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Spielmans GI, Ellefson EM. Small Effects, Questionable Outcomes: Bremelanotide for Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2024; 61:540-561. [PMID: 36809187 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2023.2175192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Efficacy outcomes are only informative to the extent that they are validated. We examined the measurement properties of efficacy measures from the phase III ("RECONNECT") bremelanotide trials for hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) in women. Continuous efficacy outcomes, including a) the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and its Desire domain (FSFI-D) and b) the Female Sexual Distress Scale-Desire/Arousal/Orgasm (FSDS-DAO) and its item assessing distress due to low desire (FSDS-DAO #13) have questionable, at best, validity evidence for women with HSDD. We found no validity evidence for previously published categorical treatment response outcomes from the RECONNECT trials. All efficacy results should be reported, but results on 8 of the 11 clinicaltrials.gov-specified efficacy outcomes were heretofore unpublished (including FSDS-DAO total score, FSFI total score, FSFI arousal domain, and items from the Female Sexual Encounter Profile-Revised). We analyzed these outcomes, upon which effect sizes ranged from nil to small. Several other continuous and categorical outcomes generated modest apparent benefits, though nearly all of these outcomes were likely derived post-hoc. Across RECONNECT trial data from two prior publications and the current study, bremelanotide's benefits are statistically modest and limited to outcomes for which scant evidence of validity among women with HSDD exists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen I Spielmans
- Department of Psychology, Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - Elaine M Ellefson
- Department of Psychology, Metropolitan State University, Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA
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Veal C, Tomlinson A, Cipriani A, Bulteau S, Henry C, Müh C, Touboul S, De Waal N, Levy-Soussan H, Furukawa TA, Fried EI, Tran VT, Chevance A. Heterogeneity of outcome measures in depression trials and the relevance of the content of outcome measures to patients: a systematic review. Lancet Psychiatry 2024; 11:285-294. [PMID: 38490761 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(23)00438-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Research waste occurs when randomised controlled trial (RCT) outcomes are heterogeneous or overlook domains that matter to patients (eg, relating to symptoms or functions). In this systematic review, we reviewed the outcome measures used in 450 RCTs of adult unipolar and bipolar depression registered between 2018 and 2022 and identified 388 different measures. 40% of the RCTs used the same measure (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAMD]). Patients and clinicians matched each item within the 25 most frequently used measures with 80 previously identified domains of depression that matter to patients. Seven (9%) domains were not covered by the 25 most frequently used outcome measures (eg, mental pain and irritability). The HAMD covered a maximum of 47 (59%) of the 80 domains that matter to patients. An interim solution to facilitate evidence synthesis before a core outcome set is developed would be to use the most common measures and choose complementary scales to optimise domain coverage. TRANSLATIONS: For the French and Dutch translations of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Veal
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM INRAE, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics, Paris, France; Centre d'Epidémiologie Clinique, AP-HP, Hôpital Hôtel Dieu, Paris, France
| | | | - Andrea Cipriani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Oxford Precision Psychiatry Lab, NIHR Oxford Health Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK; Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Samuel Bulteau
- UMR INSERM 1246, SPHERE, University of Nantes and University of Tours, Nantes, France; CHU Nantes, Department of Addictology, Psychiatry and Old Age Psychiatry, Nantes, France
| | - Chantal Henry
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France; Department of Psychiatry, Service Hospitalo-Universitaire, GHU Paris Psychiatrie and Neurosciences, Paris, France
| | - Chlöé Müh
- Perception and Memory Unit, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571, CNRS, Paris, France; Université Paris Cité, Collège Doctoral, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | - Toshi A Furukawa
- Department of Health Promotion and Human Behavior, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine/School of Public Health, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Eiko I Fried
- Clinical Psychology Unit, Psychology Department, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Viet-Thi Tran
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM INRAE, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics, Paris, France; Centre d'Epidémiologie Clinique, AP-HP, Hôpital Hôtel Dieu, Paris, France
| | - Astrid Chevance
- Université Paris Cité and Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM INRAE, Centre for Research in Epidemiology and Statistics, Paris, France; Centre d'Epidémiologie Clinique, AP-HP, Hôpital Hôtel Dieu, Paris, France.
