Negative symptoms in drug-naive patients with a first-episode psychosis (FEP)

INTRODUCTION

Negative symptoms are nuclear features of schizophrenia that may be present from the onset of the disease. In recent years, it has been described 2 subdomains of negative symptoms: experiential and expressive deficits. The aim of the study is to examine the relationship between negative symptoms and demographic and clinical variables in patients with first-episode psychosis. Also, to explore whether there are differences in the association among these variables and negative symptoms when divided into both subdomains.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed in 160 patients (52 females and 108 males) with a diagnosis of a first episode psychosis. A questionnaire was administered to collect demographic and clinical variables.

RESULTS

A backward stepwise linear regressions analysis was performed in order to observe potential associations between demographic and clinical variables and the presence of negative symptoms. All three models are predicted by worse PSP score, a higher CDSS, a higher disorganized factor score and a lower excited factor score. A longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) is associated to a higher score in the experiential deficit subdomain only.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work highlights some clinical and phenomenological differences between experiential and expressive deficits. We think that taking into account both subdomains in future studies may lead to more accurate clinical assessment and interventions.

Barriers and opportunities for the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression with a watchful waiting approach

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to explore barriers and opportunities in non-pharmacological treatment of depression in primary care (PC) from the perspective of family physicians (FPs).

METHODS

Qualitative analysis was used to explore a sample of 36 FPs treating patients with depressive symptoms. Criteria to maximize variability were followed. Participants were identified by key informants. Six group interviews were developed following a semi-structured thematic script. All interviews were transcribed, analyzed and triangulated. Information was saturated. Principals of reflexivity and circularity were implemented.

RESULTS

The results obtained followed 3 main theoretical axes: the FP, the patient, the healthcare system, and the interaction between them. Barriers included poor alignment with clinical practice guidelines, inadequate FP training, patients' preferences and structural challenges in PC. Among opportunities were good FP clinical interview skills, the beneficial bond of trust between patients and FPs and improved communication with mental healthcare services.

CONCLUSION

Based on FPs' perceptions, non-pharmacological treatment of depression in PC is particularly limited by lack of structured training; patients' preferences and treatment expectations; structural challenges in PC; and insufficient support from specialized mental health professionals.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Resources for education, structural support in PC and modified back up from mental healthcare services are needed.

Impact of initial medication non-adherence to SSRIs on medical visits and sick leaves

BACKGROUND

Initial medication non-adherence (IMNA) to antidepressants, which are commonly used to treat depression in primary care (PC), is around 6-12%. Although it is well known that post-initial non-adherence to antidepressants increases the cost of depression, the impact of IMNA on cost is unknown. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of IMNA to Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) on medical visits and sick leave in patients with depression treated in PC in Catalonia (Spain).

METHODS

This was a four-year retrospective register-based study (2011-2014). All PC patients of working age who received a new SSRI prescription and had a diagnosis of depression were included (N = 79,642). Treatment initiation, number of visits and days on sick leave were gathered from the database. We assessed the impact of IMNA on costs with ordered logistic regressions.

RESULTS

The 3-year incidence of IMNA was 15%. Initially non-adherent patients made a lesser number of GP visits (OR = 0.82; 95% CI = 0.79-0.84) but had more days on sick leave (OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.20-1.31). There were no differences in the number of specialist visits (OR = 1.04; 95% CI = 0.99-1.08).

LIMITATIONS

Differences between adherent and non-adherent patients could be explained by non-observed variables. GP recognition and documentation of depression might be inaccurate. Costs of unpaid work and use of hospital services were not considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Although IMNA decreases the use of medical PC services, it increases the number of days on sick leave. This could also indicate worse health status. These consequences are currently overlooked when considering post-initial medication non-adherence.