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Jiao S, Li N, Cao T, Wang L, Chen H, Lin C, Cai H. Differential impact of intermittent versus continuous treatment with clozapine on fatty acid metabolism in the brain of an MK-801-induced mouse model of schizophrenia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 133:111011. [PMID: 38642730 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111011] [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] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Continuous antipsychotic treatment is often recommended to prevent relapse in schizophrenia. However, the efficacy of antipsychotic treatment appears to diminish in patients with relapsed schizophrenia and the underlying mechanisms are still unknown. Moreover, though the findings are inconclusive, several recent studies suggest that intermittent versus continuous treatment may not significantly differ in recurrence risk and therapeutic efficacy but potentially reduce the drug dose and side effects. Notably, disturbances in fatty acid (FA) metabolism are linked to the onset/relapse of schizophrenia, and patients with multi-episode schizophrenia have been reported to have reduced FA biosynthesis. We thus utilized an MK-801-induced animal model of schizophrenia to evaluate whether two treatment strategies of clozapine would affect drug response and FA metabolism differently in the brain. Schizophrenia-related behaviors were assessed through open field test (OFT) and prepulse inhibition (PPI) test, and FA profiles of prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Additionally, we measured gene expression levels of enzymes involved in FA synthesis. Both intermittent and continuous clozapine treatment reversed hypermotion and deficits in PPI in mice. Continuous treatment decreased total polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and FAs in the PFC, whereas the intermittent administration increased n-6 PUFAs, SFAs and FAs compared to continuous administration. Meanwhile, continuous treatment reduced the expression of Fads1 and Elovl2, while intermittent treatment significantly upregulated them. This study discloses the novel findings that there was no significant difference in clozapine efficacy between continuous and intermittent administration, but intermittent treatment showed certain protective effects on phospholipid metabolism in the PFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimeng Jiao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China; International Research Center for Precision Medicine, Transformative Technology and Software Services, Hunan, China
| | - Nana Li
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China; International Research Center for Precision Medicine, Transformative Technology and Software Services, Hunan, China
| | - Ting Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China; International Research Center for Precision Medicine, Transformative Technology and Software Services, Hunan, China
| | - Liwei Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China; International Research Center for Precision Medicine, Transformative Technology and Software Services, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China; International Research Center for Precision Medicine, Transformative Technology and Software Services, Hunan, China
| | - Chenquan Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China; International Research Center for Precision Medicine, Transformative Technology and Software Services, Hunan, China
| | - Hualin Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, China; International Research Center for Precision Medicine, Transformative Technology and Software Services, Hunan, China; National Clinical Research Center on Mental Disorders, Changsha, China.
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Béchard L, Desmeules C, Bachand L, Huot-Lavoie M, Corbeil O, Anderson E, Brodeur S, LeBlanc A, Demers MF, Lauzier S, Roy MA. The effects of antipsychotic discontinuation or maintenance on the process of recovery in remitted first-episode psychosis patients - A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Eur Psychiatry 2024; 67:e13. [PMID: 38250810 PMCID: PMC10897830 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2024.5] [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] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The optimal duration of antipsychotic treatment following remission of first-episode psychosis (FEP) is uncertain, considering potential adverse effects and individual variability in relapse rates. This study aimed to investigate the effect of antipsychotic discontinuation compared to continuation on recovery in remitted FEP patients. METHODS CENTRAL, MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, and PsycINFO databases were searched on November 2, 2023, with no language restrictions. RCTs evaluating antipsychotic discontinuation in remitted FEP patients were selected. The primary outcome was personal recovery, and secondary outcomes included functional recovery, global functioning, hospital admission, symptom severity, quality of life, side effects, and employment. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool 2, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated with GRADE. Meta-analysis used a random-effect model with an inverse-variance approach. RESULTS Among 2185 screened studies, 8 RCTs (560 participants) were included. No RCTs reported personal recovery as an outcome. Two studies measured functional recovery, and discontinuation group patients were more likely to achieve functional recovery (RR 2.19; 95% CIs: 1.13, 4.22; I2 = 0%; n = 128), although evidence certainty was very low. No significant differences were found in hospital admission, symptom severity, quality of life, global functioning, or employment between the discontinuation and continuation groups. CONCLUSIONS Personal recovery was not reported in any antipsychotic discontinuation trial in remitted FEP. The observed positive effect of discontinuation on functional recovery came from an early terminated trial and an RCT followed by an uncontrolled period. These findings should be interpreted cautiously due to very low certainty of evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Béchard
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Laval, Quebec, Canada
- University Institute of Mental Health of Quebec, CIUSSS-CN, Quebec, Canada
- CERVO Research Center, Quebec, Canada
| | - Charles Desmeules
- CERVO Research Center, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Maxime Huot-Lavoie
- CERVO Research Center, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
| | - Olivier Corbeil
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Laval, Quebec, Canada
- University Institute of Mental Health of Quebec, CIUSSS-CN, Quebec, Canada
- CERVO Research Center, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Sébastien Brodeur
- University Institute of Mental Health of Quebec, CIUSSS-CN, Quebec, Canada
- CERVO Research Center, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
- King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Annie LeBlanc
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
- VITAM - Centre de recherche en santé durable, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marie-France Demers
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Laval, Quebec, Canada
- University Institute of Mental Health of Quebec, CIUSSS-CN, Quebec, Canada
- CERVO Research Center, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sophie Lauzier
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University Laval, Quebec, Canada
- CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marc-André Roy
- University Institute of Mental Health of Quebec, CIUSSS-CN, Quebec, Canada
- CERVO Research Center, Quebec, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec, Canada
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Sampogna G, Di Vincenzo M, Giuliani L, Menculini G, Mancuso E, Arsenio E, Cipolla S, Della Rocca B, Martiadis V, Signorelli MS, Fiorillo A. A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Antipsychotic Drugs on the Quality of Life of Patients with Schizophrenia. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1577. [PMID: 38002537 PMCID: PMC10669728 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13111577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmacological antipsychotic drug interventions represent the cornerstone of the management of patients with schizophrenia and other psychotic spectrum disorders. The choice of the "best" treatment should be made on the basis of several clinical domains. However, despite available treatments, the quality of life reported by patients with schizophrenia taking antipsychotics is still very poor, and this outcome is rarely taken into account in trials assessing the efficacy and effectiveness of antipsychotic treatments. Therefore, we performed a systematic review in order to assess the impact of antipsychotic treatment on patients' quality of life. In particular, we aimed to identify any differences in the improvement in quality of life according to the (a) type of formulation of antipsychotic drugs (i.e., oral vs. depot vs. long-acting injectable); (b) type of the drug (first vs. second vs. third generation); and (c) patients' clinical characteristics. One hundred and eleven papers were included in the review. The main findings were as follows: (1) quality of life is usually considered a secondary outcome in trials on the efficacy and effectiveness of drugs; (2) second-generation antipsychotics have a more positive effect on quality of life; and (3) long-acting injectable antipsychotics are associated with a more stable improvement in quality of life and with a good safety and tolerability profile. Our systematic review confirms that quality of life represents a central element for selecting the appropriate treatment for people with schizophrenia. In particular, the availability of new treatments with a better tolerability profile, a proven effectiveness on patients' cognitive and social functioning, and with a more stable blood concentration might represent the appropriate strategy for improving the quality of life of people with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Sampogna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy (L.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Matteo Di Vincenzo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy (L.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Luigi Giuliani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy (L.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Giulia Menculini
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Perugia, 06132 Perugia, Italy
| | - Emiliana Mancuso
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy (L.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Eleonora Arsenio
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy (L.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Salvatore Cipolla
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy (L.G.); (S.C.)
| | - Bianca Della Rocca
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy (L.G.); (S.C.)
| | | | | | - Andrea Fiorillo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy (L.G.); (S.C.)
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Liu CC, Hsieh MH, Chien YL, Liu CM, Lin YT, Hwang TJ, Hwu HG. Guided antipsychotic reduction to reach minimum effective dose (GARMED) in patients with remitted psychosis: a 2-year randomized controlled trial with a naturalistic cohort. Psychol Med 2023; 53:7078-7086. [PMID: 36896797 PMCID: PMC10719630 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291723000429] [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] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with remitted psychosis face a dilemma between the wish to discontinue antipsychotics and the risk of relapse. We test if an operationalized guided-dose-reduction algorithm can help reach a lower effective dose without increased risks of relapse. METHODS A 2-year open-label randomized prospective comparative cohort trial from Aug 2017 to Sep 2022. Patients with a history of schizophrenia-related psychotic disorders under stable medications and symptoms were eligible, randomized 2:1 into guided dose reduction group (GDR) v. maintenance treatment group (MT1), together with a group of naturalistic maintenance controls (MT2). We observed if the relapse rates would be different between 3 groups, to what extent the dose could be reduced, and if GDR patients could have improved functioning and quality of life. RESULTS A total of 96 patients, comprised 51, 24, and 21 patients in GDR, MT1, and MT2 groups, respectively. During follow-up, 14 patients (14.6%) relapsed, including 6, 4, and 4 from GDR, MT1, and MT2, statistically no difference between groups. In total, 74.5% of GDR patients could stay well under a lower dose, including 18 patients (35.3%) conducting 4 consecutive dose-tapering and staying well after reducing 58.5% of their baseline dose. The GDR group exhibited improved clinical outcomes and endorsed better quality of life. CONCLUSIONS GDR is a feasible approach as the majority of patients had a chance to taper antipsychotics to certain extents. Still, 25.5% of GDR patients could not successfully decrease any dose, including 11.8% experienced relapse, a risk comparable to their maintenance counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chung Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10002, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming H. Hsieh
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10002, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Chien
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10002, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Min Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10002, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10002, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzung-Jeng Hwang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10002, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hai-Gwo Hwu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, 10002, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Schlier B, Buck L, Müller R, Lincoln TM, Bott A, Pillny M. Time-dependent effect of antipsychotic discontinuation and dose reduction on social functioning and subjective quality of life-a multilevel meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine 2023; 65:102291. [PMID: 38021372 PMCID: PMC10663674 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2023.102291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Meta-analyses indicate superiority of antipsychotic maintenance treatment over discontinuation within up to 24 months after treatment initiation for patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. In terms of functional recovery, long-term trials show improved functioning after discontinuation, suggesting a time-dependent effect of antipsychotic maintenance. However, these trials were not included in previous meta-analyses. We therefore investigated whether the effect of antipsychotic maintenance treatment vs. discontinuation on social functioning and quality of life varies by trial length. Methods The study was preregistered with PROSPERO (CRD42021248933). PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Embase and trial registers were systematically searched on 8th November 2021 and updated on 25th June, 2023 and 10th August, 2023 for studies that compared antipsychotic maintenance to discontinuation and reported data on social functioning or subjective quality of life in patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Risk of bias was assessed with the RoB 2, the ROBINS-I and the RoB-ME tools. Quality of evidence was rated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. Findings We included k = 35 studies (N = 5924) with follow-ups between one month and 15 years. Overall, maintenance and discontinuation did not differ on social functioning (k = 32; n = 5330; SMD = 0.204; p = 0.65; 95% CI [-0.69, 1.10]) or quality of life (k = 10; n = 943; SMD = -0.004; p = 0.97; 95% CI [-0.22, 0.21]), whilst subgroup analyses of middle- (2-5 years; k = 7; n = 1032; SMD = 0.68; 95% CI [0.06, 1.28]) and long-term follow-ups (>5 years; k = 2; n = 356; SMD = 1.04; 95% CI [0.82, 1.27]) significantly favoured discontinuation. However, the quality of evidence was rated as very low. Interpretation Although our findings suggest a time-dependent decrease in the effect of maintenance treatment on social functioning, interpretation of these findings is limited by the serious risk of bias in middle- and long-term trials. Therefore, any conclusions regarding the long-term benefits of antipsychotic treatment or discontinuation for functional recovery are premature and more high-quality trials tailored to comparing state of the art maintenance treatment vs. discontinuation are needed. Funding None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Schlier
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science, Universität Hamburg, Germany
| | - Laura Buck
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science, Universität Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany
| | - Rebecca Müller
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science, Universität Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tania M. Lincoln
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science, Universität Hamburg, Germany
| | - Antonia Bott
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science, Universität Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Pillny
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Human Movement Science, Universität Hamburg, Germany
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Joo SW, Kim H, Jo YT, Choi YJ, Ahn S, Lee J. Antipsychotic treatment and risk of discontinuation and hospitalization in first-episode schizophrenia: a nationwide population-based study. Psychol Med 2023; 53:181-188. [PMID: 33855950 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721001379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current evidence on antipsychotic treatment and risk of psychiatric hospitalization in first-episode schizophrenia (FES) is largely based on the findings from randomized clinical trials (RCTs). However, the generalization of the findings to real-world patients is limited due to inherent caveats of the RCT. We aimed to investigate the treatment discontinuation and risk of psychiatric hospitalization using a nationwide population database. METHODS The Health Insurance Review Agency database in South Korea was obtained, and the observation period started from 1 January 2009 to 31 December 2016. We defined the maintenance period as the period from 6-month after the diagnosis of schizophrenia, which is utilized for the main results. For a total of 44 396 patients with FES, a within-individual Cox regression model was used to compare the risk of the treatment discontinuation and psychiatric hospitalization. RESULTS In group comparison, a long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic group was associated with the lowest risk of the treatment discontinuation (0.64, 0.55-0.75) and psychiatric hospitalization (0.29, 0.22-0.38) in comparison with a typical antipsychotic group and no use, respectively. Among individual antipsychotics, the lowest risk of the treatment discontinuation was observed in LAI paliperidone (0.46, 0.37-0.66) compared to olanzapine. Clozapine was found to be the most effective antipsychotic in lowering the risk of psychiatric hospitalization as monotherapy compared to no use (0.23, 0.18-0.31). CONCLUSIONS In real-world patients with FES, LAI paliperidone and clozapine were associated with low treatment discontinuation and better effectiveness in lowering the risk of psychiatric hospitalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Woo Joo
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Harin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Tak Jo
