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Elefante C, Brancati GE, Torrigiani S, Amadori S, Ricciardulli S, Pistolesi G, Lattanzi L, Perugi G. Bipolar Disorder and Manic-Like Symptoms in Alzheimer's, Vascular and Frontotemporal Dementia: A Systematic Review. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2516-2542. [PMID: 35794767 PMCID: PMC10616925 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220706110157] [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: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An increased risk of manic episodes has been reported in patients with neurodegenerative disorders, but the clinical features of bipolar disorder (BD) in different subtypes of dementia have not been thoroughly investigated. OBJECTIVES The main aim of this study is to systematically review clinical and therapeutic evidence about manic syndromes in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), vascular dementia (VaD), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). Since manic-mixed episodes have been associated to negative outcomes in patients with dementia and often require medical intervention, we also critically summarized selected studies with relevance for the treatment of mania in patients with cognitive decline. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched up to February 2022. Sixty-one articles on patients with AD, VaD, or FTD and BD or (hypo) mania have been included. RESULTS Manic symptoms seem to be associated to disease progression in AD, have a greatly variable temporal relationship with cognitive decline in VaD, and frequently coincide with or precede cognitive impairment in FTD. Overall, mood stabilizers, and electroconvulsive therapy may be the most effective treatments, while the benefits of short-term treatment with antipsychotic agents must be balanced with the associated risks. Importantly, low-dose lithium salts may exert neuroprotective activity in patients with AD. CONCLUSION Prevalence, course, and characteristics of manic syndromes in patients with dementia may be differentially affected by the nature of the underlying neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Elefante
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Psychiatry Unit, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulio Emilio Brancati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Psychiatry Unit, Pisa, Italy
| | - Samuele Torrigiani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Psychiatry Unit, Pisa, Italy
| | - Salvatore Amadori
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Psychiatry Unit, Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Ricciardulli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Psychiatry Unit, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pistolesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Psychiatry Unit, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lattanzi
- Psychiatry Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulio Perugi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Psychiatry Unit, Pisa, Italy
- G. De Lisio Institute of Behavioral Sciences, Pisa, Italy
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van den Berg JF, Kruithof HC, Kok RM, Verwijk E, Spaans HP. Electroconvulsive Therapy for Agitation and Aggression in Dementia: A Systematic Review. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2018; 26:419-434. [PMID: 29107460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2017.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Many patients with dementia develop agitation or aggression in the course of their disease. In some severe cases, behavioral, environmental, and pharmacological interventions are not sufficient to alleviate these potentially life-threatening symptoms. It has been suggested that in those cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) could be an option. This review summarizes the scientific literature on ECT for agitation and aggression in dementia. METHODS We performed a systematic review in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. A search was conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO. Two reviewers extracted the following data from the retrieved articles: number of patients and their age, gender, diagnoses, types of problem behavior, treatments tried before ECT, specifications of the ECT treatment, use of rating scales, treatment results, follow-up data, and adverse effects. RESULTS The initial search yielded 264 articles, 17 of which fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of these studies, one was a prospective cohort study, one was a case-control study, and the others were retrospective chart reviews, case series, or case reports. Clinically significant improvement was observed in the majority (88%) of the 122 patients described, often early in the treatment course. Adverse effects were most commonly mild, transient, or not reported. CONCLUSIONS The reviewed articles suggest that ECT could be an effective treatment for severe and treatment-refractory agitation and aggression in dementia, with few adverse consequences. Nevertheless, because of the substantial risk of selection bias, the designs of the studies reviewed, and their small number, further prospective studies are needed to substantiate these preliminary positive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia F van den Berg
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands; Department of Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rob M Kok
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Esmée Verwijk
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands; Department of Psychology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Medical Psychology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Meyer JP, Swetter SK, Kellner CH. Electroconvulsive Therapy in Geriatric Psychiatry: A Selective Review. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2018; 41:79-93. [PMID: 29412850 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2017.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains an important treatment of geriatric patients. ECT treats severe depression, mania, psychosis, catatonia, and comorbid depression and agitation in dementia. ECT also serves a crucial role in treating urgent illness requiring expedient recovery, such as catatonia, or in patients with severe suicidal ideation or intent. ECT is even more effective in the elderly than in mixed-age adult populations. ECT is a safe treatment option with few medical contraindications. Cognitive effects are largely transient, even in patients with preexisting cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin P Meyer
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY 10029, USA.
