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Morena D, Di Fazio N, Scognamiglio P, Delogu G, Baldari B, Cipolloni L, Frati P, Fineschi V. Predictors of Defensive Practices among Italian Psychiatrists: Additional Findings from a National Survey. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1928. [PMID: 38003977 PMCID: PMC10673589 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59111928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Background: Defensive medicine is characterized by medical decisions made primarily as a precaution against potential malpractice claims. For psychiatrists, professional responsibility encompasses not only the appropriateness of diagnosis and treatment but also the effects of their interventions on patients and their behaviors. Objective: To investigate the socio-demographic, educational, and occupational characteristics and work-related attitudes that may serve as predictors of defensive medicine among Italian psychiatrists. This research extends the results of a previous analysis based on a national survey. Methods: A secondary analysis of the database of a national survey on attitudes and behaviors of Italian psychiatrists regarding defensive medicine and professional liability was performed for this study. Results: Among 254 surveyed psychiatrists, 153 admitted to practicing defensive medicine, while 101 had this attitude with less than half of their patients. The first group was predominantly comprised of women (p = 0.014), who were younger in age (43.34 y 9.89 vs. 48.81 y 11.66, p < 0.001) and had fewer years of professional experience (12.09 y ± 9.8 vs. 17.46 y ± 11.2, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in prior involvement in complaints (p = 0.876) or the usual place of work (p = 0.818). The most prominent predictors for practicing defensive medicine were (1) considering guidelines and good clinical practices not only for their clinical efficacy but also or exclusively for reducing the risk of legal complaints for professional liability (OR = 3.62; 95%CI, 1.75-7.49), and (2) hospitalizing patients with violent intentions even if not warranted according to their mental state (OR = 2.28; 95%CI, 1.50-3.46, p < 0.001). Prioritizing protection from professional liability over patients' actual needs in prescribing or adjusting drug dosages and in involuntary hospitalization, as well as prescribing lower dosages than recommended for pregnant patients, were identified as additional predictors. Finally, years of professional experience exhibited a protective function against defensive practices. Conclusions: Psychiatrists advocate the need to implement a 'risk management culture' and the provision of more balanced duties in order to ensure ethical and evidence-based care to their patients. A particular source of concern stems from their professional responsibility towards not only the health of patients but also their behavior. However, these aspects conflict with a limited potential for assessment and intervention based on effective clinical tools. A reform of professional liability that considers the specificities of patients cared for by mental health services could contribute to reducing the risk of defensive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Morena
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (N.D.F.); (G.D.); (B.B.); (V.F.)
| | - Nicola Di Fazio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (N.D.F.); (G.D.); (B.B.); (V.F.)
| | | | - Giuseppe Delogu
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (N.D.F.); (G.D.); (B.B.); (V.F.)
| | - Benedetta Baldari
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (N.D.F.); (G.D.); (B.B.); (V.F.)
| | - Luigi Cipolloni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (N.D.F.); (G.D.); (B.B.); (V.F.)
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (D.M.); (N.D.F.); (G.D.); (B.B.); (V.F.)
