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Kyrios M, Levido J, Talbot D, Harris A. Off-label prescribing of psychotropics in a psychiatric patient population in Australia. Australas Psychiatry 2024; 32:196-200. [PMID: 38427939 DOI: 10.1177/10398562241237659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to investigate the practice of off-label prescribing in both in- and outpatient psychiatry practice. METHODS One-hundred inpatient and 100 outpatient medical records from adult patients of an Australian psychiatry service from 2020 to 2021 were examined to determine the prevalence of off-label prescribing as defined by Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) indications, adherence to Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) treatment guidelines, frequency of off-label prescription, and the quality of documentation and informed consent process. RESULTS Most prescribing events in both in- and outpatient settings were either on-label or off-label but consistent with RANZCP guidelines. Patients with a schizoaffective disorder diagnosis or displaying aggression were most likely to receive off-label prescriptions. There was no significant difference between in- and outpatient groups in the quality of documentation or consent process. CONCLUSIONS In general, off-label prescribing across groups was common, but many decisions were then in line with RANZCP recommendations. That there is a discrepancy between clinical and regulatory bodies has implications for how off-label status is decided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mietta Kyrios
- Department of Psychiatry, Westmead Hospital, Wentworthville, NSW, Australia
| | - Jesse Levido
- Te Whatu Ora (Health New Zealand), Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Daniel Talbot
- Department of Psychiatry, Westmead Hospital, Wentworthville, NSW, Australia
| | - Anthony Harris
- Department of Psychiatry, Westmead Hospital, Wentworthville, NSW, Australia; Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia; Westmead Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Westmead, NSW, Australia
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Olasupo J, Taiwo F, Aje A, Fakeye TO. Knowledge and dispensing practice of community pharmacists towards antipsychotic medicines in a Nigerian metropolitan city - a cross-sectional study. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1450. [PMID: 38129843 PMCID: PMC10740283 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10480-0] [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: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antipsychotic drugs are prescription-only-medications which require valid prescriptions before it can be obtained from a pharmacy. On the other hand, community pharmacists in developing countries have sometimes been implicated in over-the-counter dispensing of prescription-only-medications. OBJECTIVE This study investigated the accessibility of antipsychotic drugs without prescriptions from community pharmacies, and the factors responsible for the over-the-counter dispensing of antipsychotics by community pharmacists. METHODS An exploratory cross-sectional mixed method survey design using pretested structured questionnaires among 119 community pharmacists, simulated patients in 119 community pharmacies, and one-on-one in-depth interview among eleven (11) community pharmacist-owners/superintendent pharmacists were utilized for data collection. The knowledge of the pharmacists on antipsychotics including classification, side effects, and dispensing practices were explored. Qualitative data was analyzed with thematic analysis, while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Majority of the community pharmacists (87.4%) showed good knowledge of antipsychotics as it relates to the different classes and the side effects peculiar to each class. Antipsychotic medications were dispensed by 85 (71.4%) of community pharmacists without a prescription. One-on-one in-depth interview sessions with community pharmacist owners/superintendent pharmacists demonstrated that community pharmacists are knowledgeable about antipsychotics and their side effects. Reasons given for dispensing this class of drugs without prescription included emergencies, and knowledge of the person as being on the drugs long-term. About 4% pharmacists were adamant on dispensing only with prescription. CONCLUSION Community pharmacists in Ibadan metropolis readily dispense antipsychotics without valid prescriptions despite having an optimal knowledge about the negative implications of doing so. This could be due to weak legislation and regulation of drug laws. There is a need for more stringent regulations as well as adequate sensitization about the negative effects of inappropriate dispensing of prescription-only-medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Olasupo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Faith Taiwo
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Akinniyi Aje
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Titilayo O Fakeye
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Administration, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