| | - Samantha K Swetter
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1 Gustave Levy Place, Box 1230, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Charles H Kellner
- Department of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT), New York Community Hospital, 2525 Kings Highway, Brooklyn, NY 11229, USA
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Systematic Review of Cognitive Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Late-Life Depression. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2016; 24:547-65. [PMID: 27067067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2016.02.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Late-life depression (LLD) is known to negatively impact cognition even after remission of mood symptoms. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and newer nonconvulsive electrical and magnetic brain stimulation interventions have been shown to have cognitive effects in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders. METHODS This review systematically assessed the effects of ECT on cognition in LLD. EMBASE, Ovid Medline, and PsycINFO were systematically searched through June 2015. The search was limited to publications from peer-reviewed journals in the English language. RESULTS A total of 5,154 publications was identified; 318 were reviewed in full text, of which 39 publications related to ECT were included. We focused this review only on ECT because evidence on newer interventions was deemed insufficient for a systematic review. This literature suggests increased rates of interictal and postictal cognitive decline with ECT but no long-term (i.e., 6 months or longer) deleterious effects on cognition. Instead, long-term cognitive outcomes with ECT have been reported as either not changed or improved. This literature favors nondominant unilateral ECT over bilateral ECT for cognition. CONCLUSION Published literature on brain stimulation interventions in LLD is mainly limited to ECT. This literature suggests that deleterious effects of ECT in LLD are limited and transient, with better cognitive outcomes with unilateral ECT. There is not enough evidence to fully characterize long-term deleterious effects of ECT or effects of newer brain stimulation techniques on cognition in LLD.
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Liu AY, Rajji TK, Blumberger DM, Daskalakis ZJ, Mulsant BH. Brain stimulation in the treatment of late-life severe mental illness other than unipolar nonpsychotic depression. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2014; 22:216-40. [PMID: 23891366 PMCID: PMC3900599 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2013.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2012] [Revised: 02/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Late-life mental illness is a growing concern. Current medications have limited efficacy and are associated with safety concerns. A variety of brain stimulation approaches offers alternative treatments. We performed a systematic literature search on the efficacy and safety of brain stimulation in late-life mental illnesses, excluding unipolar nonpsychotic depression. Studies on deep brain stimulation, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), and vagal nerve stimulation that enrolled exclusively older adults (≥65 years) or analyzed older adults as a separate group were included. The search identified 1,181 publications, of which 43 met the above inclusion criteria: 24 were related to the treatment of non-unipolar depression (ECT: 21; rTMS: 2; ECT and rTMS: 1), 14 related to dementia (ECT: 7[2 of these studies were also related to depression]; vagal nerve stimulation: 2; rTMS: 4; deep brain stimulation: 1), and 7 to schizophrenia (ECT: 7). These studies reported a high degree of variability in efficacy and safety with promising results in general, particularly in the treatment of dementia and schizophrenia. Most publications were limited by small sample sizes, lack of control conditions, and lack of randomization. Large studies with a randomized controlled design or other designs such as crossover or off-on-off-on are needed. In contrast to the empiric and nonspecific use of ECT, future studies using modalities other than ECT could focus on novel biologically based interventions that target specific circuitry. These interventions could also be combined with other non-brain stimulation treatments for possible synergistic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Y Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tarek K Rajji
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Daniel M Blumberger
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zafiris J Daskalakis
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benoit H Mulsant
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Geriatric Psychiatry Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Riva-Posse P, Hermida AP, McDonald WM. The role of electroconvulsive and neuromodulation therapies in the treatment of geriatric depression. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2013; 36:607-30. [PMID: 24229660 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2013.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Geriatric depression is associated with increased mortality because of suicide and decreases in functional and physical health. Many elders' depression is resistant to psychotherapy and medication and can become chronic. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is increasingly used in the treatment of medication-resistant or life-threatening geriatric depression. Neuromodulation therapies (subconvulsive, focal, or subconvulsive and focal) are alternatives for the management of treatment-resistant depression in the elderly. Therapies that combine both strategies could be safer but may not be as effective as ECT. This review covers the evidence on the safety and efficacy of ECT and the neuromodulation therapies in geriatric depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricio Riva-Posse