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Jae Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soojin Ahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jungsun Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Gumley AI, Bradstreet S, Ainsworth J, Allan S, Alvarez-Jimenez M, Birchwood M, Briggs A, Bucci S, Cotton S, Engel L, French P, Lederman R, Lewis S, Machin M, MacLennan G, McLeod H, McMeekin N, Mihalopoulos C, Morton E, Norrie J, Reilly F, Schwannauer M, Singh SP, Sundram S, Thompson A, Williams C, Yung A, Aucott L, Farhall J, Gleeson J. Digital smartphone intervention to recognise and manage early warning signs in schizophrenia to prevent relapse: the EMPOWER feasibility cluster RCT. Health Technol Assess 2022; 26:1-174. [PMID: 35639493 DOI: 10.3310/hlze0479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relapse is a major determinant of outcome for people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Early warning signs frequently precede relapse. A recent Cochrane Review found low-quality evidence to suggest a positive effect of early warning signs interventions on hospitalisation and relapse. OBJECTIVE How feasible is a study to investigate the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a digital intervention to recognise and promptly manage early warning signs of relapse in schizophrenia with the aim of preventing relapse? DESIGN A multicentre, two-arm, parallel-group cluster randomised controlled trial involving eight community mental health services, with 12-month follow-up. SETTINGS Glasgow, UK, and Melbourne, Australia. PARTICIPANTS Service users were aged > 16 years and had a schizophrenia spectrum disorder with evidence of a relapse within the previous 2 years. Carers were eligible for inclusion if they were nominated by an eligible service user. INTERVENTIONS The Early signs Monitoring to Prevent relapse in psychosis and prOmote Wellbeing, Engagement, and Recovery (EMPOWER) intervention was designed to enable participants to monitor changes in their well-being daily using a mobile phone, blended with peer support. Clinical triage of changes in well-being that were suggestive of early signs of relapse was enabled through an algorithm that triggered a check-in prompt that informed a relapse prevention pathway, if warranted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcomes were feasibility of the trial and feasibility, acceptability and usability of the intervention, as well as safety and performance. Candidate co-primary outcomes were relapse and fear of relapse. RESULTS We recruited 86 service users, of whom 73 were randomised (42 to EMPOWER and 31 to treatment as usual). Primary outcome data were collected for 84% of participants at 12 months. Feasibility data for people using the smartphone application (app) suggested that the app was easy to use and had a positive impact on motivations and intentions in relation to mental health. Actual app usage was high, with 91% of users who completed the baseline period meeting our a priori criterion of acceptable engagement (> 33%). The median time to discontinuation of > 33% app usage was 32 weeks (95% confidence interval 14 weeks to ∞). There were 8 out of 33 (24%) relapses in the EMPOWER arm and 13 out of 28 (46%) in the treatment-as-usual arm. Fewer participants in the EMPOWER arm had a relapse (relative risk 0.50, 95% confidence interval 0.26 to 0.98), and time to first relapse (hazard ratio 0.32, 95% confidence interval 0.14 to 0.74) was longer in the EMPOWER arm than in the treatment-as-usual group. At 12 months, EMPOWER participants were less fearful of having a relapse than those in the treatment-as-usual arm (mean difference -4.29, 95% confidence interval -7.29 to -1.28). EMPOWER was more costly and more effective, resulting in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £3041. This incremental cost-effectiveness ratio would be considered cost-effective when using the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence threshold of £20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year gained. LIMITATIONS This was a feasibility study and the outcomes detected cannot be taken as evidence of efficacy or effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS A trial of digital technology to monitor early warning signs that blended with peer support and clinical triage to detect and prevent relapse is feasible. FUTURE WORK A main trial with a sample size of 500 (assuming 90% power and 20% dropout) would detect a clinically meaningful reduction in relapse (relative risk 0.7) and improvement in other variables (effect sizes 0.3-0.4). TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial is registered as ISRCTN99559262. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 26, No. 27. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. Funding in Australia was provided by the National Health and Medical Research Council (APP1095879).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew I Gumley
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Simon Bradstreet
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - John Ainsworth
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephanie Allan
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mario Alvarez-Jimenez
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Maximillian Birchwood
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Andrew Briggs
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Sandra Bucci
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Sue Cotton
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lidia Engel
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Paul French
- Department of Nursing, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Reeva Lederman
- School of Computing and Information Systems, Melbourne School of Engineering, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Shôn Lewis
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Matthew Machin
- Division of Informatics, Imaging and Data Sciences, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Graeme MacLennan
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Hamish McLeod
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Nicola McMeekin
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Cathy Mihalopoulos
- School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Emma Morton
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - John Norrie
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | | | - Swaran P Singh
- Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Suresh Sundram
- Department of Psychiatry, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Thompson
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Division of Health Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Chris Williams
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Alison Yung
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Lorna Aucott
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - John Farhall
- Department of Psychology and Counselling, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,NorthWestern Mental Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - John Gleeson
- Healthy Brain and Mind Research Centre, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Hui CLM, Chen EYH, Swapna V, Tagata H, Mizuno M, Liu C, Takeuchi H, Kim SW, Chung YC. Guidelines for Discontinuation of Antipsychotics in Patients Who Recover From First-Episode Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: Derived From the Aggregated Opinions of Asian Network of Early Psychosis Experts and Literature Review. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2022; 25:737-758. [PMID: 35451023 PMCID: PMC9515132 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyac002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Antipsychotic discontinuation has been a long-standing clinical and medicolegal issue. The Asian Network of Early Psychosis developed guidelines for antipsychotic discontinuation in patients who recover from first-episode non-affective psychosis. We reviewed the existing studies and guidelines on antipsychotic discontinuation to develop guidelines for antipsychotic discontinuation in such patients. METHODS We reviewed the relevant studies, reviews, guidelines, and ongoing trials related to antipsychotic discontinuation in patients with first-episode psychosis or schizophrenia. The quality of randomized controlled trials was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. RESULTS Most studies had low to very low quality, and 2 had moderate quality. All studies, except 1, advised against antipsychotic discontinuation because of higher relapse rates in the antipsychotic discontinuation group (19%-82% at 1-year follow-up) than the treatment maintenance group compared with the maintenance group. Based on expert opinion and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation evidence of trials, guidelines have been recommended for future discontinuation studies on patients with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders. CONCLUSIONS Currently, there are no recommendations for antipsychotic discontinuation in patients with first-episode schizophrenia spectrum disorders. However, there is a pressing need to conduct more rigorous research in remitted patients using more stringent criteria of full recovery, which can form the basis of guidelines on when and how antipsychotics should be tapered and discontinued. Studies that evaluate the patient characteristics and biomarkers that predict successful antipsychotic discontinuation are also needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christy L M Hui
- Department of Psychiatry Unive, University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong, SAR , China
| | - Eric Y H Chen
- Department of Psychiatry Unive, University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong, SAR , China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong, SAR , China
| | - Verma Swapna
- Institute of Mental Health , Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School , Singapore
| | - Hiromi Tagata
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toho University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Masafumi Mizuno
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Toho University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
- Tokyo Metropolitan Matsuzawa Hospital , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Chen‑Chung Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital , Taipei , Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University , Taipei , Taiwan
| | - Hiroyoshi Takeuchi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Keio University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
- Schizophrenia Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health , Toronto, ON , Canada
| | - Sung-Wan Kim
- Mindlink, Gwangju Bukgu Mental Health Center , Gwangju , Korea
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School , Gwangju , Korea
| | - Young-Chul Chung
- Department of Psychiatry, Jeonbuk National University Medical School , Jeonju , Korea
- Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University – Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital , Jeonju , Korea
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9
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Guo K, Feng Z, Chen S, Yan Z, Jiao Z, Feng D. Safety Profile of Antipsychotic Drugs: Analysis Based on a Provincial Spontaneous Reporting Systems Database. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:848472. [PMID: 35355731 PMCID: PMC8959618 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.848472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Antipsychotic drugs are the main therapy for schizophrenia and have been widely used in mental disorder fields. However, the research on the safety of antipsychotic drugs in the real-world is rare. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the safety of antipsychotic drugs based on real-world data. Methods: ADR reports collected by the Henan Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring Center from 2016 to 2020 were analyzed. We described the safety of antipsychotic drugs by descriptive analysis and four signal mining methods. Meanwhile, the risk factors for serious adverse reactions of antipsychotics were identified. Results: A total of 3363 ADR reports related to antipsychotics were included. We found that the number of adverse drug reaction reports and the proportion of serious adverse reactions have increased year by year from 2016 to 2020. Most adverse drug reactions occurred within 3 months after taking the medicine. The symptoms caused by typical antipsychotics and atypical antipsychotics were different and dyskinesia was more common in typical antipsychotics. Most patients improved or recovered after treatment or intervention while only one patient had sequelae. Low-level hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, youth, and old age could increase the risk of serious adverse reactions. Four off-label signals were found through signal mining, including amisulpride-pollakiuria, ziprasidone-dyspnoea, quetiapine-urinary incontinence, olanzapine-hepatic function abnormal. Conclusion: We found that most ADRs occurred within 3 months after taking the medicine, so close observation was required for patients during the first 3 months of treatment. The ADRs of antipsychotics involved multiple organ-system damages but were not serious. It might be recommended to take alternative drugs after a serious ADR occurred. The symptoms caused by typical APDs and atypical APDs were different. For patients with typical APDs, dyskinesia was more common and should be given special attention. Statistics showed that low-level hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, youth, and old age were risk factors for serious ADRs. The four off-label signals obtained by signal mining should be paid special attention, including amisulpride-pollakiuria, ziprasidone-dyspnoea, quetiapine-urinary incontinence, and olanzapine-hepatic function abnormal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangyuan Guo
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhanchun Feng
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanquan Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Ziqi Yan
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiming Jiao
- School of Medicine and Health Management, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Da Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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10
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Yen K, Liu CC, Lin YT, Chien YL, Hsieh MH, Liu CM, Hwang TJ, Liao WH, Hwu HG. Discontinuing Antipsychotic Medication After Remission from First-Episode Psychosis: A Survey of Psychiatrists' Attitudes in Taiwan. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2022; 18:465-475. [PMID: 35261544 PMCID: PMC8898187 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s339866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients in remission after first-episode psychosis are inclined to discontinue antipsychotic treatment, which may lead to higher risk of relapse and unfavorable outcomes. Paradoxically, also there are evidences suggesting that certain patients may stay well in drug-free condition. Psychiatrists' views towards this dilemma might affect their approaches to these patients, and discrepant attitudes are noted between Western and Asian clinicians. This study aimed to examine psychiatrists' attitudes about discontinuing antipsychotic medications after remission from first-episode psychosis. METHODS Psychiatrists were recruited for this study using convenience sampling. A cross-sectional survey was conducted using a set of questionnaires comprising nine items for attitudes toward medication discontinuation, six vignettes for probing psychiatrists' practice in designated clinical scenarios, and a list of criteria that may affect their responses. RESULTS Responses were provided by 118 psychiatrists, two-thirds men, mean age 39.8 ± 10.1 years and mean experience 12.7 ± 9.7 years. Half of the participants endorsed that fewer than 20% of the remitted patients should stop medication completely; the majority advised that an observation period of 1 year or longer is necessary while discontinuing medication. The majority would not initiate discussion with patients about discontinuing medication. Responding to two case vignettes, those who endorsed that more patients could stop antipsychotics were also more inclined to discuss it with patients, but not consistently in response to the other four case vignettes. Taiwan psychiatrists expressed a wide range of decision-making considerations for discontinuing antipsychotics. CONCLUSION The majority of Taiwan psychiatrists thought it was not feasible to stop medications completely but were willing to consider this option. Once being presented with actual clinical scenarios, many participants hesitated to discontinue antipsychotic medications for various reasons. The proactive attitude of psychiatrists towards conducting clinical trials to test the feasibility of medication discontinuation may help to provide better reference for this clinical dilemma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ko Yen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chung Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Chien
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming H Hsieh
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Min Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzung-Jeng Hwang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsiang Liao
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hai-Gwo Hwu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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11
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Horowitz MA, Jauhar S, Natesan S, Murray RM, Taylor D. A Method for Tapering Antipsychotic Treatment That May Minimize the Risk of Relapse. Schizophr Bull 2021; 47:1116-1129. [PMID: 33754644 PMCID: PMC8266572 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbab017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The process of stopping antipsychotics may be causally related to relapse, potentially linked to neuroadaptations that persist after cessation, including dopaminergic hypersensitivity. Therefore, the risk of relapse on cessation of antipsychotics may be minimized by more gradual tapering. There is converging evidence that suggests that adaptations to antipsychotic exposure can persist for months or years after stopping the medication-from animal studies, observation of tardive dyskinesia in patients, and the clustering of relapses in this time period after the cessation of antipsychotics. Furthermore, PET imaging demonstrates a hyperbolic relationship between doses of antipsychotic and D2 receptor blockade. We, therefore, suggest that when antipsychotics are reduced, it should be done gradually (over months or years) and in a hyperbolic manner (to reduce D2 blockade "evenly"): ie, reducing by one quarter (or one half) of the most recent dose of antipsychotic, equivalent approximately to a reduction of 5 (or 10) percentage points of its D2 blockade, sequentially (so that reductions become smaller and smaller in size as total dose decreases), at intervals of 3-6 months, titrated to individual tolerance. Some patients may prefer to taper at 10% or less of their most recent dose each month. This process might allow underlying adaptations time to resolve, possibly reducing the risk of relapse on discontinuation. Final doses before complete cessation may need to be as small as 1/40th a therapeutic dose to prevent a large decrease in D2 blockade when stopped. This proposal should be tested in randomized controlled trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Abie Horowitz
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Maple House, 149 Tottenham Court Road, Fitzrovia, London W1T 7BN, UK
- North East London Foundation Trust. Goodmayes Hospital, 157 Barley Lane, Goodmayes, Ilford IG3 8XJ, UK
| | - Sameer Jauhar
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Camberwell, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Sridhar Natesan
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Camberwell, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Robin M Murray
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Camberwell, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - David Taylor
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, Camberwell, London SE5 8AF, UK
- Pharmacy Department, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London SE5 8AZ, UK
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12
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Maurus I, Hasan A, Schmitt A, Roeh A, Keeser D, Malchow B, Schneider-Axmann T, Hellmich M, Schmied S, Lembeck M, Keller-Varady K, Papazova I, Hirjak D, Topor CE, Walter H, Mohnke S, Vogel BO, Wölwer W, Schneider F, Henkel K, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Falkai P. Aerobic endurance training to improve cognition and enhance recovery in schizophrenia: design and methodology of a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2021; 271:315-324. [PMID: 32748261 PMCID: PMC8257533 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-020-01175-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Even today, patients with schizophrenia often have an unfavorable outcome. Negative symptoms and cognitive deficits are common features in many patients and prevent recovery. In recent years, aerobic endurance training has emerged as a therapeutic approach with positive effects on several domains of patients' health. However, appropriately sized, multicenter randomized controlled trials that would allow better generalization of results are lacking. The exercise study presented here is a multicenter, rater-blind, two-armed, parallel-group randomized clinical trial in patients with clinically stable schizophrenia being conducted at five German tertiary hospitals. The intervention group performs aerobic endurance training on bicycle ergometers three times per week for 40-50 min/session (depending on the intervention week) for a total of 26 weeks, and the control group performs balance and tone training for the same amount of time. Participants are subsequently followed up for 26 weeks. The primary endpoint is all-cause discontinuation; secondary endpoints include psychopathology, cognition, daily functioning, cardiovascular risk factors, and explorative biological measures regarding the underlying mechanisms of exercise. A total of 180 patients will be randomized. With currently 162 randomized participants, our study is the largest trial to date to investigate endurance training in patients with schizophrenia. We hypothesize that aerobic endurance training has beneficial effects on patients' mental and physical health, leading to lower treatment discontinuation rates and improving disease outcomes. The study results will provide a basis for recommending exercise interventions as an add-on therapy in patients with schizophrenia.The study is registered in the International Clinical Trials Database (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier [NCT number]: NCT03466112) and in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00009804).
