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Starvaggi I, Dierckman C, Lorenzo-Luaces L. Mental health misinformation on social media: Review and future directions. Curr Opin Psychol 2024; 56:101738. [PMID: 38128168 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101738] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Social media use for health information is extremely common in the United States. Unfortunately, this use may expose users to misinformation. The prevalence and harms of misinformation are well documented in many health domains (e.g., infectious diseases). However, research on mental health misinformation is limited. Our review suggests that mental health misinformation is common, although its prevalence varies across disorders and treatment types. Individual differences in susceptibility to misinformation have been documented for health misinformation generally but less so for mental health specifically. We discuss conceptual issues in defining mental health misinformation versus other classifications such as overgeneralizations from personal experience. Although there is clear evidence for false and actively misleading content, future research should also explore the role of negative healthcare experiences and health disparities on mental health misinformation on social media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Starvaggi
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University-Bloomington, 1101 E 10th St., Bloomington, IN, 47401, USA
| | - Clare Dierckman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences/Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University-Bloomington, 1101 E 10th St., Bloomington, IN, 47401, USA
| | - Lorenzo Lorenzo-Luaces
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University-Bloomington, 1101 E 10th St., Bloomington, IN, 47401, USA.
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2
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Vinkers CH, Kupka RW, Penninx BW, Ruhé HG, van Gaalen JM, van Haaren PCF, Schellekens AFA, Jauhar S, Ramos-Quiroga JA, Vieta E, Tiihonen J, Veldman SE, Veling W, Vis R, de Wit LE, Luykx JJ. Discontinuation of psychotropic medication: a synthesis of evidence across medication classes. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02445-4. [PMID: 38503923 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02445-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Pharmacotherapy is an effective treatment modality across psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, many patients discontinue their medication at some point. Evidence-based guidance for patients, clinicians, and policymakers on rational discontinuation strategies is vital to enable the best, personalized treatment for any given patient. Nonetheless, there is a scarcity of guidelines on discontinuation strategies. In this perspective, we therefore summarize and critically appraise the evidence on discontinuation of six major psychotropic medication classes: antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers, opioids, and stimulants. For each medication class, a wide range of topics pertaining to each of the following questions are discussed: (1) Who can discontinue (e.g., what are risk factors for relapse?); (2) When to discontinue (e.g., after 1 year or several years of antidepressant use?); and (3) How to discontinue (e.g., what's the efficacy of dose reduction compared to full cessation and interventions to mitigate relapse risk?). We thus highlight how comparing the evidence across medication classes can identify knowledge gaps, which may pave the way for more integrated research on discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiaan H Vinkers
- Department of Psychiatry and Anatomy & Neurosciences, Amsterdam University Medical Center location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Public Health, Mental Health Program and Amsterdam Neuroscience, Mood, Anxiety, Psychosis, Sleep & Stress Program, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- GGZ inGeest Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Ralph W Kupka
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience and Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Brenda W Penninx
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience and Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henricus G Ruhé
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboudumc, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jakob M van Gaalen
- GGZ inGeest Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience and Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul C F van Haaren
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboudumc, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Arnt F A Schellekens
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboudumc, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Sameer Jauhar
- Centre for Affective Disorders, Psychological Medicine, IoPPN, King's College, London, UK
| | - Josep A Ramos-Quiroga
- Department of Mental Health, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Group of Psychiatry, Mental Health and Addictions, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Eduard Vieta
- Bipolar and Depressive Disorders Unit, Hospital Clinic, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, IDIBAPS, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Jari Tiihonen
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, Niuvanniemi Hospital, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 11364, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Psychiatry Research, Stockholm City Council, Stockholm, Sweden
- Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Stijn E Veldman
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboudumc, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Nijmegen Institute for Scientist Practitioners in Addiction (NISPA), Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Novadic-Kentron Addiction Care, Vught, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Veling
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Roeland Vis
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein/Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Laura E de Wit
- Department of Psychiatry, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein/Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jurjen J Luykx
- GGZ inGeest Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Neuroscience and Amsterdam Public Health, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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3
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Sharp T, Collins H. Mechanisms of SSRI Therapy and Discontinuation. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2023. [PMID: 37955823 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2023_452] [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: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