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Morena D, Di Fazio N, Scognamiglio P, Delogu G, Baldari B, Cipolloni L, Frati P, Fineschi V. Predictors of Defensive Practices among Italian Psychiatrists: Additional Findings from a National Survey. Medicina (B Aires) 2023; 59:1928. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3390/medicina59111928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Defensive medicine is characterized by medical decisions made primarily as a precaution against potential malpractice claims. For psychiatrists, professional responsibility encompasses not only the appropriateness of diagnosis and treatment but also the effects of their interventions on patients and their behaviors. Objective: To investigate the socio-demographic, educational, and occupational characteristics and work-related attitudes that may serve as predictors of defensive medicine among Italian psychiatrists. This research extends the results of a previous analysis based on a national survey. Methods: A secondary analysis of the database of a national survey on attitudes and behaviors of Italian psychiatrists regarding defensive medicine and professional liability was performed for this study. Results: Among 254 surveyed psychiatrists, 153 admitted to practicing defensive medicine, while 101 had this attitude with less than half of their patients. The first group was predominantly comprised of women (p = 0.014), who were younger in age (43.34 y 9.89 vs. 48.81 y 11.66, p < 0.001) and had fewer years of professional experience (12.09 y ± 9.8 vs. 17.46 y ± 11.2, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in prior involvement in complaints (p = 0.876) or the usual place of work (p = 0.818). The most prominent predictors for practicing defensive medicine were (1) considering guidelines and good clinical practices not only for their clinical efficacy but also or exclusively for reducing the risk of legal complaints for professional liability (OR = 3.62; 95%CI, 1.75–7.49), and (2) hospitalizing patients with violent intentions even if not warranted according to their mental state (OR = 2.28; 95%CI, 1.50–3.46, p < 0.001). Prioritizing protection from professional liability over patients’ actual needs in prescribing or adjusting drug dosages and in involuntary hospitalization, as well as prescribing lower dosages than recommended for pregnant patients, were identified as additional predictors. Finally, years of professional experience exhibited a protective function against defensive practices. Conclusions: Psychiatrists advocate the need to implement a ‘risk management culture’ and the provision of more balanced duties in order to ensure ethical and evidence-based care to their patients. A particular source of concern stems from their professional responsibility towards not only the health of patients but also their behavior. However, these aspects conflict with a limited potential for assessment and intervention based on effective clinical tools. A reform of professional liability that considers the specificities of patients cared for by mental health services could contribute to reducing the risk of defensive medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Morena
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Di Fazio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Delogu
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Baldari
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Cipolloni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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A Clinical Review of the Use of Common Psychiatric Medications in Pregnancy: Guidelines for Obstetrical Providers. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2023; 50:219-227. [PMID: 36822705 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Psychotropic medications are commonly prescribed in pregnancy, and obstetrical providers should be informed about how and when to use them. The current narrative review addresses the use of some of the most commonly prescribed psychotropic medications-antidepressants, sedatives and hypnotics, and antipsychotic drugs. The aim is neither a complete review of psychiatric disorders in pregnancy nor all possible psychological and pharmacological treatments for mental illness around the time of pregnancy. Rather, the focus is on therapeutic considerations for general obstetrical providers.
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4
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Janiri D, Sampogna G, Albert U, Caraci F, Martinotti G, Serafini G, Tortorella A, Zuddas A, Fiorillo A, Sani G. Lithium use in childhood and adolescence, peripartum, and old age: an umbrella review. Int J Bipolar Disord 2023; 11:8. [PMID: 36781741 PMCID: PMC9925650 DOI: 10.1186/s40345-023-00287-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lithium is one of the most consistently effective treatment for mood disorders. However, patients may show a high level of heterogeneity in treatment response across the lifespan. In particular, the benefits of lithium use may vary in special clinical conditions. The aim of this study was to test this hypothesis by conducting an umbrella review on the efficacy and safety of lithium in childhood and adolescence, peripartum and old age. METHODS We applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses criteria (PRISMA) to identify systematic reviews/meta-analyses on the efficacy and/or safety of lithium in mood disorders in special clinical conditions: (i) childhood and adolescence; (ii) peripartum (pregnancy, postpartum and lactation); (iii) old age. The Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) tool was used to assess the risk of bias. Overlap in primary studies across systematic reviews was calculated through the Corrected Covered Area (CCA). RESULTS We included 20 independent studies, for a total of 8209 individuals treated with lithium. Regarding paediatric age, efficacy and safety results suggested that lithium may be superior to placebo in bipolar disorders (BD) and not associated with serious adverse events. Nevertheless, primary available data are very limited. Efficacy in paediatric major depressive disorder (MDD) is not clear. During peripartum, lithium use was superior to non-lithium in preventing mood episodes and it was associated with low risk of congenital anomalies and with normal child neurodevelopment. Regarding old age, limited evidence supported lithium as an effective treatment in BD and resistant MDD; low doses should be used in this population. Systematic reviews on paediatric age showed the lowest risk of bias (80% of the studies at low risk). The CCA range of included studies was 13-47%. CONCLUSIONS This umbrella review supports the use of lithium across the lifespan, including special clinical condition. Nevertheless, more studies with increased methodological homogeneity are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delfina Janiri
- grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy ,grid.411075.60000 0004 1760 4193Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Gaia Sampogna
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Umberto Albert
- grid.5133.40000 0001 1941 4308Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy ,Department of Mental Health, Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Giuliano Isontina - ASUGI, Trieste, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- grid.8158.40000 0004 1757 1969Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95125 Catania, Italy ,grid.419843.30000 0001 1250 7659Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, 94018 Troina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinotti
- grid.412451.70000 0001 2181 4941Department of Neurosciences, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, Università degli Studi G. D’Annunzio, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- grid.5606.50000 0001 2151 3065Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy ,grid.410345.70000 0004 1756 7871IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alfonso Tortorella
- grid.9027.c0000 0004 1757 3630Department of Psychiatry, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Zuddas
- grid.7763.50000 0004 1755 3242Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience & Clinical Pharmacology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy ,Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, “A. Cao” Paediatric Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Fiorillo
- grid.9841.40000 0001 2200 8888Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- Department of Neuroscience, Section of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168, Rome, Italy. .,Department of Psychiatry, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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Schwartzberg JL, King B, Appel JM. Toxic: The Challenge of Involuntary Contraception in Incompetent Psychiatric Patients Treated with Teratogenic Medications. THE JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ETHICS 2022. [DOI: 10.1086/jce2022331029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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6
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Aran P, Lewis AJ, Watson SJ, Nguyen T, Galbally M. Emotional availability in women with bipolar disorder and major depression: A longitudinal pregnancy cohort study. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2021; 55:1079-1088. [PMID: 33726546 DOI: 10.1177/0004867421998796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Poorer mother-infant interaction quality has been identified among women with major depression; however, there is a dearth of research examining the impact of bipolar disorder. This study sought to compare mother-infant emotional availability at 6 months postpartum among women with perinatal major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder and no disorder (control). METHODS Data were obtained for 127 mother-infant dyads from an Australian pregnancy cohort. The Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM-5 was used to diagnose major depressive disorder (n = 60) and bipolar disorder (n = 12) in early pregnancy (less than 20 weeks) and review diagnosis at 6 months postpartum. Prenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, along with self-report psychotropic medication use. Mother and infant's interaction quality was measured using the Emotional Availability Scales when infants reached 6 months of age. Multivariate analyses of covariance examining the effects of major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder on maternal emotional availability (sensitivity, structuring, non-intrusiveness, non-hostility) and child emotional availability (responsiveness, involvement) were conducted. RESULTS After controlling for maternal age and postpartum depressive symptoms, perinatal disorder (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder) accounted for 17% of the variance in maternal and child emotional availability combined. Compared to women with major depressive disorder and their infants, women with bipolar disorder and their infants displayed lower ratings across all maternal and child emotional availability qualities, with the greatest mean difference seen in non-intrusiveness scores. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest that perinatal bipolar disorder may be associated with additional risk, beyond major depressive disorder alone, to a mother and her offspring's emotional availability at 6 months postpartum, particularly in maternal intrusiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavitra Aran
- Disciple of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Andrew J Lewis
- Disciple of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Stuart J Watson
- Disciple of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Thinh Nguyen
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,Peel and Rockingham Kwinana Mental Health Service, Rockingham, WA, Australia
| | - Megan Galbally
- Disciple of Psychology, College of Science, Health, Education and Engineering, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, WA, Australia.,Women's Health, Genetics and Mental Health, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia
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7