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 101 Woodruff Cir NE, Suite 4000, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
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MIRZAKHANI H, WELCH CA, EIKERMANN M, NOZARI A. Neuromuscular blocking agents for electroconvulsive therapy: a systematic review. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand 2012; 56:3-16. [PMID: 22092267 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-6576.2011.02520.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the transcutaneous application of small electrical stimuli to the brain to induce generalised seizures for the treatment of selected psychiatric disorders. The clinical indications for ECT as an effective therapeutic modality have been considerably expanded since its introduction. Anaesthesia and neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are required to ensure patients' safety during ECT. The optimal dose of muscle relaxant for ECT reduces muscle contractions without inducing complete paralysis. Slight residual motor convulsive activity is helpful in ascertaining that a seizure has occurred, while total paralysis prolongs the procedure unnecessarily. Suxamethonium is commonly used, but nondepolarising NMBAs are indicated in patients with certain comorbidities. In this review, we summarise current concepts of NMBA management for ECT.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. MIRZAKHANI
- Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine; Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston; MA; USA
| | - C. A. WELCH
- Department of Psychiatry; Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston; MA; USA
| | - M. EIKERMANN
- Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine; Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston; MA; USA
| | - A. NOZARI
- Department of Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain Medicine; Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School; Boston; MA; USA
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GRUNDY MICHAEL J. LAMBERT ELIZABETH CURTIST. Assessing clinical significance: Application to the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. J Ment Health 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/09638239650037162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Antidepressant electroconvulsive therapy: mechanism of action, recent advances and limitations. Exp Neurol 2009; 219:20-6. [PMID: 19426729 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2009.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2009] [Revised: 04/23/2009] [Accepted: 04/28/2009] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A considerable number of depressive patients do not respond to or remit during pharmacotherapeutical or psychotherapeutical interventions resulting in an increasing interest in non-pharmacological strategies to treat affective disorders. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) dates back to the beginning of modern biologic psychiatry and ongoing research has successfully improved efficacy in addition to safety while reducing side effects. Double-blind, randomized, controlled trials have shown powerful interactions between electrode placement (right unilateral, bifrontal, bitemporal) and dosage (relative to seizure threshold) in the efficacy and side effects of ECT. This review aims to summarize current research data on the mechanism of action, efficacy, and recent advances in ECT technique.
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10
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah H Lisanby
- Division of Brain Stimulation and Therapeutic Modulation, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, 1051 Riverside Dr., Unit 21, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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11
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Mehta V, Mueller PS, Gonzalez-Arriaza HL, Pankratz VS, Rummans TA. Safety of electroconvulsive therapy in patients receiving long-term warfarin therapy. Mayo Clin Proc 2004; 79:1396-401. [PMID: 15544018 DOI: 10.4065/79.11.1396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the safety of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in patients receiving long-term warfarin therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Retrospective data were reviewed for 35 consecutively hospitalized patients who received long-term warfarin therapy and ECT at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn, between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2001. RESULTS A total of 300 ECT treatments were administered to the 35 patients. Of 284 ECT treatments for which data were available, no ECT-related complications due to anticoagulation occurred despite increases in blood pressure and pulse rate. One patient experienced ventricular tachycardia, resulting in transfer to a cardiology service for temporary monitoring. No other serious ECT-related adverse effects were noted. The rate of intertreatment delirium was similar to that reported in other studies. CONCLUSIONS Electroconvulsive therapy in patients receiving long-term warfarin therapy appears to be safe. Although no major adverse effects were identified in our case series, additional prospective evaluation is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay Mehta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minn 55905, USA
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12