SSRIs are one of the most widely used drug therapies in primary care and psychiatry, and central to the management of the most common mental health problems in today's society. Despite this, SSRIs suffer from a slow onset of therapeutic effect and relatively poor efficacy as well as adverse effects, with recent concerns being focused on a disabling SSRI discontinuation syndrome. The mechanism underpinning their therapeutic effect has long shifted away from thinking that SSRIs act simply by increasing 5-HT in the synapse. Rather, a current popular view is that increased 5-HT is just the beginning of a series of complex downstream signalling events, which trigger changes in neural plasticity at the functional and structural level. These changes in plasticity are then thought to interact with neuropsychological processes to enhance re-learning of emotional experiences that ultimately brings about changes in mood. This compelling view of SSRI action is underpinning attempts to understand fast-acting antidepressants, such as ketamine and psychedelic drugs, and aid the development of future therapies. An important gap in the theory is evidence that changes in plasticity are causally linked to relevant behavioural effects. Also, predictions that the SSRI-induced neural plasticity might have applicability in other areas of medicine have not yet been borne out. In contrast to the sophisticated view of the antidepressant action of SSRIs, the mechanism underpinning SSRI discontinuation is little explored. Nevertheless, evidence of rebound increases in 5-HT neuron excitability immediately on cessation of SSRI treatment provide a starting point for future investigation. Indeed, this evidence allows formulation of a mechanistic explanation of SSRI discontinuation which draws on parallels with the withdrawal states of other psychotropic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Sharp
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Helen Collins
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Hipólito I, Mago J, Rosas FE, Carhart-Harris R. Pattern breaking: a complex systems approach to psychedelic medicine. Neurosci Conscious 2023; 2023:niad017. [PMID: 37424966 PMCID: PMC10325487 DOI: 10.1093/nc/niad017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent research has demonstrated the potential of psychedelic therapy for mental health care. However, the psychological experience underlying its therapeutic effects remains poorly understood. This paper proposes a framework that suggests psychedelics act as destabilizers, both psychologically and neurophysiologically. Drawing on the 'entropic brain' hypothesis and the 'RElaxed Beliefs Under pSychedelics' model, this paper focuses on the richness of psychological experience. Through a complex systems theory perspective, we suggest that psychedelics destabilize fixed points or attractors, breaking reinforced patterns of thinking and behaving. Our approach explains how psychedelic-induced increases in brain entropy destabilize neurophysiological set points and lead to new conceptualizations of psychedelic psychotherapy. These insights have important implications for risk mitigation and treatment optimization in psychedelic medicine, both during the peak psychedelic experience and during the subacute period of potential recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês Hipólito
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany
- Department of Philosophy, Macquarie University, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Jonas Mago
- Wellcome Centre for Human Neuroimaging, University College London, London WC1N 3AR, United Kingdom
- Integrative Program in Neuroscience, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec QC H3A, Canada
| | - Fernando E Rosas
- Department of Brain Sciences, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, United Kingdom
- Centre for Complexity Science, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, United Kingdom
- Data Science Institute, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, United Kingdom
- Department of Informatics, University of Sussex, Brighton BN1 9RH, United Kingdom
- Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 9BX, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Carhart-Harris
- Department of Brain Sciences, Centre for Psychedelic Research, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BX, United Kingdom
- Psychedelics Division, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 92521, United States
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5
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Horowitz MA, Framer A, Hengartner MP, Sørensen A, Taylor D. Estimating Risk of Antidepressant Withdrawal from a Review of Published Data. CNS Drugs 2023; 37:143-157. [PMID: 36513909 PMCID: PMC9911477 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-022-00960-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Adaptation of the brain to the presence of a drug predicts withdrawal on cessation. The outcome of adaptation is often referred to as 'physical dependence' in pharmacology, as distinct from addiction, although these terms have unfortunately become conflated in some diagnostic guides. Physical dependence to antidepressants may occur in some patients, consistent with the fact that some patients experience withdrawal effects from these medications. It is thought that longer duration of use, higher dose and specific antidepressants affect the risk of antidepressant withdrawal effects as they might cause greater adaptation of the brain. We searched PubMed for relevant systematic reviews and other relevant analyses to summarise existing data on determinants of antidepressant withdrawal incidence, severity and duration. Overall, data were limited. From survey data, increased duration of use was associated with an increased incidence and severity of withdrawal effects, consistent with some evidence from data provided by drug manufacturers. Duration of use may be related to duration of withdrawal effects but data are heterogenous and sparse. Serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and paroxetine are associated with higher risks than other antidepressants, though data for some antidepressants are lacking. Higher doses of antidepressant has some weak association with an increased risk of withdrawal, with some ceiling effects, perhaps reflecting receptor occupancy relationships. Past experience of withdrawal effects is known to predict future risk. Based on these data, we outline a preliminary rubric for determining the risk of withdrawal symptoms for a particular patient, which may have relevance for determining tapering rates. Given the limited scope of the current research, future research should aim to clarify prediction of antidepressant withdrawal risk, especially by examining the risk of withdrawal in long-term users of medication, as well as the severity and duration of effects, to improve the preliminary tool for predictive purposes. Further research into the precise adaptations in long-term antidepressant use may improve the ability to predict withdrawal effects for a particular patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Abie Horowitz
- North East London NHS Foundation Trust, Goodmayes Hospital, Ilford, UK. .,Division of Psychiatry, University College London (Honorary), Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Rd, Fitzrovia, London, W1T 7BN, UK.