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Ryan EG, Gao CX, Grantham KL, Thao LTP, Charles-Nelson A, Bowden R, Herschtal A, Lee KJ, Forbes AB, Heritier S, Phillipou A, Wolfe R. Advancing randomized controlled trial methodologies: The place of innovative trial design in eating disorders research. Int J Eat Disord 2024. [PMID: 38469971 DOI: 10.1002/eat.24187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Randomized controlled trials can be used to generate evidence on the efficacy and safety of new treatments in eating disorders research. Many of the trials previously conducted in this area have been deemed to be of low quality, in part due to a number of practical constraints. This article provides an overview of established and more innovative clinical trial designs, accompanied by pertinent examples, to highlight how design choices can enhance flexibility and improve efficiency of both resource allocation and participant involvement. Trial designs include individually randomized, cluster randomized, and designs with randomizations at multiple time points and/or addressing several research questions (master protocol studies). Design features include the use of adaptations and considerations for pragmatic or registry-based trials. The appropriate choice of trial design, together with rigorous trial conduct, reporting and analysis, can establish high-quality evidence to advance knowledge in the field. It is anticipated that this article will provide a broad and contemporary introduction to trial designs and will help researchers make informed trial design choices for improved testing of new interventions in eating disorders. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE: There is a paucity of high quality randomized controlled trials that have been conducted in eating disorders, highlighting the need to identify where efficiency gains in trial design may be possible to advance the eating disorder research field. We provide an overview of some key trial designs and features which may offer solutions to practical constraints and increase trial efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Ryan
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Caroline X Gao
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Orygen, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kelsey L Grantham
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Le Thi Phuong Thao
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anaïs Charles-Nelson
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rhys Bowden
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Alan Herschtal
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katherine J Lee
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrew B Forbes
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephane Heritier
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Andrea Phillipou
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Orygen, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Mental Health, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Mental Health, St Vincent's Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rory Wolfe
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Wagner E, Luykx JJ, Strube W, Hasan A. Challenges, unmet needs and future directions - a critical evaluation of the clinical trial landscape in schizophrenia research. Expert Rev Clin Pharmacol 2024; 17:11-18. [PMID: 38087450 DOI: 10.1080/17512433.2023.2293996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Developing novel antipsychotic mechanisms of action and repurposing established compounds for the treatment of schizophrenia is of utmost importance to improve relevant symptom domains and to improve the risk/benefit ratio of antipsychotic compounds. Novel trial design concepts, pathophysiology-based targeted treatment approaches, or even the return to old values may improve schizophrenia outcomes in the future. AREAS COVERED In this review of the clinical trial landscape in schizophrenia, we present an overview of the challenges and gaps in current clinical trials and elaborate on potential solutions to improve the outcomes of people with schizophrenia. EXPERT OPINION The classic parallel group design may limit substantial advantages in drug approval or repurposing. Collaborative approaches between regulatory authorities, industry, academia, and funding agencies are needed to overcome barriers in clinical schizophrenia research to allow for meaningful outcome improvements for the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Wagner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Evidence-based psychiatry and psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Jurjen J Luykx
- Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Bipolar Outpatient Clinic, GGZ inGeest Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Wolfgang Strube
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Alkomiet Hasan
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- DZPG (German Center for Mental Health), partner site München/Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