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Maurus
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336, Munich, Germany.
| | - Alkomiet Hasan
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychosomatics of the University Augsburg, Bezirkskrankenhaus Augsburg, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Andrea Schmitt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
- Laboratory of Neuroscience (LIM27), Institute of Psychiatry, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Astrid Roeh
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Keeser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Berend Malchow
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Schneider-Axmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Hellmich
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Medical Statistics and Computational Biology, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sabine Schmied
- Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Trials Centre Cologne, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Moritz Lembeck
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Irina Papazova
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Dusan Hirjak
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cristina E Topor
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Henrik Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Mohnke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bob O Vogel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität Zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wölwer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Frank Schneider
- University Hospital, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Karsten Henkel
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Medical Faculty Mannheim, Central Institute of Mental Health, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
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13
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Liu CC, Liu CM, Chien YL, Lin YT, Hsieh MH, Hwang TJ, Hwu HG. Challenging the Minimum Effective Antipsychotic Dose During Maintenance: Implications From 10-Year Follow-Up of First Episode Psychosis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:714878. [PMID: 34557119 PMCID: PMC8453020 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.714878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Contradictory messages regarding the necessity of long-term antipsychotic treatment after first episode psychosis arouse deliberations in clinical practice. We explored if there is an alternative beyond the dichotomy of maintenance treatment and discontinuation of medications. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study by reviewing medical records at the study hospital of a cohort of patients since their participation in an early psychosis study starting from 2006, with special interests in patients able to maintain good functioning under treatment with a low antipsychotic dose. Results: Of the 81 patients with first-episode psychosis, 55 patients (67.9%) had follow-up information for longer than 5 years. The majority (n = 46, 83.6%) had non-affective psychosis, 20 patients (36.4%) had full-time employment/education by the time of their latest visit; among them, 15 patients received dosage of antipsychotics no more than the minimum effective dose [chlorpromazine equivalent (CPZE) dose, 200 mg/day]. Besides, 10 of 55 patients (18.2%) only received very low dose antipsychotics (CPZE < 50 mg/day) during maintenance, which was significantly correlated to good functioning. Being male, having a history of hospitalization, and being on clozapine therapy were correlated to poorer functioning. Antipsychotic-free status was achieved only in two non-psychotic patients. Conclusions: A substantial proportion of patients could achieve good functioning under low-dose antipsychotic maintenance after first-episode psychosis, even if they could not completely withdraw antipsychotics in the long term. Optimizing the balance between preventing relapse and preserving functioning by fine-tuning antipsychotic dosage during maintenance is a challenge warranting more clinical attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chung Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Min Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Chien
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming H Hsieh
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzung-Jeng Hwang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hai-Gwo Hwu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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14
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Gaebel W, Stricker J, Riesbeck M. The long-term antipsychotic treatment of schizophrenia: A selective review of clinical guidelines and clinical case examples. Schizophr Res 2020; 225:4-14. [PMID: 31806527 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
There is a long-lasting debate regarding the long-term antipsychotic treatment of schizophrenia. The most frequently advocated strategy is continued antipsychotic maintenance treatment (i.e., continuous treatment with a constant dose of antipsychotic medication after symptom remission). Yet, because of the potential side effects of continued antipsychotic medication, other treatment strategies such as targeted intermittent treatment (i.e., stepwise drug discontinuation and early drug intervention in case of prodromal symptoms or early warning signs) have been discussed. In this manuscript, we review recommendations regarding the long-term antipsychotic treatment of schizophrenia from six evidence-based clinical guidelines. In line with the current state of research, all six clinical guidelines recommend continued antipsychotic maintenance treatment. Recommendations regarding other aspects of long-term antipsychotic treatment (e.g., the dosage of antipsychotic medication for long-term treatment, the minimum duration of antipsychotic long-term treatment, and discontinuation strategies) are more vague and heterogeneous. Additionally, we provide clinical case examples to illustrate different course types of patients exposed to targeted intermittent treatment. Finally, we discuss gaps in current clinical guidelines and future research avenues in antipsychotic maintenance treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Gaebel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, LVR-Klinikum Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; WHO Collaborating Centre for Quality Assurance and Empowerment in Mental Health, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Johannes Stricker
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, LVR-Klinikum Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany; WHO Collaborating Centre for Quality Assurance and Empowerment in Mental Health, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Mathias Riesbeck
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, LVR-Klinikum Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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15
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Moncrieff J, Crellin NE, Long MA, Cooper RE, Stockmann T. Definitions of relapse in trials comparing antipsychotic maintenance with discontinuation or reduction for schizophrenia spectrum disorders: A systematic review. Schizophr Res 2020; 225:47-54. [PMID: 31604607 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2019.08.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Avoidance of relapse is the main aim of long-term antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia, yet how 'relapse' is defined in trials is not well-known. METHODS We conducted a systematic review of definitions of relapse in trials of continuous antipsychotic treatment compared with discontinuation, intermittent treatment or dose reduction for people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Trials were identified from previous Cochrane reviews and a new search. The quality of relapse definitions was rated in terms of reliability and clinical relevance and associations between quality of definitions and trial characteristics and outcome were explored. RESULTS We identified 82 reports of 81 trials which employed 54 different definitions of relapse. There were 33 definitions in the 35 trials published since 1990, with recent trials employing complex definitions often involving alternative criteria. Only ten primary definitions of relapse required the presence of psychotic symptoms in all cases, and only three specified this in combination with a measure of overall severity or functional decline. Only two definitions specified a duration longer than two days. Relapse definitions were rated as showing good reliability in 37 trials, but only seven showed good clinical relevance. Six trials with definitions that were both reliable and clinically relevant were slightly longer, but did not differ from remaining trials in other characteristics or overall or relative risk of relapse. CONCLUSIONS Antipsychotic trials define relapse in numerous different ways, and few definitions consistently reflect suggested indications of a clinically significant relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Moncrieff
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Nadia E Crellin
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Maria A Long
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ruth E Cooper
- Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry, Queen Mary University of London, Cherry Tree Way, London E13 8SP, UK
| | - Tom Stockmann
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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16
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Fountoulakis KN, Panagiotidis P, Theofilidis AT, Nimatoudis I. One-year Outcome of First vs. Later Episode Schizophrenia: A Real-world Naturalistic Study. CLINICAL PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY AND NEUROSCIENCE 2020; 18:434-444. [PMID: 32702222 PMCID: PMC7383004 DOI: 10.9758/cpn.2020.18.3.434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective The aim the study was to calculate remission, recovery and relapse rates in first episode patients with schizophrenia (FES) vs. patients at a later phase (non-FES). Methods Thirty-two FES and 101 non-FES patients took part in the study. The assessment included testing at baseline and at 1 year with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Calgary Depression scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Udvalg for Kliniske Undersøgelser (UKU) scale, Simpson Angus, and General Assessment of Functioning (GAF) subscale. The statistical analysis included chi-square test and analysis of covariance. Results At baseline 15.62% FES vs. 10.89% non-FES patients were in remission; none of FES vs. 2.97% non-FES patients were in recovery. At endpoint, the respective figures were 12.50% vs. 25.00% and 3.12% vs. 3.96%. None of the differences in rates was significant between the two groups except from the percentage of patients being under medication (higher in the non-FES group). Baseline PANSS negative subscale (PANSS-N) was the only predictor of the outcome at endpoint. Conclusion The current study reported very low rates of remission and recovery of patients with schizophrenia without any differences between FES and non-FES patients. One possibility is that the increased antipsychotic treatment compensates for the worsening of the illness with time. An accumulating beneficial effect of antipsychotic treatment suggested that early lack of remission is not prognostic of a poor outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos N Fountoulakis
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Panagiotis Panagiotidis
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Antonis T Theofilidis
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Nimatoudis
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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17
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Fountoulakis KN, Moeller HJ, Kasper S, Tamminga C, Yamawaki S, Kahn R, Tandon R, Correll CU, Javed A. The report of the joint WPA/CINP workgroup on the use and usefulness of antipsychotic medication in the treatment of schizophrenia. CNS Spectr 2020; 26:1-25. [PMID: 32594935 DOI: 10.1017/s1092852920001546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This is a report of a joint World Psychiatric Association/International College of Neuropsychopharmacology (WPA/CINP) workgroup concerning the risk/benefit ratio of antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia. It utilized a selective but, within topic, comprehensive review of the literature, taking into consideration all the recently discussed arguments on the matter and avoiding taking sides when the results in the literature were equivocal. The workgroup's conclusions suggested that antipsychotics are efficacious both during the acute and the maintenance phase, and that the current data do not support the existence of a supersensitivity rebound psychosis. Long-term treated patients have better overall outcome and lower mortality than those not taking antipsychotics. Longer duration of untreated psychosis and relapses are modestly related to worse outcome. Loss of brain volume is evident already at first episode and concerns loss of neuropil volume rather than cell loss. Progression of volume loss probably happens in a subgroup of patients with worse prognosis. In humans, antipsychotic treatment neither causes nor worsens volume loss, while there are some data in favor for a protective effect. Schizophrenia manifests 2 to 3 times higher mortality vs the general population, and treatment with antipsychotics includes a number of dangers, including tardive dyskinesia and metabolic syndrome; however, antipsychotic treatment is related to lower mortality, including cardiovascular mortality. In conclusion, the literature strongly supports the use of antipsychotics both during the acute and the maintenance phase without suggesting that it is wise to discontinue antipsychotics after a certain period of time. Antipsychotic treatment improves long-term outcomes and lowers overall and specific-cause mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos N Fountoulakis
- 3rd Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Hans-Jurgen Moeller
- Department of Psychiatry, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Siegfried Kasper
- Universitätsklinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - Carol Tamminga
- Department of Psychiatry, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Shigeto Yamawaki
- Center for Brain, Mind and KANSEI Sciences Research, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Rene Kahn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health System, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Rajiv Tandon
- Department of Psychiatry, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, Michigan, USA
| | - Christoph U Correll
- Department of Psychiatry, Northwell Health, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Glen Oaks, New York, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Molecular Medicine, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, New York, USA
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Afzal Javed
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Pakistan Psychiatric Research Centre, Fountain House, Lahore, Pakistan
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18
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Bogers JPAM, Hambarian G, Michiels M, Vermeulen J, de Haan L. Risk Factors for Psychotic Relapse After Dose Reduction or Discontinuation of Antipsychotics in Patients With Chronic Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/schizbullopen/sgaa002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
High doses of antipsychotics in patients with chronic schizophrenia might lead to more severe side effects and possibly hamper recovery, but dose reduction carries the risk of psychotic relapse. It would be helpful to establish risk factors for relapse during dose reduction. We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO from January 1950 through June 2019 and reviewed studies that reported on relapse rates (event rates [ERs]) after dose reduction or discontinuation of antipsychotics in cohorts of patients with chronic schizophrenia. We calculated ERs (with 95% CIs) per person-year and sought to identify potential risk factors, such as patient characteristics, dose reduction/discontinuation characteristics, and study characteristics. Of 165 publications, 40 describing dose reduction or discontinuation in 46 cohorts (1677 patients) were included. The pooled ER for psychotic relapse was 0.55 (95% CI 0.46–0.65) per person-year. The ER was significantly higher in inpatients, patients with a shorter duration of illness, patients in whom antipsychotics were discontinued or in whom the dose was reduced to less than 5 mg haloperidol equivalent, studies with a short follow-up or published before 1990, and studies in which relapse was based on clinical judgment (ie, rating scales were not used). Clinicians should consider several robust risk factors for psychotic relapse in case of dose reduction in chronic schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan P A M Bogers
- High Care Clinics and Rivierduinen Academy, Mental Health Services Rivierduinen, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - George Hambarian
- Rivierduinen Academy, Mental Health Services Rivierduinen, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Maykel Michiels
- Rivierduinen Academy, Mental Health Services Rivierduinen, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Jentien Vermeulen
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lieuwe de Haan
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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19