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Morales OG, Sackeim HA, Berman RM, Lisanby SH. Magnetic seizure therapy: development of a novel intervention for treatment resistant depression. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cnr.2004.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairments are the main complication after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Modification of treatment parameters has been shown to affect the magnitude of these impairments, but the role of anesthetic type remains unclear. This study tested whether there is a difference in cognitive impairments immediately after ECT with propofol compared to thiopental anesthesia. METHODS This randomized, double-blind, crossover study included 15 patients receiving right unilateral ECT for depression. Patients received propofol or thiopental on alternating ECTs up to 6 treatments. Immediate and delayed verbal memory, motor speed, reaction speed, visuospatial, and executive functions were assessed 45 minutes after each ECT. Differences were assessed with repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS Cognitive impairments were reduced after ECT with propofol compared to thiopental. Time to emergence was quicker and EEG seizure duration was shorter after propofol treatments. There was no significant correlation between seizure duration and neuropsychological test performance. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that cognitive impairments in the early recovery period after ECT are reduced with propofol compared to thiopental anesthesia. We suggest that, in addition to ECT parameters, the type of anesthetic agent should be considered to reduce cognitive impairments after ECT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noam N Butterfield
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Centre for Anesthesia and Analgesia, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
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14
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Electroconvulsive Therapy in the Long-term Care Setting: An Overview of Controversies in Practice. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2004. [DOI: 10.1016/s1525-8610(04)70096-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Lenze EJ, Mulsant BH, Shear MK, Houck P, Reynolds III CF. Anxiety symptoms in elderly patients with depression: what is the best approach to treatment? Drugs Aging 2003; 19:753-60. [PMID: 12390052 DOI: 10.2165/00002512-200219100-00004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Depressed elderly persons frequently have concurrent symptoms of anxiety or comorbid anxiety disorders. Such comorbidity is associated with a more severe presentation of depressive illness, including greater suicidality. Additionally, most antidepressant treatment studies in the elderly have found poorer treatment outcomes in those with comorbid anxiety (including delayed or diminished response and increased likelihood of dropout from treatment). While antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic agents are efficacious for late-life depression, there is no evidence that either class is superior, in terms of efficacy or tolerability, in the treatment of anxious depression. Rather, the amount and quality of clinical management, and not the particular medication chosen, appears to influence the likelihood of remission or treatment withdrawal in anxious depressed elderly patients. Co-prescription of benzodiazepines, typically lorazepam, is also warranted in some cases for severe anxiety or insomnia, but carries the risk of cognitive or motor impairment. It is our experience that close clinical monitoring, together with maximization of antidepressant treatment (by maximising dosage, augmenting or switching agents in cases of partial or no response, and/or adding psychotherapy) will almost always result in remission of depressive symptoms, together with improvement of anxiety, in these individuals. Therefore, optimism should be maintained when treating the depressed elderly individual, even when comorbid anxiety is present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Lenze
- Department of Psychiatry, Intervention Research Center in Late-Life Mood Disorders, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Rabheru K. The use of electroconvulsive therapy in special patient populations. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2001; 46:710-9. [PMID: 11692973 DOI: 10.1177/070674370104600803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite its well-established efficacy and its increasing use, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) remains a controversial treatment. Lack of clarity in the issues related to its use in special patient populations (for example, in children, in adolescents, in pregnant women, in the elderly, and in the medically ill) often contributes to the debate about the use of ECT. METHOD The literature on ECT use in special patient populations is reviewed, together with the commonly associated high-risk medical conditions in clinical practice. Specific reference is made in each case to the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of the procedure. RESULTS Much of the literature surveyed consists of case studies, although a few controlled trials are available. In general, ECT use in special populations is relatively safe and extremely effective. In small case series, ECT use in children and adolescents is effective but requires further systematic study. In pregnant women, ECT is very effective, and with proper medical care, it is relatively safe in all trimesters of pregnancy, as well as in the postpartum period. The frail elderly are particularly good candidates for ECT because they are often unresponsive to or intolerant of psychotropic medication. Medical conditions that should receive particular attention during a course of ECT are disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), cardiovascular, and respiratory system. With modern anesthesia techniques and careful medical management of each high-risk patient, most can successfully complete a course of ECT. The process of obtaining informed consent also requires special consideration in this group of patients because their capacity to consent to treatment may be compromised. CONCLUSIONS With careful attention to each patient's medical and anesthesia needs, ECT is an effective and relatively safe procedure in high-risk special patient populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Rabheru