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McCaffrey J, Terao M, McCaffrey C, Igoe A, Loughran O, McDonagh K, McDonogh S, Shackleton E, Whooley E, Jelovac A, McLoughlin DM, Hunter A. Protocol Development for a Qualitative Methodological Study Within a Trial (Qual-SWAT): The KARMA-Dep-2 Trial. HRB Open Res 2023; 6:29. [PMID: 37361338 PMCID: PMC10285324 DOI: 10.12688/hrbopenres.13721.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Despite methodological improvements in clinical trial design and conduct more generally, methodological limitations persist in trials concerning mental health care. A qualitative Study Within A Trial (Qual-SWAT), embedded in the KARMA-Dep-2 host trial, will be undertaken to explore and gain an understanding of two methodological questions in randomised trials specific to mental health care: (1) what are the key barriers and enablers of participation in randomised trials in mental health; and (2) how can randomised trials become part of routine mental health care. These issues will be examined from patient-participant and clinician- / researcher-participant perspectives, in alignment with PRioRiTy research themes. Methods A descriptive qualitative study design will be used. Data will be collected via one-to-one semi-structured interviews, conducted via Microsoft Teams. The interview data will be analysed using Braun and Clarke's Thematic Analysis approach. One-to-one interviews will be conducted with three participant groups ( N = 30): 1) host trial patient-participants ( n = 10); 2) potentially eligible host trial patient-participants who refused enrolment in the host trial ( n = 10); and 3) clinician- / researcher-participants who are associated with work on the host trial ( n = 10). Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval has been granted by St. Patrick's Mental Health Services Research Ethics Committee, Ireland (Ref: Protocol 09/20). When the study is completed, a report will be prepared and submitted to the Health Research Board (HRB). Findings will be shared with the host trial team and study participants, and submitted for publication. Host trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov ( NCT04939649); EudraCT ( 2019-003109-92). Official title: Ketamine as an Adjunctive Therapy for Major Depression - A Randomised Controlled Trial: [KARMA-Dep (2)].
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Affiliation(s)
- John McCaffrey
- School of Population Health, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Masashi Terao
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cathal McCaffrey
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anna Igoe
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Orlaith Loughran
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kelly McDonagh
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarah McDonogh
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ellie Shackleton
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emma Whooley
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ana Jelovac
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Declan M. McLoughlin
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, St. Patrick’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew Hunter
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
- Qualitative Research in Trials Centre (QUESTS), University of Galway, Galway, Ireland
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Stabell L, Johnsen E, Kroken RA, Løberg E, Blindheim A, Joa I, Reitan S, Rettenbacher M, Munk-Jørgensen P, Gjestad R. Clinical insight among persons with schizophrenia spectrum disorders treated with amisulpride, aripiprazole or olanzapine: a semi-randomised trial. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:482. [PMID: 37386462 PMCID: PMC10311854 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04981-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antipsychotic treatment may improve clinical insight. However, previous studies have reported inconclusive findings on whether antipsychotics improve insight over and above the reduction in symptoms of psychosis. These studies assessed homogeneous samples in terms of stage of illness. Randomised studies investigating a mixed population of first- and multiepisode schizophrenia spectrum disorders might clarify this disagreement. METHODS Our data were derived from a pragmatic, rater-blinded, semi-randomised trial that compared the effectiveness of amisulpride, aripiprazole and olanzapine. A sample of 144 patients with first- or multiepisode schizophrenia spectrum disorders underwent eight assessments during a 1-year follow-up. Clinical insight was assessed by item General 12 from the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). We analysed latent growth curve models to test if the medications had a direct effect on insight that was over and above the reduction in total psychosis symptoms. Furthermore, we investigated whether there were differences between the study drugs in terms of insight. RESULTS Based on allocation analysis, all three drugs were associated with a reduction in total psychosis symptoms in the initial phase (weeks 0-6). Amisulpride and olanzapine were associated with improved insight over and above what was related to the reduction in total psychosis symptoms in the long-term phase (weeks 6-52). However, these differential effects were lost when only including the participants that chose the first drug in the randomisation sequence. We found no differential effect on insight among those who were antipsychotic-naïve and those who were previously medicated with antipsychotics. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that antipsychotic treatment improves insight, but whether the effect on insight surpasses the effect of reduced total psychosis symptoms is more uncertain. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01446328, 05.10.2011.