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Begemann MJH, Thompson IA, Veling W, Gangadin SS, Geraets CNW, van 't Hag E, Müller-Kuperus SJ, Oomen PP, Voppel AE, van der Gaag M, Kikkert MJ, Van Os J, Smit HFE, Knegtering RH, Wiersma S, Stouten LH, Gijsman HJ, Wunderink L, Staring ABP, Veerman SRT, Mahabir AGS, Kurkamp J, Pijnenborg GHM, Veen ND, Marcelis M, Grootens KP, Faber G, van Beveren NJ, Been A, van den Brink T, Bak M, van Amelsvoort TAMJ, Ruissen A, Blanke C, Groen K, de Haan L, Sommer IEC. To continue or not to continue? Antipsychotic medication maintenance versus dose-reduction/discontinuation in first episode psychosis: HAMLETT, a pragmatic multicenter single-blind randomized controlled trial. Trials 2020; 21:147. [PMID: 32033579 PMCID: PMC7006112 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-019-3822-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antipsychotic medication is effective for symptomatic treatment in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. After symptom remission, continuation of antipsychotic treatment is associated with lower relapse rates and lower symptom severity compared to dose reduction/discontinuation. Therefore, most guidelines recommend continuation of treatment with antipsychotic medication for at least 1 year. Recently, however, these guidelines have been questioned as one study has shown that more patients achieved long-term functional remission in an early discontinuation condition-a finding that was not replicated in another recently published long-term study. METHODS/DESIGN The HAMLETT (Handling Antipsychotic Medication Long-term Evaluation of Targeted Treatment) study is a multicenter pragmatic single-blind randomized controlled trial in two parallel conditions (1:1) investigating the effects of continuation versus dose-reduction/discontinuation of antipsychotic medication after remission of a first episode of psychosis (FEP) on personal and social functioning, psychotic symptom severity, and health-related quality of life. In total 512 participants will be included, aged between 16 and 60 years, in symptomatic remission from a FEP for 3-6 months, and for whom psychosis was not associated with severe or life-threatening self-harm or violence. Recruitment will take place at 24 Dutch sites. Patients are randomized (1:1) to: continuation of antipsychotic medication until at least 1 year after remission (original dose allowing a maximum reduction of 25%, or another antipsychotic drug in similar dose range); or gradual dose reduction till eventual discontinuation of antipsychotics according to a tapering schedule. If signs of relapse occur in this arm, medication dose can be increased again. Measurements are conducted at baseline, at 3, and 6 months post-baseline, and yearly during a follow-up period of 4 years. DISCUSSION The HAMLETT study will offer evidence to guide patients and clinicians regarding questions concerning optimal treatment duration and when to taper off medication after remission of a FEP. Moreover, it may provide patient characteristics associated with safe dose reduction with a minimal risk of relapse. TRIAL STATUS Protocol version 1.3, October 2018. The study is active and currently recruiting patients (since September 2017), with the first 200 participants by the end of 2019. We anticipate completing recruitment in 2022 and final assessments (including follow-up 3.5 years after phase one) in 2026. TRIAL REGISTRATION European Clinical Trials Database, EudraCT number 2017-002406-12. Registered 7 June 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke J H Begemann
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Ilse A Thompson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Veling
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Shiral S Gangadin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Chris N W Geraets
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Erna van 't Hag
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne J Müller-Kuperus
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Priscilla P Oomen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alban E Voppel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mark van der Gaag
- Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Psychology, VU University, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn J Kikkert
- Department of Research, Arkin Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jim Van Os
- Department of Psychiatry, UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, EURON, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - H Filip E Smit
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental Psychology, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Centre of Economic Evaluation, Trimbos Institute (Netherlands Institute of Mental Health), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rikus H Knegtering
- Lentis Research, Lentis Psychiatric Institute, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Rob Giel Research Center, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sybren Wiersma
- Early Intervention Psychosis Team, GGZ inGeest Specialized Mental Health Care, Hoofddorp, The Netherlands
| | - Luyken H Stouten
- Centre for Early Psychosis, Parnassia Psychiatric Institute, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J Gijsman
- Program for Psychosis & Severe Mental Illness, Pro Persona Mental Health, Wolfheze, The Netherlands
| | - Lex Wunderink
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Education and Research, Friesland Mental Health Care Services, Leeuwarden, The Netherlands
| | - Anton B P Staring
- Department ABC, Altrecht Psychiatric Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Selene R T Veerman
- Community Mental Health, Mental Health Service Noord-Holland Noord, Alkmaar, The Netherlands
| | | | - Jörg Kurkamp
- Center for Youth with Psychosis, Mediant ABC Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
| | | | - Natalie D Veen
- GGZ Delfland, Delfland Institute for Mental Health Care, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Machteld Marcelis
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, EURON, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Institute for Mental Health Care Eindhoven (GGzE), Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Koen P Grootens
- Reinier van Arkel Institute for Mental Health Care, 's Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Gunnar Faber
- Yulius, Mental Health Institute, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nico J van Beveren
- Antes Center for Mental Health Care, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Agaath Been
- Center for Developmental Disorders, Dimence Institute for Mental Health, Deventer, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maarten Bak
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, EURON, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Mondriaan Mental Health Care, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | - Therese A M J van Amelsvoort
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, EURON, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Mondriaan Mental Health Care, Heerlen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Christine Blanke
- Anoiksis, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Groen
- MIND Ypsilon, Organization of Relatives and Carers of People with a Vulnerability to Psychosis, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Lieuwe de Haan
- Department of Early Psychosis, Amsterdam UMC, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Iris E C Sommer
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Cognitive Neurosciences, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), Groningen, The Netherlands
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20
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Achieving the Lowest Effective Antipsychotic Dose for Patients with Remitted Psychosis: A Proposed Guided Dose-Reduction Algorithm. CNS Drugs 2020; 34:117-126. [PMID: 31741178 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-019-00682-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Continuing antipsychotic treatment in patients with schizophrenia under clinical remission remains controversial. Even though the mainstream opinion declares an outweighed balance against medication discontinuation, recent reviews and critiques suggest that some patients may remain symptom free and well functioning after stopping antipsychotics, but few predictors can identify who can try medication discontinuation, whilst no guidelines exist for reducing medication to reach the lowest effective dose safely. Analyzing the findings from studies employing different methodologies, adopting evidence from pharmacodynamic research, and observing dose reduction in stable patients, as well as taking inspiration from the metaphor of the Cantor set in natural philosophy, we introduce an alternative solution and propose a guided dose-reduction algorithm that follows a set of clear precautions and instructions. The algorithm recommends only a fraction (no more than 25%) of the dosage to be reduced at a time, with at least a 6-month stabilization period required before reducing another 25% of the dose. Patients are empowered to actively participate in decision making when they are ready for further dose tapering, or should they retreat to a previous dosage if warning signs of a relapse re-emerge. An intermittent or irregular dosing schedule can be used to adapt this algorithm to real-world practice. Our preliminary findings suggest that patients with remitted psychosis can do well along this path. We anticipate that this approach can help optimize the risk-benefit ratio and instill a hope in patients with schizophrenia that they can maintain in stable remission under a lower antipsychotic dose without an increased risk of relapse.
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21
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Barnes TR, Drake R, Paton C, Cooper SJ, Deakin B, Ferrier IN, Gregory CJ, Haddad PM, Howes OD, Jones I, Joyce EM, Lewis S, Lingford-Hughes A, MacCabe JH, Owens DC, Patel MX, Sinclair JM, Stone JM, Talbot PS, Upthegrove R, Wieck A, Yung AR. Evidence-based guidelines for the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia: Updated recommendations from the British Association for Psychopharmacology. J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:3-78. [PMID: 31829775 DOI: 10.1177/0269881119889296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
These updated guidelines from the British Association for Psychopharmacology replace the original version published in 2011. They address the scope and targets of pharmacological treatment for schizophrenia. A consensus meeting was held in 2017, involving experts in schizophrenia and its treatment. They were asked to review key areas and consider the strength of the evidence on the risk-benefit balance of pharmacological interventions and the clinical implications, with an emphasis on meta-analyses, systematic reviews and randomised controlled trials where available, plus updates on current clinical practice. The guidelines cover the pharmacological management and treatment of schizophrenia across the various stages of the illness, including first-episode, relapse prevention, and illness that has proved refractory to standard treatment. It is hoped that the practice recommendations presented will support clinical decision making for practitioners, serve as a source of information for patients and carers, and inform quality improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Re Barnes
- Emeritus Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, Division of Psychiatry, Imperial College London, and Joint-head of the Prescribing Observatory for Mental Health, Centre for Quality Improvement, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
| | - Richard Drake
- Clinical Lead for Mental Health in Working Age Adults, Health Innovation Manchester, University of Manchester and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Carol Paton
- Joint-head of the Prescribing Observatory for Mental Health, Centre for Quality Improvement, Royal College of Psychiatrists, London, UK
| | - Stephen J Cooper
- Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Bill Deakin
- Professor of Psychiatry, Neuroscience & Psychiatry Unit, University of Manchester and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - I Nicol Ferrier
- Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Catherine J Gregory
- Honorary Clinical Research Fellow, University of Manchester and Higher Trainee in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Peter M Haddad
- Honorary Professor of Psychiatry, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, UK and Senior Consultant Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Oliver D Howes
- Professor of Molecular Psychiatry, Imperial College London and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ian Jones
- Professor of Psychiatry and Director, National Centre of Mental Health, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Eileen M Joyce
- Professor of Neuropsychiatry, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Shôn Lewis
- Professor of Adult Psychiatry, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, UK, and Mental Health Academic Lead, Health Innovation Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Anne Lingford-Hughes
- Professor of Addiction Biology and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, Imperial College London and Central North West London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - James H MacCabe
- Professor of Epidemiology and Therapeutics, Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, National Psychosis Service, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Beckenham, UK
| | - David Cunningham Owens
- Professor of Clinical Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh. Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Maxine X Patel
- Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and Consultant Psychiatrist, Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Julia Ma Sinclair
- Professor of Addiction Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - James M Stone
- Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience and South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Peter S Talbot
- Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, University of Manchester and Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Rachel Upthegrove
- Professor of Psychiatry and Youth Mental Health, University of Birmingham and Consultant Psychiatrist, Birmingham Early Intervention Service, Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Angelika Wieck
- Honorary Consultant in Perinatal Psychiatry, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Alison R Yung
- Professor of Psychiatry, University of Manchester, School of Health Sciences, Manchester, UK and Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Australia, and Honorary Consultant Psychiatrist, Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
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22
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Liu CC, Lin YT, Liu CM, Hsieh MH, Chien YL, Hwang TJ, Hwu HG. Trajectories after first-episode psychosis: Complement to ambiguous outcomes of long-term antipsychotic treatment by exploring a few hidden cases. Early Interv Psychiatry 2019; 13:895-901. [PMID: 29927087 DOI: 10.1111/eip.12696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM Patient's long-term phenomenology after first-episode psychosis could be blurred due to early intervention. The contradictory messages regarding necessity of long-term antipsychotic treatment derived from different methodologies warrants careful reappraisal. METHODS We approached a group of patients lost to follow-up in a previous study. Targeting these 44 missing patients, we sent 2 carefully worded letters to invite them for interviews to see if their life trajectories were different from those who stayed in a university-based hospital system. RESULTS A total of 21 patients replied, but only 8 agreed to in-depth interviews. Of these, 2 warranted revision of their diagnoses as there had been no recurrence of psychotic symptoms and they had remained antipsychotic-free for several years despite displaying a dysthymic state; 1 fulfilled remission criteria on intermittent low-dose antipsychotics but kept a distance from any potential stressor; 1 achieved full remission with good functioning and discontinued medications for a year, but resumed taking antipsychotics after feeling an impending relapse; the other 4 showed common courses of chronic schizophrenia with repeated admission and/or rehabilitation programs in other service systems. CONCLUSIONS The trajectories after first-episode psychosis should not be over-simplified by calculating the probability of relapse or the odds of achieving adequate functioning determined by medication adherence or not. Examining from a dynamic perspective employing a qualitative approach to take into account diagnostic stability, treatment preferences, psychosocial factors, individual coping strategies and personalized formulation of illness, we can gain more insight into the ambiguous information revealed by the recent literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chung Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Lin
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Min Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming H Hsieh
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ling Chien