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Besag FMC, Vasey MJ, Sharma AN, Lam ICH. Efficacy and safety of lamotrigine in the treatment of bipolar disorder across the lifespan: a systematic review. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2021; 11:20451253211045870. [PMID: 34646439 PMCID: PMC8504232 DOI: 10.1177/20451253211045870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder (BD) is a cyclic mood disorder characterised by alternating episodes of mania/hypomania and depression interspersed with euthymic periods. Lamotrigine (LTG) demonstrated some mood improvement in patients treated for epilepsy, leading to clinical studies in patients with BD and its eventual introduction as maintenance therapy for the prevention of depressive relapse in euthymic patients. Most current clinical guidelines include LTG as a recommended treatment option for the maintenance phase in adult BD, consistent with its global licencing status. AIMS To review the evidence for the efficacy and safety of LTG in the treatment of all phases of BD. METHODS PubMed was searched for double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trials using the keywords: LTG, Lamictal, 'bipolar disorder', 'bipolar affective disorder', 'bipolar I', 'bipolar II', cyclothymia, mania, manic, depression, depressive, 'randomised controlled trial', 'randomised trial', RCT and 'placebo-controlled' and corresponding MeSH terms. Eligible articles published in English were reviewed. RESULTS Thirteen studies were identified. The strongest evidence supports utility in the prevention of recurrence and relapse, particularly depressive relapse, in stabilised patients. Some evidence suggests efficacy in acute bipolar depression, but findings are inconsistent. There is little or no strong evidence in support of efficacy in acute mania, unipolar depression, or rapid-cycling BD. Few controlled trials have evaluated LTG in bipolar II or in paediatric patients. Indications for safety, tolerability and patient acceptability are relatively favourable, provided there is slow dose escalation to reduce the probability of skin rash. CONCLUSION On the balance of efficacy and tolerability, LTG might be considered a first-line drug for BD, except for acute manic episodes or where rapid symptom control is required. In terms of efficacy alone, however, the evidence favours other medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank M C Besag
- East London NHS Foundation Trust, 9 Rush Court, Bedford MK40 3JT, UK
| | | | - Aditya N Sharma
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ivan C H Lam
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Mostacci B, Ranzato F, Giuliano L, La Neve A, Aguglia U, Bilo L, Durante V, Ermio C, Monti G, Zambrelli E, Lodi MAM, Galimberti CA. Alternatives to valproate in girls and women of childbearing potential with Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies: state of the art and guidance for the clinician proposed by the Epilepsy and Gender Commission of the Italian League Against Epilepsy (LICE). Seizure 2020; 85:26-38. [PMID: 33418162 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Following recent European Medication Agency restrictions on valproate (VPA) use in girls and women of childbearing potential (WOCP), the Commission on Epilepsy and Gender of the Italian League against Epilepsy integrated current literature and legislative data in order to provide clinicians with guidance on antiseizure medication (ASM) prescription for Idiopathic Generalized Epilepsies (IGEs) in this population, avoiding VPA. We reviewed the updated literature on ASMs and examined the teratogenicity of those showing efficacy in IGEs. For all relevant ASMs, we considered the indications for use and the pregnancy and contraception-related recommendations given in the Italian Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) and on the websites of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and other European Union (EU) countries' regulatory agencies. With the exception of absence seizures, the literature lacks high quality studies on ASMs in IGEs. In girls and WOCP, levetiracetam and lamotrigine should be considered the first-choice drugs in Generalized Tonic-Clonic Seizures Alone and in Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy, lamotrigine in Juvenile Absence Epilepsy, and ethosuximide in Childhood Absence Epilepsy. Although supported by the literature, several ASMs are off label, contraindicated or burdened by special warnings in pregnancy. Some discrepancies emerged between the various SmPC warnings for different brands of the same active principle. We provided a therapeutic algorithm for each IGE syndrome and highlighted the need for revised prescription rules, consistent with the latest literature data, uniformity of SmPC warnings for the same active principle, and more data on the efficacy of new ASMs in IGEs and their safety in pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mostacci
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy(2)
| | | | - Loretta Giuliano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Angela La Neve
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Umberto Aguglia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Magna Graecia University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Leonilda Bilo
- Epilepsy Center, University of Napoli "Federico II", Napoli, Italy
| | - Vania Durante
- Ospedale "A. Perrino" di Brindisi- UO Neurologia, Brindisi, Italy
| | - Caterina Ermio
- Department of Neuroscience, "S. Giovanni Paolo II" Hospital, Lamezia Terme, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giulia Monti
- Neurology Unit, Ospedale Ramazzini di Carpi, AUSL di Modena, Italy
| | - Elena Zambrelli
- Epilepsy Center, ASST SS. Paolo e Carlo, San Paolo Hospital, Milano, Italy
| | - Monica Anna Maria Lodi
- Pediatric Neurology Unit and Epilepsy Center, Department of Neuroscience, Fatebenefratelli e Oftalmico, Hospital, Milano, Italy