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Affiliation(s)
- L.A Stabell
- Division of Psychiatry and NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Research Department, Sandviken sykehus, Haukeland University Hospital, P. Box 1400, Bergen, 5021 Norway
| | - E. Johnsen
- Division of Psychiatry and NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - R. A Kroken
- Division of Psychiatry and NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - E.M. Løberg
- Division of Psychiatry and NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Faculty of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - A. Blindheim
- Division of Psychiatry and NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - I. Joa
- Network for Clinical Research in psychosis, TIPS, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Faculty of Health, Network for Medical Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
| | - S.K. Reitan
- Department of Mental Health, St. Olav University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
- Department of Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - M. Rettenbacher
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innrain 52, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - P. Munk-Jørgensen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - R. Gjestad
- Division of Psychiatry and NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Research and Education in Forensic psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Fast tracking informative clinical trials: lessons for mental health. Lancet Psychiatry 2023; 10:376-378. [PMID: 37030311 PMCID: PMC10075999 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(23)00115-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
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Husain MI, Chaudhry IB, Khoso AB, Kiran T, Khan N, Ahmad F, Hodsoll J, Husain MO, Naqvi HA, Nizami AT, Chaudhry N, Khan HA, Minhas F, Meyer JH, Ansari MA, Mulsant BH, Husain N, Young AH. Effect of Adjunctive Simvastatin on Depressive Symptoms Among Adults With Treatment-Resistant Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e230147. [PMID: 36808239 PMCID: PMC9941891 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Immune-metabolic disturbances have been implicated in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder and may be more prominent in individuals with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Preliminary trials suggest that lipid-lowering agents, including statins, may be useful adjunctive treatments for major depressive disorder. However, no adequately powered clinical trials have assessed the antidepressant efficacy of these agents in TRD. OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive simvastatin compared with placebo for reduction of depressive symptoms in TRD. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted in 5 centers in Pakistan. The study involved adults (aged 18-75 years) with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) major depressive episode that had failed to respond to at least 2 adequate trials of antidepressants. Participants were enrolled between March 1, 2019, and February 28, 2021; statistical analysis was performed from February 1 to June 15, 2022, using mixed models. INTERVENTION Participants were randomized to receive standard care plus 20 mg/d of simvastatin or placebo. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was the difference between the 2 groups in change in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale total scores at week 12. Secondary outcomes included changes in scores on the 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, the Clinical Global Impression scale, and the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale and change in body mass index from baseline to week 12. C-reactive protein and plasma lipids were measured at baseline and week 12. RESULTS A total of 150 participants were randomized to simvastatin (n = 77; median [IQR] age, 40 [30-45] years; 43 [56%] female) or placebo (n = 73; median [IQR] age, 35 [31-41] years; 40 [55%] female). A significant baseline to end point reduction in Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale total score was observed in both groups and did not differ significantly between groups (estimated mean difference for simvastatin vs placebo, -0.61; 95% CI, -3.69 to 2.46; P = .70). Similarly, there were no significant group differences in any of the secondary outcomes or evidence for differences in adverse effects between groups. A planned secondary analysis indicated that changes in plasma C-reactive protein and lipids from baseline to end point did not mediate response to simvastatin. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this randomized clinical trial, simvastatin provided no additional therapeutic benefit for depressive symptoms in TRD compared with standard care. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03435744.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Ishrat Husain
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Imran B. Chaudhry
- Department of Psychiatry, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Ameer B. Khoso
- Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Tayyeba Kiran
- Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Nawaz Khan
- Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - Farooq Ahmad
- Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | - John Hodsoll
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - M. Omair Husain
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Haider A. Naqvi
- Department of Psychiatry, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Asad T. Nizami
- Institute of Psychiatry, Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Nasim Chaudhry
- Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning, Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
| | | | - Fareed Minhas
- Institute of Psychiatry, Rawalpindi Medical College, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
| | - Jeffrey H. Meyer
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Moin A. Ansari
- Department of Psychiatry, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Hyderabad, Pakistan
| | - Benoit H. Mulsant
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nusrat Husain
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Allan H. Young
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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Chevance A, Tomlinson A, Ravaud P, Touboul S, Henshall C, Tran VT, Cipriani A. Important adverse events to be evaluated in antidepressant trials and meta-analyses in depression: a large international preference study including patients and healthcare professionals. EVIDENCE-BASED MENTAL HEALTH 2022; 25:e41-e48. [PMID: 35906006 PMCID: PMC9811084 DOI: 10.1136/ebmental-2021-300418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-serious adverse events (NSAEs) should be captured and reported because they can have a significant negative impact on patients and treatment adherence. However, the reporting of NSAEs in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) is limited. OBJECTIVE To identify the most important NSAEs of antidepressants for patients and clinicians, to be evaluated in RCTs and meta-analyses. METHODS We conducted online international surveys in English, German and French, including (1) adults prescribed an antidepressant for a depressive episode and (2) healthcare professionals (HCPs) prescribing antidepressants. Participants ranked the 30 most frequent NSAEs reported in the scientific literature. We fitted logit models for sets of ranked items and calculated for each AE the probability to be ranked higher than the least important AE. We also identified additional patient-important AEs not included in the ranking task via open-ended questions. FINDINGS We included 1631 patients from 44 different countries (1290 (79.1%) women, mean age 39.4 (SD 13), 289 (37.1%) with severe depression (PHQ-9 score ≥20)) and 281 HCPs (224 (79.7%) psychiatrists). The most important NSAEs for patients were insomnia (95.9%, 95% CI 95.2% to 96.5%), anxiety (95.2%, 95% CI 94.3% to 95.9%) and fatigue (94.6%, 95% CI 93.6% to 95.4%). The most important NSAEs for HCPs were sexual dysfunction (99.2%, 95% CI 98.5% to 99.6%), weight gain (98.9%, 95% CI 97.7% to 99.4%) and erectile problems (98.8%, 95% CI 97.7% to 99.4%). Participants reported 66 additional NSAEs, including emotional numbing (8.6%), trouble with concentration (7.6%) and irritability (6%). CONCLUSIONS These most important NSAEs should be systematically reported in antidepressant trials. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The most important NSAEs should contribute to the core outcome set for harms in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Chevance
- CRESS, INSERM, INRA, F-75004 Paris, France, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Anneka Tomlinson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Philippe Ravaud
- CRESS, INSERM, INRA, F-75004 Paris, France, University of Paris, Paris, France,Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, New York, USA
| | | | - Catherine Henshall
- Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK,Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford, UK
| | - Viet-Thi Tran
- CRESS, INSERM, INRA, F-75004 Paris, France, University of Paris, Paris, France
| | - Andrea Cipriani
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK,Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Warneford Hospital, Oxford, UK
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Axford N, Berry V, Lloyd J, Wyatt K. How can we optimise learning from trials in child and adolescent mental health? EVIDENCE-BASED MENTAL HEALTH 2022; 25:ebmental-2022-300500. [PMID: 35820994 PMCID: PMC10231499 DOI: 10.1136/ebmental-2022-300500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Improving child and adolescent mental health requires the careful development and rigorous testing of interventions and delivery methods. This includes universal school-based mindfulness training, evaluated in the My Resilience in Adolescence (MYRIAD) trial reported in this special edition. While discovering effective interventions through randomised controlled trials is our ultimate aim, null or negative results can and should play an important role in progressing our understanding of what works. Unfortunately, alongside publication bias there can be a tendency to ignore, spin or unfairly undermine disappointing findings. This creates research waste that can increase risk and reduce benefits for future service users. We advocate several practices to help optimise learning from all trials, whatever the results: stronger intervention design reduces the likelihood of foreseeable null or negative results; an evidence-informed conceptual map of the subject area assists with understanding how results contribute to the knowledge base; mixed methods trial designs aid explanation of outcome results; various open science practices support the dispassionate analysis of data and transparent reporting of trial findings; and preparation for null or negative results helps to temper stakeholder expectations and increase understanding of why we conduct trials in the first place. To embed these practices, research funders must be willing to pay for pilot studies and 'thicker' trials, and publishers should judge trials according to their conduct and not their outcome. MYRIAD is an exemplar of how to design, conduct and report a trial to optimise learning, with important implications for practice.
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