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzung-Jeng Hwang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hai-Gwo Hwu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Essali A, Turkmani K, Aboudamaah S, AbouDamaah A, Diaa Aldeen MR, Marwa ME, AlMounayer N. Haloperidol discontinuation for people with schizophrenia. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 4:CD011408. [PMID: 31006114 PMCID: PMC6475523 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011408.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Schizophrenia is a disabling serious mental illness that can be chronic. Haloperidol, one of the first generation of antipsychotic drugs, is effective in the treatment of schizophrenia but can have adverse side effects. The effects of stopping haloperidol in people with schizophrenia who are stable on their prescription are not well researched in the context of systematic reviews. OBJECTIVES To review the effects of haloperidol discontinuation in people with schizophrenia who are stable on haloperidol. SEARCH METHODS On 20 February 2015, 24 May 2017, and 12 January 2019, we searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Group's Study-Based Register of Trials including trial registers. SELECTION CRITERIA We included clinical trials randomising adults with schizophrenia or related disorders who were receiving haloperidol, and were stable. We included trials that randomised such participants to either continue their current treatment with haloperidol or discontinue their haloperidol treatment. We included trials that met our selection criteria and reported usable data. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We independently checked all records retrieved from the search and obtained full reports of relevant records for closer inspection. We extracted data from included studies independently. All usable data were dichotomous, and we calculated relative risks (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) using a fixed-effect model. We assessed risk of bias within the included studies and used GRADE to create a 'Summary of findings' table. MAIN RESULTS We included five randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with 232 participants comparing haloperidol discontinuation with haloperidol continuation. Discontinuation was achieved in all five studies by replacing haloperidol with placebo. The trials' size ranged between 23 and 87 participants. The methods of randomisation, allocation concealment and blinding were poorly reported.Participants allocated to discontinuing haloperidol treatment were more likely to show no improvement in global state compared with those in the haloperidol continuation group (n = 49; 1 RCT; RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.33 to 3.20; very low quality evidence: our confidence in the effect estimate is limited due to relevant methodological shortcomings of included trials). Those who continued haloperidol treatment were less likely to experience a relapse compared to people who discontinued taking haloperidol (n = 165; 4 RCTs; RR 1.80, 95% CI 1.18 to 2.74; very low quality evidence). Satisfaction with treatment (measured as numbers leaving the study early) was similar between groups (n = 43; 1 RCT; RR 0.13, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.28; very low quality evidence).No usable mental state, general functioning, general behaviour or adverse effect data were reported by any of the trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review provides limited evidence derived from small, short-term studies. The longest study was for one year, making it difficult to generalise the results to a life-long disorder. Very low quality evidence shows that discontinuation of haloperidol is associated with an increased risk of relapse and a reduction in the risk of 'global state improvement'. However, participant satisfaction with haloperidol treatment was not different from participant satisfaction with haloperidol discontinuation as measured by leaving the studies early. Due to the very low quality of these results, firm conclusions cannot be made. In addition, the available studies did not report usable data regarding the adverse effects of haloperidol treatment.Considering that haloperidol is one of the most widely used antipsychotic drugs, it was surprising that only a small number of studies into the benefit and harm of haloperidol discontinuation were available. Moreover, the available studies did not report on outcomes that are important to clinicians and to people with schizophrenia, particularly adverse effects and social outcomes. Better designed trials are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adib Essali
- Counties Manukau HealthCommunity Mental HealthBuilding 6, 17 Lambie Drive,ManukauAucklandNew Zealand2241
| | - Khaled Turkmani
- Damascus UniversityFaculty of MedicineDamascusSyrian Arab Republic
| | | | - Alaa AbouDamaah
- Damascus UniversityDamascus Health UnitDamascusSyrian Arab Republic
| | | | | | - Nawar AlMounayer
- Damascus UniversityFaculty of MedicineDamascusSyrian Arab Republic
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Kishi T, Ikuta T, Matsui Y, Inada K, Matsuda Y, Mishima K, Iwata N. Effect of discontinuation v. maintenance of antipsychotic medication on relapse rates in patients with remitted/stable first-episode psychosis: a meta-analysis. Psychol Med 2019; 49:772-779. [PMID: 29909790 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291718001393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Discontinuation of antipsychotics predisposes patients with remitted/stable first-episode psychosis (FEP) to a higher risk of relapse, but it remains unclear how long discontinuation increases the relapse rate in these patients compared with maintenance. METHODS This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) compared relapse rates in FEP patients between antipsychotic treatment discontinuation and maintenance groups at 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 12 (primary), and 18-24 months. The risk ratio (RR) and numbers needed to treat/harm (NNT/NNH) were calculated using a random-effects model. RESULTS Ten RCTs were identified (n = 776; mean study duration, 18.6 ± 6.0 months). The antipsychotics were discontinued abruptly in four RCTs (which reported data only at 12 months) and after tapering off gradually over several months (mean length, 3 months) in six RCTs. Compared with the discontinuation group, the maintenance group experienced significantly fewer relapses at all time points except 1 month [RR (NNT): 2 months, 0.49 (13); 3 months, 0.46 (9); 6 months, 0.55 (6); 9 months, 0.48 (3); 12 months, 0.47 (3); and 18-24 months, 0.57 (4)]. The maintenance group was associated with higher discontinuation due to adverse events (RR, 2.61; NNH, not significant). CONCLUSIONS Maintaining antipsychotic treatment prevented relapse for up to 24 months in FEP patients. Discontinuation of antipsychotics for ⩾2 months significantly increased the risk of relapse. However, 45.7% of patients who discontinued antipsychotics for 12 months (39.4% after 18-24 months) did not experience a relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taro Kishi
- Department of Psychiatry,Fujita Health University School of Medicine,Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192,Japan
| | - Toshikazu Ikuta
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders,School of Applied Sciences, University of Mississippi,University, MS 38677,USA
| | - Yuki Matsui
- Department of Psychiatry,Fujita Health University School of Medicine,Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192,Japan
| | - Ken Inada
- Department of Psychiatry,Tokyo Women's Medical University,Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-8666,Japan
| | - Yuki Matsuda
- Department of Psychiatry,Jikei University School of Medicine,Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-8461,Japan
| | - Kazuo Mishima
- Department of Sleep-Wake Disorders,National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry,Kodaira, Tokyo 187-8551,Japan
| | - Nakao Iwata
- Department of Psychiatry,Fujita Health University School of Medicine,Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192,Japan
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25
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Wunderink L. Personalizing antipsychotic treatment: evidence and thoughts on individualized tailoring of antipsychotic dosage in the treatment of psychotic disorders. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2019; 9:2045125319836566. [PMID: 31007894 PMCID: PMC6457023 DOI: 10.1177/2045125319836566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Effectiveness of relapse prevention with antipsychotic drugs has been robustly demonstrated. However, the drawbacks of antipsychotic maintenance treatment have prompted alternative strategies to reduce antipsychotic load. A prominent drawback of antipsychotics is their negative impact on subjective well-being, initiative, and drive related to dopamine D2 blockade. This might compromise functional capacity. First-episode studies from 1980 to 2018, including relevant reviews and meta-analyses, are evaluated, showing a lack of functional outcome data. In addition to relapse rates, which is the primary outcome in the great majority of studies, long-term functional outcome is pivotal, because these two outcome domains may point in opposite directions. The trade-off between relapse rates and functional outcome is discussed by our 2013 dose-reduction study. We conclude that divergent outcomes and various individual risk-profiles preclude the construction of a generic outcome measure. The relationship of relapse and functional outcome is considered, as well as the conceivable role of negative symptoms and some related issues. Future profiling of individual risk/benefit characteristics combined with personal preferences may offer better guidance in antipsychotic pharmacotherapy. More studies are needed to elucidate individual risk profiles, predictive of functional capacity and relapse rates, to draw differential conclusions on long-term risks and benefits of antipsychotics across the spectrum of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lex Wunderink
- Department of Research and Education, Friesland Mental Health Services, Sixmastraat 2, 8932 PA Leeuwarden, Netherlands
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26
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Gómez-Revuelta M, Pelayo-Terán JM, Juncal-Ruiz M, Ortiz-García de la Foz V, Vázquez-Bourgon J, González-Pinto A, Crespo-Facorro B. Long-Term Antipsychotic Effectiveness in First Episode of Psychosis: A 3-Year Follow-Up Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Aripiprazole, Quetiapine, and Ziprasidone. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 21:1090-1101. [PMID: 30215723 PMCID: PMC6276055 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Different effectiveness profiles among second-generation antipsychotics may be a key point to optimize treatment in patients suffering a first episode of psychosis to affect long-term outcome. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical effectiveness of aripiprazole, ziprasidone, and quetiapine in the treatment of first episode of psychosis at 3-year follow-up. Method From October 2005 to January 2011, a prospective, randomized, open-label study was undertaken. Two hundred-two first-episode, drug-naïve patients were randomly assigned to aripiprazole (n=78), ziprasidone (n =62), or quetiapine (n=62) and followed-up for 3 years. The primary effectiveness measure was all cause of treatment discontinuation. In addition, an analysis based on the intention-to-treat principle was conducted in the analysis for clinical efficacy. Results The overall dropout rate at 3 years reached 19.3%. Treatment discontinuation rates were significantly different among treatment groups (aripiprazole=73.08%, ziprasidone=79.03%, and quetiapine=95.16%) (χ2=11.680; P=.001). Statistically significant differences in terms of nonefficacy, nonadherence, and side effects were observed among treatment groups along the 3-year follow-up determining significant differences in time to all-cause discontinuation (log-rank=32.260; P=.001). Significant differences between treatments were found in the categories of sleepiness/sedation (χ2=9.617; P=.008) and increased sleep duration (χ2=6.192; P=.004). No significant differences were found in the profile of extrapyramidal symptoms. Patients on aripiprazole were more likely to be prescribed benzodiazepines. Conclusions First-episode psychosis patients on quetiapine were more likely to discontinue treatment due to nonefficacy. Identifying different discontinuation patterns may contribute to optimize treatment selection after first episode of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcos Gómez-Revuelta
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
| | - José María Pelayo-Terán
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Hospital El Bierzo, Servicio de Salud de Castilla y León, Ponferrada (León), Spain
| | - María Juncal-Ruiz
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
| | - Víctor Ortiz-García de la Foz
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Vázquez-Bourgon
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana González-Pinto
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Universitario de Álava, Osakidetza, Department of Psychiatry, UPV-EHU, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Benedicto Crespo-Facorro
- University Hospital Marqués de Valdecilla, IDIVAL, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain
- CIBERSAM, Centro Investigación Biomédica en Red Salud Mental, Madrid, Spain
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27
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Lawrie SM. Are structural brain changes in schizophrenia related to antipsychotic medication? A narrative review of the evidence from a clinical perspective. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2018; 8:319-326. [PMID: 30344998 PMCID: PMC6180375 DOI: 10.1177/2045125318782306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Some observational studies and literature reviews suggest that antipsychotic drug use is associated with loss of grey or white matter in patients with schizophrenia, whereas others have contradicted this finding. Here, I summarize and critique the available evidence and put it in the context of clinical practice. This narrative review pools evidence from observational and experimental studies in humans and animals on the relationship between antipsychotic medication use and brain structure and function in patients with schizophrenia. To summarize, the observational evidence in patients with schizophrenia and the experimental evidence in animals suggest that antipsychotic drugs can cause reductions in brain volume, but differ as to where those effects are manifest. The experimental evidence in patients is inconclusive. There is stronger and more consistent evidence that other factors, such as alcohol and cannabis use, are likely causes of progressive brain changes in schizophrenia. Overall, I argue the case against antipsychotics is not proven and the jury is out on any significance of putative antipsychotic-induced brain changes. Taken in the context of strong evidence from clinical trials that antipsychotic drugs have beneficial effects on symptoms, function, relapse and cognition, and observational evidence that treatment normalizes other imaging indices and reduces mortality, the balance of probabilities is that antipsychotic drugs do not cause adverse structural brain changes in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Lawrie
- Division of Psychiatry, University of Edinburgh, Royal Edinburgh Hospital, Edinburgh EH10 5HF, UK
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28
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Di Capite S, Upthegrove R, Mallikarjun P. The relapse rate and predictors of relapse in patients with first-episode psychosis following discontinuation of antipsychotic medication. Early Interv Psychiatry 2018; 12:893-899. [PMID: 27734591 DOI: 10.1111/eip.12385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 08/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To determine the "real world" relapse rate in patients with first-episode psychosis (FEP) who had discontinued antipsychotic medication and identify socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with the risk of relapse. METHODS Quantitative data were obtained via case-note review on 63 patients with FEP who had discontinued antipsychotic medication from Birmingham Early Intervention Service between 2012 and 2015. The follow-up period was until either: an occurrence of a relapse; end of 12-month study period; end of patient's case-note record. Relapse was defined as a return of symptoms requiring one of the following: home treatment, hospital admission or was based on clinical teams' decision as having a relapse. A pro-forma targeted pre-defined socio-demographic and clinical factors. Survival analysis was undertaken to estimate the 12-month relapse rate following discontinuation of antipsychotics and Cox regression performed to identify relapse predictors. RESULTS The Kaplan-Meier 12-month relapse estimate was 67% (95% confidence interval, 54%, 80%). Significant factors (P < .05) independently associated with an increased risk of relapse following discontinuation of antipsychotic medication were: male gender, not being in education, employment or training (NEET) and number of previous psychiatric hospital admissions. CONCLUSIONS Relapse is common after discontinuation of antipsychotic medication following recovery from a FEP. It is important that patients who wish to discontinue their medication are informed of the high relapse rates and the associated risks. Furthermore, male patients, patients with NEET status and those who have had previous hospital admissions may require closer monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Di Capite
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rachel Upthegrove
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Early Intervention Service, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Pavan Mallikarjun
- Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Early Intervention Service, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK.,School of Psychology, College of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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29
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Bowtell M, Ratheesh A, McGorry P, Killackey E, O'Donoghue B. Clinical and demographic predictors of continuing remission or relapse following discontinuation of antipsychotic medication after a first episode of psychosis. A systematic review. Schizophr Res 2018; 197:9-18. [PMID: 29146020 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clinical guidelines recommend maintenance treatment with antipsychotic medication for one to two years following remission of symptoms after a first episode of psychosis. However, recent research has suggested that this may not be indicated. Consistent predictors of outcome would be beneficial to guide clinicians as to which individuals are likely to have a successful discontinuation. OBJECTIVES This study reviews the literature with the aim of identifying demographic and clinical predictors of either relapse or continued remission in those with a first episode of psychosis following discontinuation of antipsychotic medication. METHODOLOGY Data Sources: A systematic search of PubMed, CINAHL, and PsychInfo databases was performed. Eligibility Criteria: Cohort, case-control and clinical trials that were published in English, included participants with a first episode of psychosis, and examined clinical and demographic predictors of relapse or continued remission after antipsychotic discontinuation. RESULTS Eleven studies fulfilled inclusion criteria. No positive findings were replicated across cohorts. Predictors of relapse: male sex, unemployment, prior psychiatric admission, premorbid adjustment, childhood isolation, premorbid functioning, schizoid-schizotypal traits, schizophrenia diagnosis, concomitant medication, and more severe negative symptoms. Some positive findings must be interpreted in the context of conflicting and replicated negative findings: sex, employment status, level of education, premorbid functioning, symptom severity, and schizophrenia diagnosis. Other replicated non-predictive findings: age, ethnicity, marital status, family history, disorganized thoughts, affective symptoms, cannabis abuse, clinical global impression, social integration, duration and dose of antipsychotic treatment, and compliance. CONCLUSION No positive findings have been replicated across study cohorts. Non-predictive findings have been replicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Bowtell
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne
| | - Aswin Ratheesh
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne; Orygen Youth Health, 35 Poplar rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
| | - Patrick McGorry
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne.
| | - Eoin Killackey
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne.