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Pignon B, Decio V, Pirard P, Bouaziz O, Corruble E, Geoffroy PA, Kovess-Masfety V, Leboyer M, Lemogne C, Messika J, Perduca V, Schürhoff F, Regnault N, Tebeka S. The risk of hospitalization for psychotic disorders following hospitalization for COVID-19: a French nationwide longitudinal study. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3293-3304. [PMID: 37537285 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02207-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19, like other infectious diseases, may be a risk factor for psychotic disorders. We aimed to compare the proportions of hospitalizations for psychotic disorders in the 12 months following discharge from hospital for either COVID-19 or for another reason in the adult general population in France during the first wave of the pandemic. We conducted a retrospective longitudinal nationwide study using the national French administrative healthcare database. Psychotic disorders were first studied as a whole, and then chronic and acute disorders separately. The role of several adjustment factors, including sociodemographics, a history of psychotic disorder, the duration of the initial hospitalization, and the level of care received during that hospitalization, were also analyzed. Between 1 January 2020 and 30 June 2020, a total of 14,622 patients were hospitalized for psychotic disorders in the 12 months following discharge from hospital for either COVID-19 or another reason. Initial hospitalization for COVID-19 (vs. another reason) was associated with a lower rate of subsequent hospitalization for psychotic disorders (0.31% vs. 0.51%, odds ratio (OR) = 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.53-0.67]). This was true for both chronic and acute disorders, even after adjusting for the various study variables. Importantly, a history of psychotic disorder was a major determinant of hospitalization for psychotic disorders (adjusted OR = 126.56, 95% CI [121.85-131.46]). Our results suggest that, in comparison to individuals initially hospitalized for another reason, individuals initially hospitalized for COVID-19 present a lower risk of hospitalization for first episodes of psychotic symptoms/disorders or for psychotic relapse in the 12 months following discharge. This finding contradicts the hypothesis that there is a higher risk of psychotic disorders after a severe COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baptiste Pignon
- Univ Paris-Est-Créteil (UPEC), AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires « H. Mondor », DMU IMPACT, INSERM, IMRB, translational Neuropsychiatry, Fondation FondaMental, F-94010, Creteil, France.
| | - Valentina Decio
- Santé publique France, French National Public Health Agency, Non Communicable Diseases and Trauma Division, F-94415, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Philippe Pirard
- Santé publique France, French National Public Health Agency, Non Communicable Diseases and Trauma Division, F-94415, Saint-Maurice, France
| | | | - Emmanuelle Corruble
- CESP, MOODS Team, INSERM UMR 1018, Faculté de Médecine, Univ Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, F-94275, France
- Service Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de Bicêtre, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Saclay, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, F-94275, France
| | - Pierre A Geoffroy
- Département de psychiatrie et d'addictologie, AP-HP, GHU Paris Nord, DMU Neurosciences, Hopital Bichat - Claude Bernard, F-75018, Paris, France
- GHU Paris - Psychiatry & Neurosciences, 1 rue Cabanis, 75014, Paris, France
- Université Paris Cité, NeuroDiderot, Inserm, FHU I2-D2, F-75019, Paris, France
| | | | - Marion Leboyer
- Univ Paris-Est-Créteil (UPEC), AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires « H. Mondor », DMU IMPACT, INSERM, IMRB, translational Neuropsychiatry, Fondation FondaMental, F-94010, Creteil, France
| | - Cédric Lemogne
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Inserm, INRAE, Center for Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), F-75004, Paris, France
- Service de Psychiatrie de l'adulte, AP-HP, Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu, F-75004, Paris, France
| | - Jonathan Messika
- APHP.Nord-Université Paris Cité, Hôpital Bichat-Claude Bernard, Service de Pneumologie B et Transplantation Pulmonaire, Paris, France
- Physiopathology and Epidemiology of Respiratory Diseases, UMR1152 INSERM and Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Franck Schürhoff
- Univ Paris-Est-Créteil (UPEC), AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires « H. Mondor », DMU IMPACT, INSERM, IMRB, translational Neuropsychiatry, Fondation FondaMental, F-94010, Creteil, France
| | - Nolwenn Regnault
- Santé publique France, French National Public Health Agency, Non Communicable Diseases and Trauma Division, F-94415, Saint-Maurice, France
| | - Sarah Tebeka
- Santé publique France, French National Public Health Agency, Non Communicable Diseases and Trauma Division, F-94415, Saint-Maurice, France
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A Medical Resident with a History of Alcohol Abuse and Suicidal Ideation: A Challenge for Both Psychiatry and Occupational Medicine in the Context of the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Case Rep Psychiatry 2022; 2022:7396453. [PMID: 36299477 PMCID: PMC9592198 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7396453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
This case study draws attention to the hazards of physicians with a history of alcohol addiction and a particular psychopathology framework in the context of occupational health surveillance, particularly during the challenging working conditions brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. The case involves a hospital resident in her thirties, with a previous history of addiction and attempts at suicide, who was assigned to a COVID-19 unit of an Italian hospital. In this case study, we discuss the preventive intervention put in place in order to protect physicians' health and work. What emerges is the key role that rapid substantive communications between specialists play in formulating an effective strategy for dealing with these conditions. We believe this case is noteworthy for the lessons that can be learned for tailoring prevention and treatment pathways for health care workers with addiction.