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Trifu SC, Popescu A, Marian MA. Affective disorders: A question of continuing treatment during pregnancy (Review). Exp Ther Med 2020; 20:3474-3482. [PMID: 32905103 PMCID: PMC7465051 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.8989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal development, especially in the first trimester, has proven to be heavily influenced by external factors, such as chemical intake of medication. Chronic psychiatric treatment might interfere with the anatomical and physiological wellbeing of the fetus, because psychotropic medication proceeds past the placenta, into the amniotic fluid, and can enter breast milk. Hence some of the medications prescribed for mood disorders should be reconsidered during pregnancy, without sub-optimally treating when it is needed. A literature review is presented which systematically collects modern data and synthesizes previous interdisciplinary research findings on the safety of psychiatric treatment for affective disorders during pregnancy (term-based) and lactation. Antidepressants and mood stabilizers, fundamental strategies in treating affective disorders, have been classified by the FDA as C respectively D drugs pertaining to their risk, with some exception. Most guidelines recommend pharmacologically treating moderate-severe depression, preferably with SSRIs. Evidence advocates that drugs should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. However, guidelines the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists state that antidepressants are a preferred first course of treatment and does not take into account the severity of the depression. Among mood-stabilizers, lithium is considered to be the safest option for pregnant women. Anticonvulsants have a higher risk of teratogenicity compared with lithium, with lamotrigine being the safest one. All mood stabilizers should be recommended in the lowest effective doses. There is controversy regarding the safety of second-generation antipsychotics during pregnancy and further research is required. Several case reports and meta-reviews have been published in order to emphasize the safety of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) during pregnancy, but practitioners still stigmatize this procedure. Evaluating the overall risk-benefit ratio should be assessed by the medical care provider, taking into consideration current findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Corina Trifu
- Department of Neurosciences, 'Carol Davila' University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alexandra Popescu
- Department of Psychiatry, 'Alex. Obregia̓ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Maria Alina Marian
- Department of Psychiatry, 'Alex. Obregia̓ Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
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10
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Galbally M, Snellen M. Providing the Evidence for Managing Depression in Pregnancy. Pediatrics 2020; 145:peds.2019-3578. [PMID: 32341181 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2019-3578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Megan Galbally
- College of Science, Health, Education, and Engineering, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia; .,School of Medicine, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Fremantle, Australia.,King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, Australia.,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; and
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Abstract
Bipolar disorder affects women throughout their childbearing years. During the perinatal period, women with bipolar disorder are vulnerable to depressive episode recurrences and have an increased risk for postpartum psychosis. Perinatal screening is critical to identify women at risk. Although medications are the mainstay of treatment, the choice of pharmacotherapy must be made by the patient based on a risk-benefit discussion with her physician. For optimal dosing in pregnancy, therapeutic drug monitoring may be required to maintain effective drug concentrations. Residual symptoms of bipolar depression are treatable with bright light therapy as an alternative to medication augmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal T Clark
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 St. Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
| | - Katherine L Wisner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 St. Clair Street, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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12
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Osborne LM. Recognizing and Managing Postpartum Psychosis: A Clinical Guide for Obstetric Providers. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2019; 45:455-468. [PMID: 30092921 DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2018.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency that affects 1 to 2 per 1000 women. Key clinical features include mood fluctuation, abnormal thoughts or behaviors, and confusion. Women with a history of bipolar disorder are at heightened risk, as are first-time mothers; current research on the causes focuses on biological triggers, such as immune dysregulation. Women with postpartum psychosis require inpatient hospitalization and should be treated with lithium, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Osborne
- Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences and Gynecology & Obstetrics, Women's Mood Disorders Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 550 North Broadway, Suite 305, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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Kimmel MC, Cox E, Schiller C, Gettes E, Meltzer-Brody S. Pharmacologic Treatment of Perinatal Depression. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am 2018; 45:419-440. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ogc.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Designing research that can untangle the effects in pregnancy of pharmacological treatments for mental disorders. Lancet Psychiatry 2018; 5:608-610. [PMID: 29929875 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(18)30214-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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