| | - Brian O'Donoghue
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne; Orygen Youth Health, 35 Poplar rd, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
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30
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Thompson A, Winsper C, Marwaha S, Haynes J, Alvarez-Jimenez M, Hetrick S, Realpe A, Vail L, Dawson S, Sullivan SA. Maintenance antipsychotic treatment versus discontinuation strategies following remission from first episode psychosis: systematic review. BJPsych Open 2018; 4:215-225. [PMID: 29988997 PMCID: PMC6034451 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2018.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding the relative risks of maintenance treatment versus discontinuation of antipsychotics following remission in first episode psychosis (FEP) is an important area of practice. METHOD A systematic review and meta-analysis. Prospective experimental studies including a parallel control group were identified to compare maintenance antipsychotic treatment with total discontinuation or medication discontinuation strategies following remission in FEP. RESULTS Seven studies were included. Relapse rates were higher in the discontinuation group (53%; 95% CIs: 39%, 68%; N = 290) compared with maintenance treatment group (19%; 95% CIs: 0.05%, 37%; N = 230). In subgroup analyses, risk difference of relapse was lower in studies with a longer follow-up period, a targeted discontinuation strategy, a higher relapse threshold, a larger sample size, and samples with patients excluded for drug or alcohol dependency. Insufficient studies included psychosocial functioning outcomes for a meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS There is a higher risk of relapse for those who undergo total or targeted discontinuation strategies compared with maintenance antipsychotics in FEP samples. The effect size is moderate and the risk difference is lower in trials of targeted discontinuation strategies. DECLARATION OF INTEREST A.T. has received honoraria and support from Janssen-Cilag and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals for meetings and has been has been an investigator on unrestricted investigator-initiated trials funded by AstraZeneca and Janssen-Cilag. He has also previously held a Pfizer Neurosciences Research Grant. S.M. has received sponsorship from Otsuka and Lundbeck to attend an academic congress and owns shares in GlaxoSmithKline and AstraZeneca. J.H. has attended meetings supported by Sunovion Pharmaceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Thompson
- Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick and North Warwickshire Early Intervention in Psychosis Service, Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Partnership Trust, UK
| | - Catherine Winsper
- Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, UK
| | - Steven Marwaha
- Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick and Affective Disorders Service, Coventry and Warwickshire National Health Service Partnership Trust, Tile Hill, UK
| | - Jon Haynes
- 2gether National Health Service Foundation Trust, Gloucester, UK
| | | | - Sarah Hetrick
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Australia
| | - Alba Realpe
- Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, UK
| | - Laura Vail
- Division of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, UK
| | - Sarah Dawson
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Sarah A Sullivan
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, University of Bristol and National Institute for Health Research Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care West, UK
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31
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Omachi Y, Sumiyoshi T. Dose Reduction/Discontinuation of Antipsychotic Drugs in Psychosis; Effect on Cognition and Functional Outcomes. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:447. [PMID: 30294286 PMCID: PMC6158366 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds: There is a debate regarding the optimal timing of discontinuation of antipsychotic drugs in patients with first episode psychosis (FEP) or schizophrenia. We aimed to provide a review of the literature on which strategy (medication maintenance vs. dose reduction/discontinuation) is more likely to maximize outcomes, such as cognition and social function. Methods: Using PubMed, the Cochrane Library and systematic reviews, articles published between 2007 and 2018 were reviewed, which investigated the effect of dose reduction/discontinuation vs. maintenance treatment on measures of cognition and/or social function in FEP and schizophrenia. Results: Six studies were identified; 2 studies reported on cognition while 4 studies concern social function. All studies except one reported that improvement of functional outcomes in remitted patients with FEP or schizophrenia allocated to a dose reduction/discontinuation arm was equal to or better than that in patients for whom medication doses were maintained. One trial of social function with a 1-year follow-up period found a greater improvement in the medication maintenance group, while no group difference was observed with 3-year and 10-year follow-up periods. On the other hand, a 7-year follow-up study found a superiority for the dose reduction/discontinuation regimen in terms of social outcome. Two studies on cognition with a short follow-up period reported a greater improvement for the dose reduction/discontinuation group. Conclusions: Information on cognition and social function has been relatively sparse. These measures of functional outcome should be considered in deciding which strategy of antipsychotic treatments is beneficial in individual cases with FEP or schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshie Omachi
- Department of Psychiatry, National Center Hospital, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomiki Sumiyoshi
- Department of Preventive Intervention for Psychiatric Disorders, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
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32
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Wils RS, Gotfredsen DR, Hjorthøj C, Austin SF, Albert N, Secher RG, Thorup AAE, Mors O, Nordentoft M. Antipsychotic medication and remission of psychotic symptoms 10years after a first-episode psychosis. Schizophr Res 2017; 182:42-48. [PMID: 28277310 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2016.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Revised: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several national guidelines recommend continuous use of antipsychotic medication after a psychotic episode in order to minimize the risk of relapse. However some studies have identified a subgroup of patients who obtain remission of psychotic symptoms while not being on antipsychotic medication for a period of time. This study investigated the long-term outcome and characteristics of patients in remission of psychotic symptoms with no use of antipsychotic medication at the 10-year follow-up. METHODS The study was a cohort study including 496 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (ICD 10: F20 and F22-29). Patients were included in the Danish OPUS Trial and followed up 10years after inclusion, where patient data was collected on socio-demographic factors, psychopathology, level of functioning and medication. FINDINGS 61% of the patients from the original cohort attended the 10-year follow up and 30% of these had remission of psychotic symptoms at the time of the 10-year follow up with no current use of antipsychotic medication. This outcome was associated with female gender, high GAF-F score, participation in the labour market and absence of substance abuse. CONCLUSION Our results describe a subgroup of patients who obtained remission while not being on antipsychotic medication at the 10-year follow-up. The finding calls for further investigation on a more individualized approach to long-term treatment with antipsychotic medication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Carsten Hjorthøj
- Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark.
| | - Stephen F Austin
- Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Risskov, Denmark; Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.
| | - Nikolai Albert
- Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.
| | - Rikke Gry Secher
- Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark.
| | | | - Ole Mors
- Psychosis Research Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Risskov, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark.
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark.
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33
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Beyond Clinical Remission in First Episode Psychosis: Thoughts on Antipsychotic Maintenance vs. Guided Discontinuation in the Functional Recovery Era. CNS Drugs 2016; 30:357-68. [PMID: 27106296 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-016-0331-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Treatment guidelines for first episode psychosis (FEP) recommend at least 1 year of antipsychotic treatment following remission; however, in light of some recent research and the preference of some individuals to discontinue their medication sooner, this recommendation can be questioned. The aim of this article is to appraise the current discontinuation studies given our views on how this field should progress. We conducted a review of randomized controlled trials investigating dose-reduction/medication discontinuation compared with treatment maintenance in clinically remitted FEP patients. Seven trials were identified, and these reported a higher rate of relapse in the dose reduction or discontinuation groups. Relapse rates were higher when a lower threshold for relapse was utilized. However, only three studies specified that concurrent psychosocial interventions were also provided, despite an evidence base for these interventions in reducing symptom severity and relapse. Length of follow-up may also be important, as the study with the longest follow-up (7 years), albeit with some methodological shortcomings, found greater functional recovery in the dose-reduction group and that relapse rates between the two groups (dose-reduction vs. maintenance) were equal after 3 years. Finally, in addition to discontinuation or dose reduction, a diagnosis of schizophrenia, a longer duration of illness, and poor premorbid functioning were associated with a greater risk of relapse. Further trials are needed in this area to establish the long-term risk-benefit ratio of antipsychotic medication in FEP. Meanwhile, young people with FEP who do not fulfil criteria for a diagnosis of a schizophrenia disorder, achieve clinical remission for at least 3 months, attain early functional recovery, and have good social support may be possible candidates for discontinuation of antipsychotic medication bolstered by effective psychosocial interventions provided in the context of a specialized FEP service.
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[Concept and results of the German Research Network on Schizophrenia]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2016; 59:412-9. [PMID: 26955980 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-016-2311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The German Research Network on Schizophrenia (GRNS) was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) from 1999 to 2011. The aim was to obtain a better horizontal and vertical networking of German research and care facilities on schizophrenia, in order to investigate open research questions, to transfer the results into clinical practice and improve care and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia. OBJECTIVES/METHODS This paper describes the concept and operations of the GRNS as well as its results on the basis of selected research projects. RESULTS The GRNS comprised about 25 clinical trials of high practical relevance, which were closely interrelated regarding content, methodology and organization. The trials primarily served the development and evaluation of new and established diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, the assessment of the status quo of clinical care, as well as its improvements, together with the investigation of basic scientific questions. Many substantial results to highly relevant issues were obtained, which led or will lead to an improvement in mental health care. CONCLUSIONS Quantitative and qualitative evaluation parameters, such as scientific publications and obtaining additional grants, as well as promotion of young scientists, public relations activities, congress activities and the foundation of a European Schizophrenia Association, document the successful work of the network. Successful funding requests will allow us to continue cooperative schizophrenia research in Germany as initiated by the GRNS, without necessarily always binding these activities formally to the GRNS.
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Abstract
This article reviews the results of longitudinal studies on frontal brain volume reduction in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and focuses on the relationship with antipsychotic treatment. Based on a systematic literature search all studies were included in which results on changes of brain volumes over a longer period of time were correlated with antipsychotic treatment dose and disease severity. The findings indicate that there is evidence for grey and white matter volume changes of the frontal brain, which cannot be explained by the severity of the disease alone but are also very likely a manifestation of long-term effects of antipsychotics. Whether second generation antipsychotics have an advantage compared to first generation antipsychotics is currently unclear. Considering the contribution of antipsychotics to the changes in brain structure, which seem to depend on cumulative dosage and can exert adverse effects on neurocognition, negative and positive symptoms and psychosocial functioning, the guidelines for antipsychotic long-term drug treatment should be reconsidered. This is the reason why we and others recommend prescribing the lowest dose necessary to control symptoms. In non-schizophrenic psychiatric disorders, antipsychotics should be used only with great caution after a careful risk-benefit assessment. Moreover, treatment approaches which can help to minimize antipsychotic medication or even administer them only selectively are of increasing importance.
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Gaebel W, Riesbeck M, Wölwer W, Klimke A, Eickhoff M, von Wilmsdorff M, de Millas W, Maier W, Ruhrmann S, Falkai P, Sauer H, Schmitt A, Riedel M, Klingberg S, Möller HJ. Predictors for symptom re-exacerbation after targeted stepwise drug discontinuation in first-episode schizophrenia: Results of the first-episode study within the German research network on schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2016; 170:168-76. [PMID: 26607102 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2015.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After a first episode in schizophrenia guidelines recommend antipsychotic maintenance treatment (MT) for at least 1year. Recent RCTs on subsequent targeted intermittent treatment (IT) after stepwise drug discontinuation yielded noticeably higher relapse rates than during MT also in first-episode patients. Nevertheless, about 50% of patients remain stable under IT. Given the potential adverse effects of antipsychotics and the preference of many patients to discontinue drugs, valid predictors for the feasibility of IT are urgently needed to support decision making. METHODS Based on a one-year RCT phase comparing MT with IT in first-episode patients after 1year of MT, conducted within the German Research Network on Schizophrenia (GRNS), predictors for deterioration under IT in 19 feasible patients were identified by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Deterioration occurred in 10 patients (52.6%). Univariate analyses indicated a lower PANSS positive score after acute treatment as well as after one year of MT as significant predictors; in multivariate logistic regression, in addition to the lower PANSS positive score after acute treatment, reaching enduring remission and having had a deterioration both during MT evolved as significant predictors and indicate a higher risk for deterioration. CONCLUSIONS Although limited by the small sample size, our findings suggest that patients who show a favorable response and full and enduring symptom remission during antipsychotic treatment, as well as those with marked deterioration despite MT should rather be recommended to remain on treatment because they are at higher risk for symptom re-exacerbation after (stepwise) drug discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Gaebel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany.
| | - Mathias Riesbeck
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wölwer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Ansgar Klimke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Vitos Waldkrankenhaus Köppern, Germany
| | - Matthias Eickhoff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Westfalia Clinics, Warstein/Lippstadt, Germany
| | - Martina von Wilmsdorff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Walter de Millas
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus CharitéMitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Maier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Germany
| | - Stephan Ruhrmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Cologne, Germany
| | - Peter Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Heinrich Sauer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena-University-Hospital, Germany
| | - Andrea Schmitt
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Riedel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany; Vinzenz von Paul Hospital, Germany
| | - Stefan Klingberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Möller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
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Porcelli S, Bianchini O, De Girolamo G, Aguglia E, Crea L, Serretti A. Clinical factors related to schizophrenia relapse. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2016; 20:54-69. [PMID: 27052109 DOI: 10.3109/13651501.2016.1149195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Relapses represent one of the main problems of schizophrenia management. This article reviews the clinical factors associated with schizophrenia relapse. METHODS A research of the last 22 years of literature data was performed. Two-hundred nineteen studies have been included. RESULTS Three main groups of factors are related to relapse: factors associated with pharmacological treatment, add-on psychotherapeutic treatments and general risk factors. Overall, the absence of a maintenance therapy and treatment with first generation antipsychotics has been associated with higher risk of relapse. Further, psychotherapy add-on, particularly with cognitive behaviour therapy and psycho-education for both patients and relatives, has shown a good efficacy for reducing the relapse rate. Among general risk factors, some could be modified, such as the duration of untreated psychosis or the substance misuse, while others could not be modified as male gender or low pre-morbid level of functioning. CONCLUSION Several classes of risk factors have been proved to be relevant in the risk of relapse. Thus, a careful assessment of the risk factors here identified should be performed in daily clinical practice in order to individualise the relapse risk for each patient and to provide a targeted treatment in high-risk subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Porcelli
- a Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Oriana Bianchini
- a Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy ;,b Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | | | - Eugenio Aguglia
- b Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Luciana Crea
- b Institute of Psychiatry, University of Catania , Catania , Italy
| | - Alessandro Serretti
- a Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
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John M, Lencz T, Ferbinteanu J, Gallego JA, Robinson DG. Applications of temporal kernel canonical correlation analysis in adherence studies. Stat Methods Med Res 2015; 26:2437-2454. [PMID: 26294330 DOI: 10.1177/0962280215598805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Adherence to medication is often measured as a continuous outcome but analyzed as a dichotomous outcome due to lack of appropriate tools. In this paper, we illustrate the use of the temporal kernel canonical correlation analysis (tkCCA) as a method to analyze adherence measurements and symptom levels on a continuous scale. The tkCCA is a novel method developed for studying the relationship between neural signals and hemodynamic response detected by functional MRI during spontaneous activity. Although the tkCCA is a powerful tool, it has not been utilized outside the application that it was originally developed for. In this paper, we simulate time series of symptoms and adherence levels for patients with a hypothetical brain disorder and show how the tkCCA can be used to understand the relationship between them. We also examine, via simulations, the behavior of the tkCCA under various missing value mechanisms and imputation methods. Finally, we apply the tkCCA to a real data example of psychotic symptoms and adherence levels obtained from a study based on subjects with a first episode of schizophrenia, schizophreniform or schizoaffective disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majnu John
- 1 Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, The Feinstein Institute of Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA.,2 Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, North Shore LIJ Health System, Glen Oaks, NY, USA.,3 Department of Mathematics, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Todd Lencz
- 1 Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, The Feinstein Institute of Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA.,2 Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, North Shore LIJ Health System, Glen Oaks, NY, USA.,4 Departments of Psychiatry and of Molecular Medicine, Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Janina Ferbinteanu
- 5 Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, State University of New York, Health Science Center at Brooklyn, Brooklyn, NY, USA
| | - Juan A Gallego
- 1 Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, The Feinstein Institute of Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA.,2 Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, North Shore LIJ Health System, Glen Oaks, NY, USA.,4 Departments of Psychiatry and of Molecular Medicine, Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Delbert G Robinson
- 1 Center for Psychiatric Neuroscience, The Feinstein Institute of Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA.,2 Psychiatry Research, Zucker Hillside Hospital, North Shore LIJ Health System, Glen Oaks, NY, USA.,4 Departments of Psychiatry and of Molecular Medicine, Hofstra North Shore LIJ School of Medicine, Hempstead, NY, USA
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De Hert M, Sermon J, Geerts P, Vansteelandt K, Peuskens J, Detraux J. The Use of Continuous Treatment Versus Placebo or Intermittent Treatment Strategies in Stabilized Patients with Schizophrenia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials with First- and Second-Generation Antipsychotics. CNS Drugs 2015; 29:637-58. [PMID: 26293744 DOI: 10.1007/s40263-015-0269-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although continuous treatment with antipsychotics is still recommended as the gold standard treatment paradigm for all patients with schizophrenia, some clinicians question whether continuous antipsychotic treatment is necessary, or even justified, for every patient with schizophrenia who has been stabilized on antipsychotics. OBJECTIVE The primary objectives of this systematic review and meta-analysis were (i) to compare relapse/hospitalization risks of stabilized patients with schizophrenia under active versus intermittent or placebo treatment conditions; (ii) to examine the role of several study characteristics, possibly intervening in the relationship between relapse risk and treatment condition; and (iii) to examine whether time to relapse is associated with antipsychotic treatment duration. METHODS A systematic literature search, using the MEDLINE database (1950 until November 2014), was conducted for English-language published randomized controlled trials, covering a follow-up time period of at least 6 months, and investigating relapse/rehospitalization and/or time-to-relapse rates with placebo or intermittent treatment strategies versus continuous treatment with oral and long-acting injectable first- or second-generation antipsychotics (FGAs/SGAs) in stabilized patients with schizophrenia. Additional studies were identified through searches of reference lists of other identified systematic reviews and Cochrane reports. Two meta-analyses (placebo versus continuous and intermittent versus continuous treatment) were performed to obtain an optimal estimation of the relapse/hospitalization risks of stabilized patients with schizophrenia under these treatment conditions and to assess the role of study characteristics. For time-to-relapse data, a descriptive analysis was performed. RESULTS Forty-eight reports were selected as potentially eligible for our meta-analysis. Of these, 21 met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-five records, identified through Cochrane and other systematic reviews and fulfilling the inclusion criteria, were added, resulting in a total of 46 records. Stabilized patients with schizophrenia who have been exposed for at least 6 months to intermittent or placebo strategies, respectively, have a 3 (odds ratio [OR] 3.36; 95% CI 2.36-5.45; p < 0.0001) to 6 (OR 5.64; 95% CI 4.47-7.11; p < 0.0001) times increased risk of relapse, compared with patients on continuous treatment. The availability of rescue medication (p = 0.0102) was the only study characteristic explaining systematic differences in the OR for relapse between placebo versus continuous treatment across studies. Studies reporting time-to-relapse data show that the time to (impending) relapse is always significantly delayed with continuous treatment, compared with placebo or intermittent treatment strategies. Although the interval between treatment discontinuation and symptom recurrence can be highly variable, mean time-to-relapse data seem to indicate a failure of clinical stability before 7-14 months with intermittent and before 5 months with placebo treatment strategies. For all reports included in this systematic review, median time-to-relapse rates in the continuous treatment group were not estimable as <50% of the patients in this treatment condition relapsed before the end of the study. CONCLUSIONS With continuous treatment, patients have a lower risk of relapse and remain relapse free for a longer period of time compared with placebo and intermittent treatment strategies. Moreover, 'success rates' in the intermittent treatment conditions are expected to be an overestimate of actual outcome rates. Therefore, continuous treatment remains the 'gold standard' for good clinical practice, particularly as, until now, only a few and rather general valid predictors for relapse in schizophrenia are known and subsequent relapses may contribute to functional deterioration as well as treatment resistance in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc De Hert
- Department of Neurosciences, Z.org KU Leuven-University Psychiatric Centre, UPC KUL Campus Kortenberg, Leuvensesteenweg 517, 3070, Kortenberg, Belgium.