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Engin E. GABA A receptor subtypes and benzodiazepine use, misuse, and abuse. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1060949. [PMID: 36713896 PMCID: PMC9879605 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1060949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzodiazepines have been in use for over half a century. While they remain highly prescribed, their unfavorable side-effect profile and abuse liability motivated a search for alternatives. Most of these efforts focused on the development of benzodiazepine-like drugs that are selective for specific GABAA receptor subtypes. While there is ample evidence that subtype-selective GABAA receptor ligands have great potential for providing symptom relief without typical benzodiazepine side-effects, it is less clear whether subtype-selective targeting strategies can also reduce misuse and abuse potential. This review focuses on the three benzodiazepine properties that are relevant to the DSM-5-TR criteria for Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Use Disorder, namely, reinforcing properties of benzodiazepines, maladaptive behaviors related to benzodiazepine use, and benzodiazepine tolerance and dependence. We review existing evidence regarding the involvement of different GABAA receptor subtypes in each of these areas. The reviewed studies suggest that α1-containing GABAA receptors play an integral role in benzodiazepine-induced plasticity in reward-related brain areas and might be involved in the development of tolerance and dependence to benzodiazepines. However, a systematic comparison of the contributions of all benzodiazepine-sensitive GABAA receptors to these processes, a mechanistic understanding of how the positive modulation of each receptor subtype might contribute to the brain mechanisms underlying each of these processes, and a definitive answer to the question of whether specific chronic modulation of any given subtype would result in some or all of the benzodiazepine effects are currently lacking from the literature. Moreover, how non-selective benzodiazepines might lead to the maladaptive behaviors listed in DSM and how different GABAA receptor subtypes might be involved in the development of these behaviors remains unexplored. Considering the increasing burden of benzodiazepine abuse, the common practice of benzodiazepine misuse that leads to severe dependence, and the current efforts to generate side-effect free benzodiazepine alternatives, there is an urgent need for systematic, mechanistic research that provides a better understanding of the brain mechanisms of benzodiazepine misuse and abuse, including the involvement of specific GABAA receptor subtypes in these processes, to establish an informed foundation for preclinical and clinical efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elif Engin
- Stress Neurobiology Laboratory, Division of Basic Neuroscience, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Patterns and Predictors of Off-Label Drug Prescribing in Psychiatric Practice: A Qualitative Study. PHARMACY 2021; 9:pharmacy9040203. [PMID: 34941635 PMCID: PMC8703660 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy9040203] [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: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Off-label drug prescribing (OLDP) must be based on strong scientific evidence to make sure that patients get the optimum therapeutic outcomes. Adherence to the prerequisites is determined by the physicians’ attitude and knowledge. In this context, the present study was conducted with the goal of investigating psychiatrists’ perceptions of the use of OLDP in their clinical practice. A total of 14 psychiatrists were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic content analysis was performed. Data saturation was achieved at the 12th interview. Six major themes and fifteen subthemes emerged from qualitative interviews. Among the major themes were knowledge and concepts about the off-label drugs, attitude and current practice of prescribing off-label drugs, and rationale of prescribing and suggestions for reducing the use of off-label drugs. Almost all of the respondents interviewed provided detailed comments concerning the OLDP concept, depicted an optimistic approach and deemed that OLDP is quite common in psychiatry. Off-label usage of benzodiazepines such as clonazepam, diazepam and lorazepam in mania, depression, and obsessive–compulsive disorder were commonly reported. It was observed that the majority of the respondents did not inform the patients before prescribing off-label drugs. The present findings revealed that respondents had awareness; however, they depicted diverse attitudes towards prescribing off-label drugs. Further education and sensitization in regions with impoverished knowledge would certainly assist in preventing the risks associated with the use of OLDP.