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario
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Abstract
Two patients with advanced dementia and severe affective disorders were successfully treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) without significant adverse effects. These reports illustrate that ECT can be effective for depression and mania even when complicated by moderate or severe dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Weintraub
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Kentucky, USA
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Tew JD, Mulsant BH, Haskett RF, Prudic J, Thase ME, Crowe RR, Dolata D, Begley AE, Reynolds CF, Sackeim HA. Acute efficacy of ECT in the treatment of major depression in the old-old. Am J Psychiatry 1999; 156:1865-70. [PMID: 10588398 DOI: 10.1176/ajp.156.12.1865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There are few data addressing the outcome of ECT for persons over 75 years of age. In a prospective, multisite study, the authors compared characteristics and treatment outcomes of adult (59 and younger), young-old (60 to 74 years), and old-old (75 and older) patients treated with ECT for major depression. METHOD At four hospitals, 268 patients with primary unipolar major depression and scores of at least 20 on the 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale were treated with suprathreshold right unilateral or bilateral ECT in a standardized manner. Demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and short-term outcomes of the three groups were compared. RESULTS The demographic and clinical characteristics of the old-old patients were similar to those of the young-old patients, whereas both groups differed from the adult patients on these variables. Both older groups had significantly greater burdens from physical illness and global cognitive impairment at baseline than the adult subjects. Both older groups had shorter index depressive episodes and were less likely to have had inadequate responses to adequate medication trials before ECT. The older groups had higher seizure thresholds, but the three groups received similar courses of treatment. The adult patients experienced a significantly lower rate of ECT response (54%) than the young-old patients (73%), while the old-old patients had an intermediate rate of response (67%). CONCLUSIONS Despite a higher level of physical illness and cognitive impairment, even the oldest patients with severe major depression tolerate ECT in a manner similar to that for younger patients and demonstrate similar or better acute response.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Tew
- Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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20
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Premorbid History of Major Depression and the Depressive Syndrome of Alzheimer's Disease. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 1996; 4:85-90. [PMID: 28531059 DOI: 10.1097/00019442-199624410-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/1994] [Revised: 02/17/1995] [Accepted: 02/28/1995] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To test the hypothesis that primary degenerative dementia of the Alzheimer type (PDD-AT) may increase the likelihood of expression of a lifetime vulnerability to the development of depression, the authors compared the premorbid rates of major depression in psychiatric inpatients with dementia, with or without a concurrent syndrome of depression. A premorbid history of major depression was four times more common in patients with the depressive syndrome of PDD-AT than in PDD-AT patients without depression. The authors discuss the significance of these findings for pathophysiologic models and estimates of comorbidity of depression in PDD-AT.
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Comparison of the Efficacy of Titrated, Moderate-Dose and Fixed, High-Dose Right Unilateral ECT in Elderly Patients. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 1995; 3:317-324. [PMID: 28531065 DOI: 10.1097/00019442-199503040-00006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/1994] [Revised: 11/14/1994] [Accepted: 12/06/1994] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The authors compared the efficacy of titrated, moderate-dose and fixed, high-dose strategies for right unilateral (RUL) electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a group of elderly patients. Nineteen depressed patients (mean age 76 years) were randomized to receive either fixed, high-dose RUL ECT (n = 10) or titrated, moderate-dose RUL ECT (n = 9). Blind Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression ratings were made before and after each treatment. Patients on the fixed, high-dose regimen responded faster and received fewer treatments (mean = 5.7) than the titrated, moderate-dose group (mean = 8.0). The fixed, high-dose group received greater cumulative stimulus charge but less cumulative EEG seizure time. Final depression ratings and memory self-ratings were similar for the two groups.
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