| | - Jan Sermon
- Janssen-Cilag NV, Health Economics, Market Access and Reimbursement-Neuroscience, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Paul Geerts
- Janssen-Cilag NV, Medical Affairs-Psychiatry, 2340, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Kristof Vansteelandt
- Department of Neurosciences, Z.org KU Leuven-University Psychiatric Centre, UPC KUL Campus Kortenberg, Leuvensesteenweg 517, 3070, Kortenberg, Belgium
| | - Joseph Peuskens
- Department of Neurosciences, Z.org KU Leuven-University Psychiatric Centre, UPC KUL Campus Kortenberg, Leuvensesteenweg 517, 3070, Kortenberg, Belgium
| | - Johan Detraux
- Department of Neurosciences, Z.org KU Leuven-University Psychiatric Centre, UPC KUL Campus Kortenberg, Leuvensesteenweg 517, 3070, Kortenberg, Belgium
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Gómez-Restrepo C, Bohórquez Peñaranda AP, de la Hoz Bradford AM, Tamayo Martínez N, García Valencia J, Jaramillo González LE. [Maintenance Treatment With Antipsychotics for Adult Patients Diagnosed With Schizophrenia]. REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE PSIQUIATRIA 2015; 44 Suppl 1:29-39. [PMID: 26576460 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcp.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness and security of the antipsychotics available for the management of adult patients with schizophrenia in the maintenance phase. To develop recommendations of treatment for the maintenance phase of the disease. METHODS A clinical practice guideline was elaborated under the parameters of the Methodological Guide of the Ministerio de Salud y Protección Social to identify, synthesize and evaluate the evidence and make recommendations about the treatment and follow-up of adult patients with schizophrenia. The evidence of NICE guide 82 was adopted and updated. The evidence was presented to the Guideline Developing Group and recommendations, employing the GRADE system, were produced. RESULTS 18 studies were included to evaluate the effectiveness and / or safety of different antipsychotic drugs first and second generation. Overall, antipsychotics (AP) showed superiority over placebo in relapse rate over 12 months (RR 0.59 95% CI 0.42, 0.82) and hospitalization rate over 24 months of follow-up (RR 0.38 95% 0.27, 0.55); its use is associated with increased risk of treatment dropout (RR 0.53 95% CI 0.46, 0.61) and adverse events such as weight gain, dystonia, extrapyramidal symptoms and sedation. There was no difference in the outcome of re hospitalizations, comparisons on quality of life, negative symptoms or weight gain between AP first and second generation. Continuous or standard dose regimens appear to be superior to intermittent or low doses in reducing the risk of abandonment of treatment regimes. CONCLUSION Adult patients diagnosed with schizophrenia should receive maintenance treatment with antipsychotics. The medication of choice will depend on the management of the acute phase, the patient's tolerance to it and the presentation of adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gómez-Restrepo
- Médico psiquiatra, psicoanalista, psiquiatra de enlace, magíster en Epidemiología Clínica. Profesor titular y Director del Departamento de Epidemiología Clínica y Bioestadística. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. Hospital Universitario San Ignacio, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Adriana Patricia Bohórquez Peñaranda
- Médica psiquiatra, magístra en Epidemiología Clínica. Profesora asistente del departamento de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ana María de la Hoz Bradford
- Médica, magístra en Epidemiología Clínica. Profesora del Departamento de Epidemiología Clínica y Bioestadística. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Nathalie Tamayo Martínez
- Médica, candidata a magístra en Epidemiología Clínica. Asistente de investigación del Departamento de Epidemiología Clínica y Bioestadística. Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Jenny García Valencia
- Médica psiquiatra, doctora en Epidemiología Clínica. Profesora titular del Departamento de Psiquiatría, Facultad de Medicina. Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia
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Abayomi O, Amato D, Bailey C, Bitanihirwe B, Bowen L, Burshtein S, Cullen A, Fusté M, Herrmann AP, Khodaie B, Kilian S, Lang QA, Manning EE, Massuda R, Nurjono M, Sadiq S, Sanchez-Gutierrez T, Sheinbaum T, Shivakumar V, Simon N, Spiteri-Staines A, Sirijit S, Toftdahl NG, Wadehra S, Wang Y, Wigton R, Wright S, Yagoda S, Zaytseva Y, O'Shea A, DeLisi LE. The 4th Schizophrenia International Research Society Conference, 5-9 April 2014, Florence, Italy: a summary of topics and trends. Schizophr Res 2014; 159:e1-22. [PMID: 25306204 PMCID: PMC4394607 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2014.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The 4th Schizophrenia International Research Society Conference was held in Florence, Italy, April 5-9, 2014 and this year had as its emphasis, "Fostering Collaboration in Schizophrenia Research". Student travel awardees served as rapporteurs for each oral session, summarized the important contributions of each session and then each report was integrated into a final summary of data discussed at the entire conference by topic. It is hoped that by combining data from different presentations, patterns of interest will emerge and thus lead to new progress for the future. In addition, the following report provides an overview of the conference for those who were present, but could not participate in all sessions, and those who did not have the opportunity to attend, but who would be interested in an update on current investigations ongoing in the field of schizophrenia research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olukayode Abayomi
- Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, PMB 4007, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Nigeria
| | - Davide Amato
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Ulmenweg 19, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Candace Bailey
- University of Texas Medical Branch, School of Medicine, 215 Mechanic Street, Apt. M206, Galveston77550, TX, United States
| | - Byron Bitanihirwe
- Laboratory of System and Cell Biology of Neurodegeneration, University of Zurich, Wagistrasse 12, 8952 Schlieren, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lynneice Bowen
- Morehouse School of Medicine, 720 Westview Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA 30310, United States
| | | | - Alexis Cullen
- Health Services and Population Research Department, David Goldberg Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Montserrat Fusté
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, SE5 8AF London, UK
| | - Ana P Herrmann
- Pharmacology Department, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Sarmento Leite, 500, 90050-170 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Sanja Kilian
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Qortni A Lang
- Howard University College of Medicine, 520 W Street, Washington, DC 20059, United States
| | - Elizabeth E Manning
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Kenneth Myer Building, 30 Royal Parade, Parkville 3052, VIC, Australia
| | - Raffael Massuda
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, INCT for Translational Medicine, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Rua Ramiro Barcelos, 2350 Santa Cecília, Porto Alegre, RS 90035-903, Brazil
| | - Milawaty Nurjono
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, MD3, 16 Medical Drive, Singapore 117597, Singapore
| | - Sarosh Sadiq
- Government College University, 170-S, 19/B, College Road, New Samanabad, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Teresa Sanchez-Gutierrez
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense, IiSGM, CIBERSAM, C/Ibiza, 43 28009, Madrid, Spain
| | - Tamara Sheinbaum
- Departament de Psicologia Clínica i de la Salut, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Edifici B, 08193 Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Nicholas Simon
- Department of Neuroscience, A210 Langley Hall, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, United States
| | - Anneliese Spiteri-Staines
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, 35 Poplar Road, Parkville 3052, Victoria, Australia
| | - Suttajit Sirijit
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Nanna Gilliam Toftdahl
- Mental Health Centre Copenhagen, Bispebjerg Bakke 23, Entrance 13A, 3rd floor, DK-2400, Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Sunali Wadehra
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, 469 West Hancock, Detroit 48201, MI, United States
| | - Yi Wang
- Neuropsychology and Applied Cognitive Neuroscience Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 16 Lincui Road, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Rebekah Wigton
- Cognition and Schizophrenia Imaging Laboratory, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College, 16 De Crespigny Park Rd, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Susan Wright
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Neuroimaging Research Program, P.O. Box 21247, Baltimore, MD 21228, United States
| | - Sergey Yagoda
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Medical Psychology of Stavropol State Medical University, 28b Aivazovsky str, Stavropol 355007, Russia
| | - Yuliya Zaytseva
- Moscow Research Institute of Psychiatry, Russian Federation/Prague Psychiatric Centre affiliated with 3rd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Anne O'Shea
- Harvard Medical School, Brockton, MA 02301, United States. anne_o'
| | - Lynn E DeLisi
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, 940 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA 02301, United States; VA Boston Healthcare System, 940 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA 02301, United States.
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A prospective flexible-dose study of paliperidone palmitate in nonacute but symptomatic patients with schizophrenia previously unsuccessfully treated with oral antipsychotic agents. Clin Ther 2014; 36:1372-88.e1. [PMID: 25444566 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2014.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2014] [Revised: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The goal of this study was to explore the tolerability, safety, and treatment response of flexible doses of once-monthly paliperidone palmitate (PP) in the subset of nonacute but symptomatic adult patients with schizophrenia previously unsuccessfully treated with oral antipsychotic agents in the PALMFlexS (Paliperidone Palmitate Flexible Dosing in Schizophrenia) study. METHODS This was an interventional, single-arm, international, multicenter, unblinded, 6-month study performed in patients with schizophrenia. Patients were categorized according to reasons for switching. In patients switching because of lack of efficacy or for other reasons, primary efficacy outcomes were the proportion achieving treatment response (defined as ≥20% improvement in Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale [PANSS] total score from baseline to last-observation-carried-forward end point) and maintained efficacy (defined as noninferiority in the change in PANSS total score at end point versus baseline [Schuirmann's test]), respectively. FINDINGS A total of 593 patients (intention-to-treat population) were enrolled: 63.1% were male; their mean (SD) age was 38.4 (11.8) years; and 78.6% had paranoid schizophrenia. The main reasons for transition to PP were patient's wish (n = 259 [43.7%]), lack of efficacy (n = 144 [24.3%]), lack of compliance (n = 138 [23.3%]), and lack of tolerability (n = 52 [8.8%]) with the previous oral antipsychotic medication. The recommended PP initiation regimen (150 milligram equivalents [mg eq] day 1 and 100 mg eq day 8) was administered in 93.9% of patients. Mean PANSS total score decreased from 71.5 (14.6) at baseline to 59.7 (18.1) at end point (mean change, -11.7 [15.9]; 95% CI, -13.0 to -10.5; P < 0.0001). Sixty-four percent of patients showed an improvement of ≥20% in PANSS total score, and the percentage of patients rated mildly ill or less in Clinical Global Impression-Severity increased from 31.8% to 63.2%. Mean personal and social performance total score (SD) increased (ie, improved) significantly for all patients from baseline to end point (58.1 [13.4] to 66.1 [15.7]; P < 0.0001). IMPLICATIONS The PALMFlexS study is a pragmatic interventional study compared with randomized controlled trials, conducted in a large, more representative sample of patients with schizophrenia, and designed specifically to mimic real-world clinical situations. The findings support the results from randomized controlled studies. They also demonstrate that a clinically relevant treatment response is possible in patients who are considered to be clinically stable by their physician, supporting the use of flexibly dosed PP in such patients. Clinical trials.gov number: NCT01281527.