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Rusz CM, Ősz BE, Jîtcă G, Miklos A, Bătrînu MG, Imre S. Off-Label Medication: From a Simple Concept to Complex Practical Aspects. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910447. [PMID: 34639747 PMCID: PMC8508135 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Off-label use of drugs is widely known as unapproved use of approved drugs, and it can be perceived as a relatively simple concept. Even though it has been in existence for many years, prescribing and dispensing of drugs in an off-label regimen is still a current issue, triggered especially by unmet clinical needs. Several therapeutic areas require off-label approaches; therefore, this practice is challenging for prescribing physicians. Meanwhile, the regulatory agencies are making efforts in order to ensure a safe practice. The present paper defines the off-label concept, and it describes its regulation, together with several complex aspects associated with clinical practices regarding rare diseases, oncology, pediatrics, psychiatry therapeutic areas, and the safety issues that arise. A systematic research of the literature was performed, using terms, such as “off-label”, ”prevalence”, ”rare diseases”, ”oncology”, ”psychiatry”, ”pediatrics”, and ”drug repurposing”. There are several reasons for which off-label practice remains indispensable in the present; therefore, efforts are made worldwide, by the regulatory agencies and governmental bodies, to raise awareness and to ensure safe practice, while also encouraging further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen-Maria Rusz
- Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, I.O.S.U.D., George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș (UMPhST), 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (C.-M.R.); (M.-G.B.)
| | - Bianca-Eugenia Ősz
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș (UMPhST), 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
- Correspondence:
| | - George Jîtcă
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș (UMPhST), 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | - Amalia Miklos
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș (UMPhST), 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
| | - Mădălina-Georgiana Bătrînu
- Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, I.O.S.U.D., George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș (UMPhST), 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania; (C.-M.R.); (M.-G.B.)
| | - Silvia Imre
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Drug Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureș (UMPhST), 540142 Târgu Mureș, Romania;
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Müller L, Noseda R, Bertoli R, Bissig M, Ceschi A. Off-label use of quetiapine in nursing homes: Does medical specialty of prescribing physicians play a role? Br J Clin Pharmacol 2020; 86:1444-1445. [PMID: 32100324 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Müller
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacological Sciences of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Roberta Noseda
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacological Sciences of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Raffaela Bertoli
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacological Sciences of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Marco Bissig
- Hospital Pharmacy, Institute of Pharmacological Sciences of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Alessandro Ceschi
- Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Institute of Pharmacological Sciences of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland.,Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, University of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland
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Hirjak D, Kubera KM, Bienentreu S, Thomann PA, Wolf RC. [Antipsychotic-induced motor symptoms in schizophrenic psychoses-Part 3 : Tardive dyskinesia]. DER NERVENARZT 2019; 90:472-484. [PMID: 30341543 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-018-0629-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The treatment of schizophrenic psychoses with antipsychotic drugs (AP) is often associated with an increased risk of delayed occurrence of antipsychotic-associated movement disorders. Persistence and chronicity of such symptoms are very frequent. The risk of developing tardive dyskinesia (TD) is associated with the pharmacological effect profile of a particular AP, with treatment duration and age. This systematic review article summarizes the current study situation on prevalence, risk factors, prevention and treatment options and instruments for early prediction of TD in schizophrenic psychoses. The current data situation on treatment strategies for TD is very heterogeneous. For the treatment of TD there is preliminary evidence for reduction or discontinuation of the AP, switching to clozapine, administration of benzodiazepines (clonazepam) and treatment with vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT2) inhibitors, ginkgo biloba, amantadine or vitamin E. Although TD can be precisely diagnosed it cannot always be effectively treated. Early detection and early treatment of TD can have a favorable influence on the prognosis and the clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Hirjak
- Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit, Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, J5, 68159, Mannheim, Deutschland.
| | - K M Kubera
- Zentrum für Psychosoziale Medizin, Klinik für Allgemeine Psychiatrie, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - S Bienentreu
- Fachklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie der MARIENBORN GmbH, Zülpich, Deutschland
| | - P A Thomann
- Zentrum für Psychosoziale Medizin, Klinik für Allgemeine Psychiatrie, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
- Zentrum für Seelische Gesundheit, Gesundheitszentrum Odenwaldkreis, Erbach, Deutschland
| | - R C Wolf
- Zentrum für Psychosoziale Medizin, Klinik für Allgemeine Psychiatrie, Universität Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
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