Wellbeing Index). RESULTS: A total of 135 subjects (115 males; mean age 31.9 ± 8.9 years) was analysed. The syndrome was more represented among young, heterosexual males after the exposure to SSRI/SNRI at relatively high doses. The major findings involved the temporal sequence of symptoms: 118 subjects had symptoms both during and after SSRI/SNRI administration, and 17 only after, thus deposing for a iatrogenic action of SSRI/SNRI. Different variables, represented by both emotional and sexual symptoms, accounted for the variability of the severity of the sexual dysfunction as well as of wellbeing. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the present results, PSSD is a complex iatrogenic syndrome in need of being further studied and understood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fiammetta Cosci
- , University of Florence, , Italy
- , University of Florence, , Italy
- , Maastricht University, , The Netherlands
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Framer A. What I have learnt from helping thousands of people taper off antidepressants and other psychotropic medications. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2021; 11:2045125321991274. [PMID: 33796265 PMCID: PMC7970174 DOI: 10.1177/2045125321991274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although psychiatric drug withdrawal syndromes have been recognized since the 1950s - recent studies confirm antidepressant withdrawal syndrome incidence upwards of 40% - medical information about how to safely go off the drugs has been lacking. To fill this gap, over the last 25 years, patients have developed a robust Internet-based subculture of peer support for tapering off psychiatric drugs and recovering from withdrawal syndrome. This account from the founder of such an online community covers lessons learned from thousands of patients regarding common experiences with medical providers, identification of adverse drug reactions, risk factors for withdrawal, tapering techniques, withdrawal symptoms, protracted withdrawal syndrome, and strategies to cope with symptoms, in the context of the existing scientific literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Framer
- SurvivingAntidepressants.org, San Francisco,
California, USA
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Sjöstedt P, Enander J, Isung J. Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and the Gut Microbiome: Significance of the Gut Microbiome in Relation to Mechanism of Action, Treatment Response, Side Effects, and Tachyphylaxis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:682868. [PMID: 34122195 PMCID: PMC8187765 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.682868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The monoamine hypothesis of psychopharmacology has been dominating the biological psychiatric research field for decades. Currently psychiatric research has increasingly appreciated psychiatric disorders and suicidal behavior as being highly complex and multi-etiological. In this pathway the gut microbiome and its interrelationship with the brain is gaining traction. The usage of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) is increasing in the general population. This is due to their effect on a broad range of psychiatric disorders, and their favorable side effect profile. Still, there are enigmatic aspects about SSRIs, such as the difficulty to predict effect in individual patients, inter-individual differences in side effect, tachyphylaxis (a sudden loss of response to a certain drug), and to date, uncertainties on how they exert their clinical effect. A majority of the serotonin in the human body is produced within the gut, and SSRIs affect enteric neurons. They also exhibit antimicrobial properties that comes with the potential of disrupting microbial hemostasis. We propose that the role of the gut-brain axis and the gut microbiome in relation to psychopharmacology should be more highlighted. With this article, together with similar articles, we would like to provide a hypothetical framework for future studies within this field. We believe that this would have the potential to provide a paradigm shift within the field of psychopharmacology, and result in findings that potentially could contribute to the development of a more personalized and tailored treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesper Enander
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Josef Isung
- Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Stockholm, Sweden
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Fava GA, Rafanelli C. Iatrogenic Factors in Psychopathology. PSYCHOTHERAPY AND PSYCHOSOMATICS 2020; 88:129-140. [PMID: 31085917 DOI: 10.1159/000500151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni A Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, University at Buffalo, State University of New York, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Chiara Rafanelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy,
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12
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Fava GA. May antidepressant drugs worsen the conditions they are supposed to treat? The clinical foundations of the oppositional model of tolerance. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2020; 10:2045125320970325. [PMID: 33224471 PMCID: PMC7649913 DOI: 10.1177/2045125320970325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years there has been a considerable debate on antidepressant drugs. Continued drug treatment with antidepressant medications may stimulate processes that run counter to the initial acute effects of a drug. The oppositional model of tolerance may explain loss of treatment efficacy during maintenance treatment and the fact that some side effects tend to occur only after a certain time. These processes may also direct the illness into a treatment-unresponsive course, including manifestations of bipolar disorder or paradoxical reactions. When drug treatment ends, oppositional processes no longer encounter resistance, resulting in potential onset of new withdrawal symptoms, persistent post-withdrawal disorders, hypomania, and resistance to treatment if it is reinstituted. In all these cases, antidepressant medications may constitute a form of iatrogenic comorbidity, which increases chronicity and vulnerability to depressive episodes. Antidepressant medications are essential drugs for the treatment of major depressive episodes. They are less likely, however, to provide protection for relapse prevention. Current prescription practices need to be reformulated in light of consideration of vulnerabilities and adverse effects of treatment. The oppositional model of tolerance provides a conceptual framework for weighing all these elements in the individual case. The model does not appear to apply to all patients who undergo treatment with AD, but only to a part of them. Studying the variables that are associated with such occurrence in certain patients and not in others would be one of the most important tasks of current therapeutic research. Current diagnostic systems in psychiatry do not consider the iatrogenic components of psychopathology, and can be applied to only patients who are drug free. They are suited for a patient who no longer exists: most of the cases that are seen in psychiatric clinical practice receive psychotropic drugs and such treatment is likely to affect prognosis and treatment choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni A Fava
- Department of Psychiatry, University at Buffalo, Erie County Medical Center, 462 Grider Street, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA
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