| | - Adele Framer
- SurvivingAntidepressants.org, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Michael P. Hengartner
- Department of Applied Psychology, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anders Sørensen
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Capital Region of Denmark, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Taylor
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK ,Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King’s College London, London, UK
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A Focus on Abuse/Misuse and Withdrawal Issues with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Analysis of Both the European EMA and the US FAERS Pharmacovigilance Databases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15050565. [PMID: 35631391 PMCID: PMC9146999 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite increasing reports, antidepressant (AD) misuse and dependence remain underestimated issues, possibly due to limited epidemiological and pharmacovigilance evidence. Thus, here we aimed to determine available pharmacovigilance misuse/abuse/dependence/withdrawal signals relating to the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline. Both EudraVigilance (EV) and Food and Drug Administration-FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) datasets were analysed to identify AD misuse/abuse/dependence/withdrawal issues. A descriptive analysis was performed; moreover, pharmacovigilance measures, including the reporting odds ratio (ROR), the proportional reporting ratio (PRR), the information component (IC), and the empirical Bayesian geometric mean (EBGM) were calculated. Both datasets showed increasing trends of yearly reporting and similar signals regarding abuse and dependence. From the EV, a total of 5335 individual ADR reports were analysed, of which 30% corresponded to paroxetine (n = 1592), 27% citalopram (n = 1419), 22% sertraline (n = 1149), 14% fluoxetine (n = 771), and 8% escitalopram (n = 404). From FAERS, a total of 144,395 individual ADR reports were analysed, of which 27% were related to paroxetine, 27% sertraline, 18% citalopram, 16% fluoxetine, and 13% escitalopram. Comparing SSRIs, the EV misuse/abuse-related ADRs were mostly recorded for citalopram, fluoxetine, and sertraline; conversely, dependence was mostly associated with paroxetine, and withdrawal to escitalopram. Similarly, in the FAERS dataset, dependence/withdrawal-related signals were more frequently reported for paroxetine. Although SSRIs are considered non-addictive pharmacological agents, a range of proper withdrawal symptoms can occur well after discontinuation, especially with paroxetine. Prescribers should be aware of the potential for dependence and withdrawal associated with SSRIs.
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7
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Horowitz MA, Taylor D. Distinguishing relapse from antidepressant withdrawal: clinical practice and antidepressant discontinuation studies. BJPSYCH ADVANCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1192/bja.2021.62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
SUMMARY
We now recognise that withdrawal symptoms from antidepressants are common, and can be severe and long-lasting in some people. Many withdrawal symptoms overlap with symptoms of anxiety or depression, making it difficult to distinguish withdrawal from relapse. We describe how their onset soon after dose reduction, the association of psychological with physical symptoms, their prompt response to reinstatement, and their typical ‘wave’ pattern of onset, peak and resolution can help distinguish withdrawal symptoms from relapse. We also examine evidence that suggests that antidepressant withdrawal symptoms are misdiagnosed as relapse in discontinuation studies aimed at demonstrating the ability of antidepressants to prevent future relapse (relapse prevention properties). In these discontinuation studies people have their antidepressants stopped abruptly, or rapidly, making withdrawal symptoms very likely, and little effort is made to measure withdrawal symptoms or distinguish them from relapse. We conclude that there is currently no robust evidence for the relapse prevention properties of antidepressants, and current guidance might need to be re-evaluated.