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Brissos S, Veguilla MR, Taylor D, Balanzá-Martinez V. The role of long-acting injectable antipsychotics in schizophrenia: a critical appraisal. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2014; 4:198-219. [PMID: 25360245 PMCID: PMC4212490 DOI: 10.1177/2045125314540297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 208] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite their widespread use, long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics (APs) are often regarded with some negativity because of the assumption of punishment, control and insufficient evolution towards psychosocial development of patients. However, LAI APs have proved effective in schizophrenia and other severe psychotic disorders because they assure stable blood levels, leading to a reduction of the risk of relapse. Therapeutic opportunities have also arisen after introduction of newer, second-generation LAI APs in recent years. Newer LAI APs are more readily dosed optimally, may be better tolerated and are better suited to integrated rehabilitation programmes. This review outlines the older and newer LAI APs available for the treatment of schizophrenia, with considerations of past and present pharmacological and therapeutic issues. Traditional, evidence-based approaches to systematic reviews and randomized clinical trials are of limited utility in this area so this paper's blending of experimental trials with observational research is particularly appropriate and effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Brissos
- Psychiatrist, Lisbon's Psychiatric Hospitalar Centre, Rua Conde de Redondo, nº 8 3º dt., Lisbon, 1150, Portugal
| | - Miguel Ruiz Veguilla
- Grupo Psicosis y Neurodesarrollo, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio /CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Unidad de Hospitalizacion de Salud Mental, Sevilla, Spain
| | - David Taylor
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Pharmacy Department, Maudsley Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - Vicent Balanzá-Martinez
- Catarroja Mental Health Unit, University Hospital Doctor Peset, FISABIO, Valencia; and Section of Psychiatry, University of Valencia, CIBERSAM, Valencia, Spain
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Deutschenbaur L, Lambert M, Walter M, Naber D, Huber CG. [Long-term treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders: focus on pharmacotherapy]. DER NERVENARZT 2014; 85:363-75; quiz 376-7. [PMID: 24603949 DOI: 10.1007/s00115-013-3807-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) constitute a group of psychiatric illnesses which frequently lead to persisting mental impairment. Although some patients show a clinical course with few episodes and good long-term outcome, the course of the disease is often chronic and unfavorable. Long-term treatment (LTT) of SSD pertains to the postacute stabilization period and the remission period following pharmacological and psychosocial therapy of an acute illness episode. This article provides an overview of treatment recommendations concerning long-term pharmacotherapy, dealing with side effects, treatment of non-response and therapy resistance and the treatment of psychiatric comorbidities. Furthermore, an overview of non-pharmacological treatment options is presented. An integrated therapeutic setting combining evidence-based pharmacotherapy, psychosocial interventions, and supportive therapies is recommended for optimal LTT of SSD. Considering the limited financial resources available in the healthcare system, one of the major challenges is to provide patients with access to the evidence-based treatment options available.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Deutschenbaur
- Universitäre Psychiatrische Kliniken Basel, Wilhelm Klein-Str. 27, 4012, Basel, Schweiz
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Gaebel W, Riesbeck M. Are there clinically useful predictors and early warning signs for pending relapse? Schizophr Res 2014; 152:469-77. [PMID: 23978776 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2013.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Revised: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 08/03/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite the availability of effective long-term treatment strategies in schizophrenia, relapse is still common. Relapse prevention is one of the major treatment objectives, because relapse represents burden and costs for patients, their environment, and society and seems to increase illness progression at the biological level. Valid predictors for relapse are urgently needed to enable more individualized recommendations and treatment decisions to be made. METHODS Mainly recent evidence regarding predictors and early warning signs of relapse in schizophrenia was reviewed. In addition, data from the first-episode (long-term) study (FES; Gaebel et al., 2007, 2011) performed within the German Research Network on Schizophrenia were analyzed. RESULTS On the basis of FES data, premorbid adjustment, residual symptoms and some side effects are significant predictors. Although a broad spectrum of potential parameters has been investigated in several other studies, only a few and rather general valid predictors were identified consistently. Data of the FES also indicated that predictive power could be enhanced by considering interacting conjunctions, as suggested by the Vulnerability-Stress-Coping model. Prospective studies, however, are rare. In addition, prodromal symptoms as course-related characteristics likewise investigated in the FES add substantially to early recognition of relapse and may serve as early warning signs, but prognosis nevertheless remains a challenge. CONCLUSIONS Comprehensive and well-designed studies are needed to identify and confirm valid predictors for relapse in schizophrenia. In this respect, broadly accepted and specifically defined criteria for relapse would greatly facilitate comparison of results across studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Gaebel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany.
| | - Mathias Riesbeck
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Duesseldorf, Germany
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Gaebel W, Riesbeck M, Wölwer W, Klimke A, Eickhoff M, von Wilmsdorff M, Heuser I, Maier W, Klosterkötter J, Falkai P, Schlösser R, Schmitt A, Riedel M, Klingberg S, Köpcke W, Ohmann C, Möller HJ. Rates and predictors of remission in first-episode schizophrenia within 1 year of antipsychotic maintenance treatment. Results of a randomized controlled trial within the German Research Network on Schizophrenia. Schizophr Res 2014; 152:478-86. [PMID: 23643327 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2013.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 04/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Full and sustained symptom remission is a major treatment objective after a first-episode in schizophrenia. Findings regarding differences in remission between first- and second-generation antipsychotics are inconclusive. This study aimed to provide rates and predictors of remission in first-episode schizophrenia and to identify symptoms that prevent remission. METHODS Prevalence rates of "symptomatic remission" (symptom criteria only) and "enduring remission" (symptom and 6-month time criteria), defined according to Andreasen et al. (2005), were determined in first-episode patients participating in a RCT by the German Research Network on Schizophrenia (GRNS) that compared post-acute, 1-year maintenance treatment with risperidone or haloperidol. Respective predictors at baseline were identified by logistic and Cox regression analysis. RESULTS Prevalence rates were 91.5% for symptomatic remission (n=152/166 eligible patients) and 58.6% for enduring remission (n=65 of 111 patients who continued for at least 6 months; 39.2% of all 166 patients included), with no significant differences between risperidone and haloperidol in either type of remission. Enduring remission often was not reached because of negative symptoms: After 6 months, 40.5% of the patients had at least 1 negative symptom, whereas only 10.8% of the patients had "persisting" positive symptoms. Of the different predictors identified in univariate analyses, (lower) negative symptoms and participating in standardized psychological treatment remained significant in multivariate (stepwise forward) analyses for enduring remission. CONCLUSIONS By far most of the first-episode patients reached a temporary state of full symptomatic remission within 1 year of antipsychotic treatment. However, only about 50% achieved sustained, enduring remission. Negative symptoms are still a major treatment obstacle to enduring remission in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Gaebel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany.
| | - Mathias Riesbeck
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wölwer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Ansgar Klimke
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Vitos Waldkrankenhaus Köppern, Germany
| | - Matthias Eickhoff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Westfalia Clinics, Warstein/Lippstadt, Germany
| | - Martina von Wilmsdorff
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Isabella Heuser
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Charité-Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Maier
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Peter Falkai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Göttingen, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Ralf Schlösser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Jena, Germany; AHG Römhild Clinic, Germany
| | - Andrea Schmitt
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Riedel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Klingberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Köpcke
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biomathematics, University of Münster, Germany
| | - Christian Ohmann
- Coordinating Centre for Clinical Trials, Heinrich-Heine-University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans-Jürgen Möller
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany
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Zipursky RB, Menezes NM, Streiner DL. Risk of symptom recurrence with medication discontinuation in first-episode psychosis: a systematic review. Schizophr Res 2014; 152:408-14. [PMID: 23972821 DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The large majority of individuals with a first episode of schizophrenia will experience a remission of symptoms within their first year of treatment. It is not clear how long treatment with antipsychotic medications should be continued in this situation. The possibility that a percentage of patients may not require ongoing treatment and may be unnecessarily exposed to the long-term risks of antipsychotic medications has led to the development of a number of studies to address this question. We carried out a systematic review to determine the risk of experiencing a recurrence of psychotic symptoms in individuals who have discontinued antipsychotic medications after achieving symptomatic remission from a first episode of non-affective psychosis (FEP). Six studies were identified that met our criteria and these reported a weighted mean one-year recurrence rate of 77% following discontinuation of antipsychotic medication. By two years, the risk of recurrence had increased to over 90%. By comparison, we estimated the one-year recurrence rate for patients who continued antipsychotic medication to be 3%. These findings suggest that in the absence of uncertainty about the diagnosis or concerns about the contribution of medication side effects to problems with health or functioning, a trial off of antipsychotic medications is associated with a very high risk of symptom recurrence and should thus not be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B Zipursky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3K7, Canada.
| | - Natasja M Menezes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3K7, Canada.
| | - David L Streiner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3K7, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Abstract
Schizophrenia has historically been considered to be a deteriorating disease, a view reinforced by recent MRI findings of progressive brain tissue loss over the early years of illness. On the other hand, the notion that recovery from schizophrenia is possible is increasingly embraced by consumer and family groups. This review critically examines the evidence from longitudinal studies of (1) clinical outcomes, (2) MRI brain volumes, and (3) cognitive functioning. First, the evidence shows that although approximately 25% of people with schizophrenia have a poor long-term outcome, few of these show the incremental loss of function that is characteristic of neurodegenerative illnesses. Second, MRI studies demonstrate subtle developmental abnormalities at first onset of psychosis and then further decreases in brain tissue volumes; however, these latter decreases are explicable by the effects of antipsychotic medication, substance abuse, and other secondary factors. Third, while patients do show cognitive deficits compared with controls, cognitive functioning does not appear to deteriorate over time. The majority of people with schizophrenia have the potential to achieve long-term remission and functional recovery. The fact that some experience deterioration in functioning over time may reflect poor access, or adherence, to treatment, the effects of concurrent conditions, and social and financial impoverishment. Mental health professionals need to join with patients and their families in understanding that schizophrenia is not a malignant disease that inevitably deteriorates over time but rather one from which most people can achieve a substantial degree of recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert B. Zipursky
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada;,To whom correspondence should be addressed; St Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, Ontario L8N3K7, Canada; tel: 905-522-1155 x 36250, fax: 905-381-5633, e-mail:
| | - Thomas J. Reilly
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, De Crespigny Park, London, UK
| | - Robin M. Murray
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, De Crespigny Park, London, UK
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Gopalakrishna G, Aggarwal A, Lauriello J. Long-acting injectable aripiprazole: how might it fit in our tool box? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 7:87-92. [PMID: 23644169 DOI: 10.3371/csrp.goag.043013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness with a lifetime prevalence of approximately one percent worldwide. Maintenance antipsychotic treatment has been effective in preventing relapses in long-term follow-up studies. Logically it can be proposed that long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAI) might reduce both unintentional and intentional nonadherence. Long-acting injectable aripiprazole was approved for the treatment of schizophrenia by the U.S. FDA on 28th February 2013 and will be marketed under the name Abilify Maintena. Aripiprazole LAI (ALAI) is a lyophilized powder that needs to be reconstituted with sterile water to form an injectable suspension without affecting the original molecule. The monthly injection interval is very attractive since patients prefer fewer injections. From a tolerability perspective, ALAI appears to be both weight neutral and lacking metabolic side effects. This can confer an advantage over the other currently available second-generation antipsychotic LAIs. Simple constitution with sterile water and no requirement to refrigerate make storage and administration easier. Like all medications, there are always potential disadvantages to ALAI. There is a period of oral coverage, while not as long as for long-acting risperidone microspheres (RLAI), that is required. Care must be taken to review concomitant medications for the presence of metabolic inducers and inhibitors. One would also expect some patients to be sensitive to extrapyramidal symptoms, especially akathisia which is well documented in the oral preparation. All things considered, we welcome our new tool, ALAI, to our work-place and predict both clinical practice and post marketing analysis and studies will discover its true value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ganesh Gopalakrishna
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri-Columbia, 3 Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Antipsychotic medication is considered the mainstay of treatment for schizophrenia and is generally regarded as highly effective, especially in controlling positive symptoms. However, long-term antipsychotic exposure has been associated with a range of adverse effects, including extra-pyramidal symptoms (EPS), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), tardive dyskinesia and death. Intermittent drug techniques refers to the 'use of medication only during periods of incipient relapse or symptom exacerbation rather than continuously'. The aim is to reduce the risk of typical adverse effects of antipsychotics by 'reducing long-term medication exposure for patients who are receiving maintenance treatment while limiting the risk of relapse', with a further goal of improving social functioning resulting from the reduction of antipsychotic-induced side effects OBJECTIVES To review the effects of different intermittent drug techniques compared with maintenance treatment in people with schizophrenia or related disorders. SEARCH METHODS We searched The Cochrane Schizophrenia Group Trials Register (April 2012) and supplemented this by contacting relevant study authors, handsearching relevant intermittent drug treatment articles and manually searching reference lists. SELECTION CRITERIA All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared intermittent drug techniques with standard maintenance therapy for people with schizophrenia. Primary outcomes of interest were relapse and hospitalisation. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS At least two review authors selected trials, assessed quality and extracted data. We calculated risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of homogeneous dichotomous data and estimated the 95% confidence interval (CI) around this. For non-skewed continuous endpoint data extracted from valid scales, we estimated mean difference (MD) between groups with a 95% CI. Where data displayed heterogeneity, these were analysed using a random-effects model. Skewed data are presented in tables. We assessed overall quality for clinically important outcomes using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS Of 241 records retrieved by the search, 17 trials conducted between 1961 and 2011, involving 2252 participants with follow-up from six weeks to two years, were included. Homogenous data demonstrated that instances of relapse were significantly higher in people receiving any intermittent drug treatment in the long term (n = 436, 7 RCTs, RR 2.46, 95% CI 1.70 to 3.54, moderate quality evidence). Intermittent treatment was shown to be more effective than placebo, however, and demonstrated that significantly less people receiving intermittent antipsychotics experienced full relapse by medium term (n = 290, 2 RCTs, RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.24 to 0.58, very low quality evidence). Hospitalisation rates were higher for people receiving any intermittent drug treatment by long term (n = 626, 5 RCTs, RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.06, moderate quality evidence). Results demonstrated little difference in instances of tardive dyskinesia in groups with any intermittent drug technique versus maintenance therapy, with equivocal results (displaying slight heterogeneity) at long term (n = 165, 4 RCTs, RR 1.15, 95% CI 0.58 to 2.30, low quality evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Results of this review support the existing evidence that intermittent antipsychotic treatment is not as effective as continuous, maintained antipsychotic therapy in preventing relapse in people with schizophrenia. More research is needed to assess any potential benefits or harm of intermittent treatment regarding adverse effects typically associated with maintained antipsychotic treatment, as well as any cost-effectiveness of this experimental treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Sampson
- Cochrane SchizophreniaGroup, TheUniversity ofNottingham, Nottingham,
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