Primary Care Providers' Perspectives on Prescribing Antidepressant Medication to Latino Immigrant Patients: A Preliminary Study

Facilitators and Barriers to Shared Decision-Making Communication Between Latina Mothers and Pediatric Mental Healthcare Providers

This study assessed communication factors influencing shared decision-making (SDM) between language-congruent clinicians and Latina mothers of pediatric mental health patients. The sample comprised Latinx youth up to 22 years old who were enrolled in mental healthcare and attended mental health-related sessions with their parent. One hundred transcripts depicting mental health visits were coded using the Conversation Analysis framework. Coding included inductive coding that came from analyzing the structure, or orderliness, of the visits and content discussed that affects SDM. Thematic qualitative analysis revealed that facilitators to SDM included collaborative engagement, parents being active in tailoring session content, and integrating the preferences, roles, and next steps for treatment among all participants. Barriers included unskilled interpersonal interactions undermining rapport, off-topic conversations becoming the session's focus, poor time management, and irregularly integrating parent/patient preferences into the clinician's decisions regarding the child's treatment. Additionally, visit content, structure, tone, and interpersonal engagement were factors that variably facilitated or served as barriers to patient participation in SDM and were integral to collaborative, family-centered care. These findings delineated characteristics of pediatric mental health conversations and identified areas to strengthen communication between parents, patients, and clinicians to shift toward more effective SDM and improve patient outcomes among Latinx families.

The Therapeutic Potential of Amphetamine-like Psychostimulants

This review delves into the therapeutic applications of amphetamine-type stimulants such as lisdexamphetamine dimesylate, mixed amphetamine salts, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), dextroamphetamine, and phentermine. These compounds have been investigated for their potential in treating a range of psychiatric disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), drug dependence, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obesity. Lisdexamphetamine dimesylate has shown promise in effectively treating ADHD symptoms in both children and adults. Additionally, it has been explored as a potential treatment for drug dependency and withdrawal, demonstrating encouraging results. Mixed amphetamine salts have also exhibited efficacy in reducing ADHD symptoms in adults. Future research should explore their potential use in treating bipolar disorder and cocaine dependence, considering the associated risks and benefits. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has emerged as an innovative approach to treating PTSD, leading to sustained reductions in symptoms and even promoting post-traumatic growth. Furthermore, it has shown promise in managing anxiety related to life-threatening illnesses. Dextroamphetamine and phentermine have demonstrated efficacy in treating cocaine and opioid dependence, ADHD, and obesity. However, careful consideration and monitoring by medical professionals are essential due to the potential risks and benefits associated with them. In conclusion, amphetamine-type stimulants present a promising avenue for therapeutic interventions in various psychiatric conditions. Nevertheless, further research is necessary to comprehensively understand their mechanisms of action, dosage requirements, and long-term effects in different patient populations.

Satisfação dos responsáveis por adolescentes com as informações recebidas para o uso dos psicotrópicos em Unidade de Saúde Mental

Resumo Objetivo: Analisar a satisfação dos responsáveis por adolescentes com as informações recebidas para o uso dos medicamentos psicofármacos. Métodos: Estudo transversal realizado em ambulatório de referência entre 2017 e 2019, em Brasília, com 173 responsáveis por adolescentes diagnosticados com transtornos mentais e comportamentais em uso de psicofármacos. O questionário Satisfaction with Information about Medicines Scale (SIMS) foi utilizado para identificar o grau de satisfação em relação às informações recebidas sobre os medicamentos. Resultados: A maioria dos responsáveis estava insatisfeita quanto às informações recebidas sobre psicofármacos (n=112; 64,7%). Destacou-se a insatisfação com as informações sobre potenciais problemas do medicamento (n=127; 73,4%), quando comparada à ação e ao uso (n=89; 51,5%). As informações sobre o impacto do medicamento na vida sexual do adolescente foram consideradas insatisfatórias ou inexistentes. Conclusões: A satisfação dos responsáveis com as informações recebidas sobre psicofármacos foi baixa. Os participantes demonstraram insatisfação com as informações sobre potenciais problemas, especialmente às relacionadas ao impacto na vida sexual dos adolescentes.

Parents’ satisfaction with information received on psychotropic drugs used by adolescents in a Mental Health Unit

Abstract Objective: To analyze the satisfaction of those responsible for adolescents with information received for the use of psychotropic drugs. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out in a reference outpatient clinic in Brasília between 2017 and 2019. It involved 173 legal representatives of adolescents diagnosed with Mental and Behavioral Disorders using psychotropic drugs. In order to identify the level of satisfaction about the information received on psychotropic drugs, the Satisfaction with Information about Medicines Scale (SIMS) was used. Results: Most guardians were dissatisfied with the information received on psychotropic drugs (n=112; 64.7%). The dissatisfaction with information about potential problems of medication was the one that stood out the most (n=127; 73.4%) when compared to information about action and usage (n=89; 51.5%). Participants considered information on the impact of medication on the adolescent’s sexual life unsatisfactory or nonexistent. Conclusions: The parents’ satisfaction with the information received about psychotropic drugs was low. Participants showed dissatisfaction with the information about potential problems, especially related to the impact on the sexual life of their tutored.

Applying the Health Belief Model to Characterize Racial/Ethnic Differences in Digital Conversations Related to Depression Pre– and Mid–COVID-19 (Preprint)

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