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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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9
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Affiliation(s)
- Allan H Young
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), School of Academic Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK
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10
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Garrison LP, Schepman P, Bushmakin AG, Robinson RL, Tive L, Hall J, Dzingina M, Jackson J, Berry M, Cappelleri JC, Silverman S. Concern about addiction is associated with lower quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis: an exploratory, real-world data analysis. Qual Life Res 2021; 31:185-191. [PMID: 34219192 PMCID: PMC8800922 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-021-02907-0] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate the relationship between self-reported concerns about becoming addicted to a medication and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS This real-world study used patient-level cross-sectional survey data collected from the US Adelphi Disease Specific Programme (DSP). The DSP for OA selected 153 physicians who collected de-identified data on their next nine adult patients with OA. Each patient completed a disease-relevant survey, which included the Likert-scale question, "I am concerned about becoming addicted to my medicine," (CAA) with responses ranging from "completely disagree" [1] to "completely agree" [5]. HRQoL was measured by the EQ-5D-5L index value and the EQ Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). A set of ordinary least squares regressions using HRQoL measures as outcomes and CAA as a continuous predictor were estimated. Standardized effect size (ES) was used to gauge the magnitude of effects. RESULTS A total of 866 patients with OA completed the survey (female, 61.2%; White, 77.7%; mean age, 64.2 years). Of the 775 patients who completed the CAA question, almost one-third responded that they "agree" (18%) or "completely agree" (11%), while 27% responded "completely disagree" and 20% "disagree." Regression analyses found that patients who have concerns about medication addiction have significantly different EQ-5D-5L index values and EQ VAS scores compared with patients who do not have this concern (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that concern about medication addiction in patients with OA may have an impact on patient HRQoL, with more concerned patients reporting poorer HRQoL outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis P Garrison
- Department of Pharmacy, The Comparative Health Outcomes, Policy, and Economics (CHOICE) Institute, University of Washington, Health Sciences Building, H375, 1959 NE Pacific St, Box 357630, Seattle, WA, 98195-7630, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Jerry Hall
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Stuart Silverman
- Rheumatology Division of the Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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11
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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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12
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Guy A, Brown M, Lewis S, Horowitz M. The 'patient voice': patients who experience antidepressant withdrawal symptoms are often dismissed, or misdiagnosed with relapse, or a new medical condition. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2020; 10:2045125320967183. [PMID: 33224468 PMCID: PMC7659022 DOI: 10.1177/2045125320967183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [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: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stopping antidepressants commonly causes withdrawal symptoms, which can be severe and long-lasting. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance has been recently updated to reflect this; however, for many years withdrawal (discontinuation) symptoms were characterised as 'usually mild and self-limiting over a week'. Consequently, withdrawal symptoms might have been misdiagnosed as relapse of an underlying condition, or new onset of another medical illness, but this has never been studied. METHOD This paper outlines the themes emerging from 158 respondents to an open invitation to describe the experience of prescribed psychotropic medication withdrawal for petitions sent to British parliaments. The accounts include polypharmacy (mostly antidepressants and benzodiazepines) but we focus on antidepressants because of the relative lack of awareness about their withdrawal effects compared with benzodiazepines. Mixed method analysis was used, including a 'lean thinking' approach to evaluate common failure points. RESULTS The themes identified include: a lack of information given to patients about the risk of antidepressant withdrawal; doctors failing to recognise the symptoms of withdrawal; doctors being poorly informed about the best method of tapering prescribed medications; patients being diagnosed with relapse of the underlying condition or medical illnesses other than withdrawal; patients seeking advice outside of mainstream healthcare, including from online forums; and significant effects on functioning for those experiencing withdrawal. DISCUSSION Several points for improvement emerge: the need for updating of guidelines to help prescribers recognise antidepressant withdrawal symptoms and to improve informed consent processes; greater availability of non-pharmacological options for managing distress; greater availability of best practice for tapering medications such as antidepressants; and the vital importance of patient feedback. Although the patients captured in this analysis might represent medication withdrawal experiences that are more severe than average, they highlight the current inadequacy of health care systems to recognise and manage prescribed drug withdrawal, and patient feedback in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Guy
- Psychotherapist, Secretariat Co-ordinator for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Prescribed Drug Dependence, Basingstoke, Hampshire, UK
| | - Marion Brown
- Retired Psychotherapist and Co-Founder of a Patient Support Group ‘Recovery and Renewal’, Helensburgh, UK
| | - Stevie Lewis
- Lived Experience of Prescribed Drug Dependence, Cardiff, UK
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Balon R, Silberman EK, Starcevic V, Cosci F, Freire RC, Nardi AE, Rickels K, Shader R. Benzodiazepines, antidepressants and addiction: A plea for conceptual rigor and consistency. J Psychopharmacol 2019; 33:1467-1470. [PMID: 31556796 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119878171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard Balon
- Department of Psychiatry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Vladan Starcevic
- Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, nsw, Australia
| | - Fiammetta Cosci
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Firenze, Italy.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rafael C Freire
- Department of Psychiatry, Queens University, Kingston, on, Canada.,Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Antonio E Nardi
- Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Karl Rickels
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Richard Shader
- Department of Immunology, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA
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Abstract
Withdrawal reactions when coming off antidepressants have long been neglected or minimised. It took almost two decades after the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) entered the market for the first systematic review to be published. More reviews have followed, demonstrating that the dominant and long-held view that withdrawal is mostly mild, affects only a small minority and resolves spontaneously within 1-2 weeks, was at odd with the sparse but growing evidence base. What the scientific literature reveals is in close agreement with the thousands of service user testimonies available online in large forums. It suggests that withdrawal reactions are quite common, that they may last from a few weeks to several months or even longer, and that they are often severe. These findings are now increasingly acknowledged by official professional bodies and societies.
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